Cape Town is in the middle of a serious drought. Cape Town is now on Level 5 water restrictions. Clients are being asked to conserve water as much as possible by taking shorter showers rather than baths. However it need not be a reason to avoid this beautiful city as a tourist.
Cape Town and the Western Cape are open for business in spite of the current drought. Visitors are arriving in a place with a significant breadth and depth of experiences and exceptional beauty. However, as beautiful as it is, the Western Cape is a water-scarce part of the world (much like Southern California and Western Australia) and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is susceptible to periodic droughts.
At present the Western Cape is experiencing a significant drought, a 1 in 1000-year occurrence. To counter the short-term effects of the drought and the possibility of running out of water, the City has put in place a number of initiatives to increase the supply of water and make provision for extreme water shortages.
Below average rainfall over a number of years has forced everyone who lives in or visits Cape Town to rethink their water usage behaviours. Responsible consumption of water is the new normal – not just in Cape Town but in many other water-scarce places in the world.
Some parts of the tourism and hospitality industry have proactively adjusted how they utilise water to reduce their consumption – giving guests peace of mind that every drop is being used responsibly.
In the event of what the City of Cape Town refers to as ‘Day Zero’, there will be available water for tourists and locals’ critical needs. This is considered to be water for personal hygiene and consumption. ‘Day Zero’ is when the City of Cape Town cuts the regular flow of water.
‘Day Zero’ is a projected date 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.
Much like a local, tourists need to treat this scarce resource with the utmost respect.
There are still many places across the Western Cape that are not as severely affected by the drought such as the nearby Garden Route and the Cape Overberg.
Furthermore many hotels and guesthouses are taking the situation into their own hards for the benefit of tourists. The majority of our clients are accommdoated at the wonderful boutique hotel Blackheath Lodge. Here are some measures Blackheath Lodge is taking:
- Blackheath Lodge has installed and implemented the first of two 10000 Litre Water Tank systems.
- Blackheath Lodge has sourced an alternative water supplier to refill every five days.
- This water storage will allow Blackheath Lodge approximately ten days of water supply.
- All laundry is currently being done at their sister property One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel in Hermanus.
- Dressing Gowns and Hand Towels have been removed from rooms, but are available if requested.
- Blackheath Lodge has installed a Grey Water System.
- Hygiene is of utmost importance – Eco-Friendly Hygienic and Hand Sanitising products are used throughout.
- The Swimming Pool is currently open and topped up with the alternative water supplier.
- Free bottled water is supplied to all guests.
- The Guest Laundry Service has been suspended.
There are no significant restrictions on guests currently or anticipated, except encouraging guests to take short showers, use water sparingly and discourage guest laundry. We are taking the water crises seriously and are monitoring the situation daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
If tourists visit 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 hygeine.
In the event of ‘Day Zero’, water will be severly 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. We 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 tourists have access to drinking water?
- Yes.
Will tourists 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 still be in operation?
- 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.
We continue to believe that Cape Town will be the hospitable city it has always been and one of the top tourist destinations in the world, however if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Below is a helpful map of the current status of the Western Cape water situation.
