Cape Town could face water restrictions from December
The National Department of Water and Sanitation warned that levels in the Western Cape water supply system are too low. Climate scientist Peter Johnston said the City of Cape Town may need to ask residents to cut water use.
Johnston works in the Climate System Analysis Group at the University of Cape Town. He said the City's first restrictions would likely aim to curb demand and prevent waste, not impose severe limits on residents. He said the City could also consider a financial penalty for excessive water use.
Johnston said little rain is expected over the next two weeks. He said "As we get into November, the chances of rainfall are much smaller". He added that the months from November to March could bring very hot conditions.
He said a possible El Niño pattern could affect temperatures but not much summer rainfall. Cape Town residents use roughly 150 litres of water per person a day, he said. He suggested people could manage with 100 litres or 120 litres a day.
The City uses 65% of the water in the supply system, and agriculture uses 30%. The department will run confirmatory modelling.
Key facts
- Who
- Peter Johnston; National Department of Water and Sanitation (department that warned water levels in the Western Cape water supply system…); City of Cape Town (municipality preparing possible water restrictions)
- What
- The City of Cape Town is preparing for possible water restrictions after the DWS warned water levels in the Western Cape water supply system are too low. Climate scientist Peter Johnston said residents may need to cut back on water use, with initial City restrictions likely focused on curbing demand and preventing waste.
- When
- 23 October 2026
- Where
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- Status
- Reported