Cape Town is emerging from its recent water crisis like the champion it is, with recent winter rains bringing a small degree of relief to the city’s ongoing water shortage.
However, the battle isn’t over yet. The safety of the city’s water resources relies on ongoing water saving initiatives and all hands are still needed on deck to do it.
Is this an appeal to cancel your trip to visit Cape Town? No way! The Mother City relies heavily on the tourist industry to survive and is still determined to show guests a good time, no matter what.
When in Rome…
You will experience a few inconveniences during your trip to Cape Town, but you will also learn many sustainable life lessons! Many hotels have removed their bath plugs to encourage guests to shower, swimming pools may have been filled with sea water and saunas and steam rooms are out of bounds.
Apart from that, it’s business as usual with only a few aspects of your trip altered by the water situation. Certain river-based activities are curtailed but no major events are affected and the city is just as beautiful as ever.
Here’s how you can save water like a local by restricting your water use to under 50 liters per day while you’re in town.
- Book your accommodation at a hotel that has water-saving measures in place. Many have made alternative arrangements for water and have back-up plans in place.
- Don’t ask for a new towel every day – washing them uses unnecessary water.
- Flush the toilet as little as possible.
- Don’t let the taps run while washing your face or brushing your teeth. Use a cup to rinse your mouth and your toothbrush.
- Became adept at the art of the speed-shower, under 90 seconds is recommended.
- Treat leaking taps and toilets as an emergency. Report them immediately.
- Only do the laundry if you have a full load. Support water-wise laundry services.
- Forget about swimming in a swimming pool, there are wonderful tidal pools around town, and a glorious ocean to enjoy.
- Dishwashers are more water-wise than washing dishes by hand – but only if you have a full load.
The citizens of Cape Town have worked extremely hard together to avert disaster. Join them in their efforts when you visit and help to ensure a prosperous future for this wonderful welcoming city.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about travelling to Cape Town.
