IT’S BEEN RAINING!

We are please to report that due to sustained and heavy rains over the last few months, Cape Town’s dams have collectively increased by over 20 percentage points.

With several months left in the winter rainfall calendar, it is now clear that Cape Town will continue to have enough water for its residents and visitors. Travellers are invited to come and enjoy, but still be mindful of water-wise tourism during their stay and continue to treat water as a precious resource.

The City of Cape Town has taken a number of ground-breaking actions during the drought to help build a resilient city. These efforts are increasingly internationally recognised. Indeed, there is a strong plan to develop alternative water-supplies, which will make our city and region even more water-secure in the future.

CAPE TOWN IS STILL EXPERIENCING WATER RESTRICTIONS

How this could affect your stay

  • Some swimming pools will not in operation
  • Some jacuzzis/hot tubs will not be functioning
  • Irrigation systems which use Municipal Water will not be allowed to be used
  • Gardens might not be looking lush and green
  • Some shopping malls have installed waterless hand sanitizers

How you can help

– Try to follow the water-saving tips given by your hotel
– No bathing (some hotels have removed the bath plugs)
– Take 2 minute showers only, switching water off in between to soap up or apply shampoo
– Use the bucket provided to catch the shower water
– Switch off the tap while brushing your teeth

See how quickly it adds up!   (1 gallon = 3.8 litres)

– 5-minute shower: 10 gallons (38L)
– Brushing teeth with tap running: 2 gallons/min (7.6L per min)
– Brushing teeth with tap off: .25 gallon (0.95L)
– One toilet flush: 3 gallons (11.4L)
– Other water use (drinking, cooking, etc.): 7 gallons (26.6L)
– Washing machine: 40 gallons (152L)
– Dishwasher: 10 gallons (38L) 

Bottled water is widely available and we recommend you purchase water for drinking purposes.

Your understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Given that Cape Town and the Winelands is usually only 3 or 4 nights of a two week trip, we hope that you can assist us with reducing your water consumption and accept that there will be some restrictions which may affect your enjoyment in a small way.

To view areas affected by water restrictions, click here