City’s water woes started in 2015

What was to be a long-lasting drought began in 2015 when dam levels dropped to 50%.

The levels continued to decline and were widely attributed to climate change, population growth and the El Nino weather system, which causes the warming of ocean surfaces.

In May, Cape Town declared the drought to be the worst in a century. It was a disaster zone.

In June, some reprieve came in in the form of what was dubbed #CapeStorm, which battered the coast. Up to 50mm of rain was recorded, but it wasn’t enough.

In September, level five water restrictions were put in place, the highest yet at the time.

Low rainfall continued and it was estimated that within five months the dams would be empty of potable water.

Consumption had to be reduced to 500 million litres per day.

The city issued the roll-out of an emergency plan to lower water usage by rationing it through a major reduction of water pressure.

Temporary water cuts ensued.

In October, the city received a scalding from water desalination companies for dragging its heels on the contract negotiation platform.

In the same month, the city manager was given special powers to take drought-related actions that would not have to follow the city’s normal decision-making and approval process.

In December, the deadline for day zero, when there will be no water was amended twice. The latest date is April 29.

Level six water restrictions were put in place from January 1, 2018.

The minister of finance has until February 1 to approve the water tax levy. Additional sources: Wikipedia and Ground Up.