Cape Town is one of Africa’s most beautiful cities and a very popular destination… over 20+ years we have seen lots of development… however for the last several years rains have been lacking and now the city is running out of water… the dams feeding the city are extremely low.

Here are answers to questions you might have about the water / drought situation in Cape Town:

I will be visiting Cape Town / The Western Cape – will there be water?
There is adequate water for tourists’ essential daily needs such as washing, using the toilet, and other daily hygiene.  In the event of ‘Day Zero’, water will be severely rationed but sufficient for daily needs. At present water restrictions are in place in the City of Cape Town, and residents and tourists are requested to adhere to them.

What does ‘Day Zero’ mean?
‘Day Zero’ is when the City of Cape Town would cut the regular flow of water. ‘Day Zero’ is a projected date (in approximately three months’ time at current projections) that is entirely dependent on current rates of water consumption: if all stakeholders adhere to the required water savings target, ‘Day Zero’ can be avoided.  Tourists would still be able to enjoy the diverse and world-class experiences Cape Town and the Western Cape has to offer.

If “Day Zero” arrives, how long will the ordinary flow of water be cut?
Cape Town is located in a winter rainfall area. Historically the winter rains have started in April, but they can start as late as June. Cape Town residents should be prepared to live with very little water for around three months, with the hope that by the end of winter, enough rain has fallen to switch the water system back on, but it all depends on when rain falls in the water source areas that feed the dams.

How widespread is the drought in South Africa?
The drought and resultant water restrictions are mostly isolated to parts of the Western Cape province – particularly the City of Cape Town and surrounding areas.  Nearby regions like The Cape Overberg and The Garden Route are less impacted by water restrictions. It’s important to remember that South Africa in general is a water-scarce country.

Will I have access to drinking water?
Yes.

Will I be able to bath, shower or use a swimming pool?
At present, tourists will be able to shower and maintain daily hygiene. Mandated guidelines suggest a shower of no longer than 2 minutes. The use of baths is entirely discouraged. Some swimming pools at hotels have been converted to salt (ocean) water.  The majority of tourism establishments have put in place measures to ensure their water usage is reduced, and many have developed plans for alternative supplies.

Will restaurants and bars be open?
In the event of ‘Day Zero’ – yes. Many parts of the hospitality industry have proactively implemented water savings and water augmentation solutions to ensure ongoing availability of water in their establishments. Restaurants and bars are not currently negatively influenced but must still comply with water restrictions.

Which tourism activities could be impacted?
Tourists will still be able to access and enjoy primary tourism attractions such as our iconic Table Mountain, Cape Point and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.  Specific river-based experiences may be impacted.

Will emergency services still function in the event of ‘Day Zero’?
Yes. All critical emergency services (hospitals, clinics, police services) will continue to function.

Will major events still be staged?
Yes. All major events have proactively put in place plans to ensure that events have a zero or heavily reduced water footprint e.g. bringing in water from outside of Cape Town / the Western Cape.