Should you be concerned at all about the water shortage in Cape Town?
The Cape Town CBD, where the specific hotels in which we book our clients into are based, have been spared from this potential ‘Day Zero water shutdown’. There will be water available as normal in this area.
- The City Centre / CBD won’t be cut off (where our travellers stay)
All critical emergency services (hospitals, clinics, police services) will continue to function in the event of ‘Day Zero’.
The following 2 pieces will really give you all the information you need:
- http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/176825/Wesgro-s-tourism-FAQ-s-on-Cape-Towns-drought
- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/cape-town-areas-exempt-from-day-zero
Will tourists have access to drinking water?
- Yes
Will tourists be able to shower?
- Yes
Recommended guidelines suggest a shower of 90 seconds. 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.
What is Day Zero?
This would be a day when the dams reach a level of roughly 12% left of water. This 12% will be used to supply Cape Town with water so we don’t run out.
The CBD however (and other areas) will be exempt and will have water running in their taps.
Can Day Zero be avoided?
- Yes
Currently the water restriction is at 50 litres per person per day, if EVERYONE adheres to that, then there will be no Day Zero as they call it. And 50 litres is very easily do-able.
Our current rains and reduction in usage is pushing back the date.
Our winter rains are due to arrive shortly.
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