Warning of potential lack of drinking water in Cape Town
Photo by Laura D’Alessio
Visitors to Cape Town in South Africa are being warned that drinking water might be restricted from July due to the prolonged drought, which has already led to water-saving measures being introduced across the city.
In an update to its travel advice for South Africa, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "The Western Cape is suffering from prolonged drought.
"The Cape Town municipal region is most severely affected and water restrictions are in place. If you’re planning to travel to the area, you should be mindful of water consumption and comply with local restrictions.
"The City of Cape Town has cautioned that these restrictions may become more severe in July and after that period you shouldn’t assume an unrestricted supply of potable water.
"You should follow the information and guidance for visitors and the latest projections on water supply."
Tourists arriving in Cape Town are bombarded with signs warning of a dire water shortage, one holidaymaker told TravelMole, and taps have been turned off in the public lavatories at the airport and other public venues across the town, which are providing hand sanitizer instead.
Other water-saving measures include encourage people to limit showers to 90 seconds, and eateries are no longer providing tap water on tables.
‘Day Zero’, when the reservoirs serving the town are expected to fall to just 13% of their capacity, has been pushed back several times from April to June and then most recently to July 9.
South Africa Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona told TravelMole water levels are currently at 24%.
"There is water in Cape Town, but there are guidelines and we want people to be aware of them," he said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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