Cape Town: Heavy rain tops up Cape Town’s dam levels 61.2% and counting. By Tuesday, May 12, 2026 the dam levels of Cape Town increased by 12.4% compared to last week due to the heavy rain experienced particularly between Sunday, May 10, 2026 and Tuesday, May 11, 2026.
Reportedly, this brought dam levels to 61.2% at the time. It is still increasing as water continues to run into the dams over the coming days. Please continue to save water even when it rains because such proactive actions will help in keeping Cape Town’s dams fuller for longer.
Water in city dams need to last until this time next year. As they cannot depend on unpredictable rainfall this winter and want to avoid early water restrictions as much as possible. While dam levels have increased to 61.2% by Tuesday, May 12, 2026 water usage has decreased to 831 million litres of water a day (MLD) from 874 MLD last week. This is 29 MLD below the winter usage target of 860 MLD.
Team City of Cape Town is continuously saving water even if it is raining. Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien stated that the severe weather conditions have been bittersweet. It has brought both challenges that have impacted the residents and city, and also some relief to the dams.
Water and Sanitation team is grateful for the dam levels increase. Cllr Badroodien said to let them continue to save water even when it rains. Small water savings can all add up and can make a big change to the dam levels. Saving water keeps the dams fuller for longer.
The team said that they cannot depend on unpredictable rainfall to fill the dams. While rainfall is vital, it also has to rain in the right place, in the dam catchments for dam levels to increase.
Cllr Badroodien further stated that, “Team Cape Town, we all use water every day so let’s make simple adjustments to save water, from taking short-stop showers to turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. We all need to use water wisely and responsibly in and around our homes, businesses and industries, and for essential purposes only. Every drop counts when facing the unpredictable winter rainfall.”
According to consumption statistics, 70% of water is being used in high volumes, particularly at home. Note that the residents are key to changing this trajectory. Let’s understand this through Cape Town’s water status in a nutshell:
- Everyone living, working and visiting Cape Town needs to be water wise, especially in May. So, we have more water stored ahead of the uncertain winter rainfall, which is predicted to be less than average.
- Cape Town is not in a drought and not heading to ‘Day Zero’.
- The City may, based on its own assessments of water usage, dam levels and long-term weather forecasts, propose water restrictions before the next Annual Operating Analysis that is done by the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in November. The City is and will continue to closely monitor dam levels and water use closely.
Also, report about bursting of municipal pipes immediately to the City of Cape Town through formal channels.