WATER

The Cape Town Water Strategy

The Cape Town Water Strategy sets the City on course towards a future in which there will be sufficient water for all, and which is resilient to the possible impacts of climate change.

Water-Wise FAQs

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE WATER?

As beautiful as it is, Cape Town is situated in a water-scarce part of the world and is susceptible to periodic droughts – such as the one experienced in 2017/2018. Thankfully, however, due to seasonal rains and water management initiatives, that crisis is over.

Cape Town welcomes visitors from around the world. You will arrive in a place with beautiful scenery and a wide breadth and depth of experiences, but we encourage you to be mindful of water-wise tourism when you’re here. Light water restrictions remain in place to manage consumption, such as the use of ground water or rain water to top up swimming pools, for example.

Residents and visitors are asked to be mindful of water usage and are encouraged to conserve this resource where possible to ensure that the city’s status remains that it is highly unlikely to run out of water.

IS BOOKING A TRIP TO CAPE TOWN STILL WORTH IT?

As you walk through the streets and meet the locals, you will fall in love with the city’s natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit. Access to all of our attractions has not been affected, such as our iconic Table Mountain 7th Natural Wonder of the World, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

For those who love luxury travel, Cape Town continues to offer excellent fine dining and unforgettable experiences, like helicopter and hot-air balloon rides over the winelands. To taste Cape Town is to love Cape Town and exceptional culinary journeys are always within reach.

While a trip to Cape Town will enrich and enliven you, your visit also has a significant impact on the city’s economy. The city has over 1.2 million visitors annually, spending approximately R15 billion, and creating over 50 000 jobs, adding over 7.5% to the city’s total GDP.

This spending helps significantly to fund the ongoing water saving projects being implemented, contributing to longterm efforts in ensuring that the city’s sustainability as a destination has longevity.

We are ready to welcome travellers from around the world to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is a destination recognised globally, having been named seven times as the Best Destination in Africa (World Tourism Awards), as TripAdvisor’s Top Destination, and as a top ten destination for Travel and Leisure World’s
Best Cities.

WILL WATER SHORTAGES AFFECT YOUR VISIT?

Cape Town is a sustainable destination and these practices should not affect the enjoyment of your holiday. Some accommodation establishments have taken steps to limit non-essential water use, such as using paper napkins and table overlays, or water-wise shower heads. Please check with your chosen accommodation on this.

Some river-based activities and sports may be affected, please check this with your tour operator. We thank you for understanding and choosing to support #WaterWiseTourism.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?

You don’t need to make any special provisions for your trip to Cape Town. We just ask that you are mindful of the need to practice water-wise tourism. Bring a spirit of adventure, and Cape Town will provide memories to last a lifetime.

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DAILY HYGIENE?

Yes, you will be able to shower and maintain daily hygiene. Recommended guidelines suggest a shower of 2 minutes.

The use of baths is discouraged. You will find waterless hand-sanitizer in the bathrooms of hotels and restaurants.

WILL YOU HAVE ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER?

Yes. Tap and bottled water are readily available throughout the city. It is also perfectly safe to drink tap water in Cape Town – the water is rated as being of a top global standard.