The Cape has been called many things: the Mother City, the Cape of Storms and the Cape of Good Hope, but now it is mainly known as the Cape Without Water! After a few particularly dry winters Capetonians have finally been shook as they realise that Day Zero might soon become a reality if they don’t start saving water fast. Green and brown JoJo tanks are popping up like toadstools in suburban backyards, grey water has become the topic of conversation at every dinner party, and a long, hot bath or splash in the pool has become an unattainable luxury of the past. If you’ve been planning to visit the Mother City during this drought, take note of the following and use these guidelines to do your part in saving her water while you’re travelling!
Water facts:
- The Theewaterskloof Dam, Cape Town’s main water source, is currently only 10,9% full.
- The City of Cape Town has implemented Level 6B water restrictions. This means that every Capetonian is only allowed to use 50 litres of water per day.
- As it stands, Day Zero has been postponed to 2019 after it was moved from April to June 2018.
What can you do?
So what do you do if you’ve always dreamed of a holiday in Cape Town or if you’ve already booked your stay at the foot of Table Mountain? Use this guide to save water like a Capetonian!
Remember to pack those wet wipes!
Even if your check-in date in Cape Town is after Day Zero it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a staycation. Contact the B&B, guesthouse, or hotel you’ve booked and ask them about their water-saving measures. Make sure you know exactly what is waiting for you, but also plan for water crises beyond your host’s control:
According to those in the know, Cape Town is suffering from a drought that only takes place every three hundred years. Even if we have a soaking wet Easter Weekend, like we usually do, it’ll take much more than that to truly recover. That said, the mountain and sea are both still as breathtaking as when the first settlers set foot here, and not a single wine cellar has dried up!
Feature image: Bigstock
