Cape Town could face water scarcity

By Kim Saulse
1 July 2009

The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs has warned that, unless the city starts using less water, it could face heavy shortages and restrictions of water.

Helgard Muller, Deputy director general, says according to the department’s water resources information, Cape Town must cut down on water usage and practice conservation to prevent a predicted water shortage by 2012.

Muller added that if all dams were full, the chances of a water shortage would be reduced significantly. However, this assertion is dependant on rainfall patterns .

If rainfall cycles are favourable, the availability of water could sustain the city from 2012 and possibly, until 2016.