This is the day, barring a miracle, that most taps in Cape Town will run dry. Hospitals and certain areas will still have water. It is estimated that around 2 million people will be without water and will have to queue at various points for water. (25 litres per person per day) At the moment we are asked to use a maximum of 87 litres per person per day from 1st Feb 50 litres per day. Sadly many are ignoring this. We live in hope that but the way some people are behaving I fear the worst. To know more see these links Day Zero wswc.org.za From 1st Feb level 6b restrictions will be introduced
Good luck Diane The veneer of civilization can break down quickly when basics like water and electricity are in short supply.
[ I agree. It is a fear many don't want to think about. Only on paper Clive. Things change on a daily basis. Nothing is in place yet. Less than 75 days left
Mrs and I have gotten our water consumption down to a combined total of 60l per day for both of us for the last 5 months. It's quite easily manageable. Taps to toilet have been switched off. All water from washing machine is saved and used for flushing loos and watering the few remaining plants that have survived the heat. I have 4 x 20l containers to catch gray water. Showers are down to 90 seconds and we stand in buckets to collect at least 80% of the shower water. We have also fitted 3 x 1000l tanks to catch rainfall (if the rain arrives). We are in a fortunate position that we can afford to plan ahead. Many don't have the means, and even more don't really give a sh1t. 12 April will be a big wake up call to many residents of Cape Town.
Well done. I totally agree with what you say. My husband and I live in a small 1st floor flat in a retirement complex. Unfortunately we don't have individual water meters though we do what we can to save water especially with showering and toilet flushes. We can't re-arrange the plumbing for the washing machine. The ages of the people in this block of flats range from about 65 to 96 years old and not everyone is fit and able. We don't fall under the category of a retirement home so won't get any help from the city council. The company that runs the complex (and others) is doing everything it can to help with the transition on day zero and if all goes to plan we won't have to join the queues for water. I can't help but think of those who have no help. Doesn't help that it is 35C todaymanageable.
Have you tried to contact the City Council and explain your predicament? Try contacting your Ward Councillor. Hopefully they could assist. My wife pesters our Councillor about everything
Oops I edited the post and deleted a chunk. Must be the heat. The people who manage this and other similar complexes have put things in place - jo jo tanks etc we have well points we should be ok and not have to queue for water. We will all help those with difficulties Diane
It was nice to see the rain. Unfortuately we need a helluva lot more. Day Zero has ben pushed back to 11th May due to the fact that farmers in the Elgin/Grabou areas have released water from their dams to us. Temp Monday 30C Tuesday 33C Wed 28C Thurs 26C 60% chance of Light Rain Fri 26C Sat 30C so not much relief there. Diane
What rain are you lot talking about? It completely missed my part of Cape Town Tim, any chance you could post a shovel or two my way
My wife and I watch a lot of shower sex scenes on the internet these days. Not for the hanky panky but to watch shower water flow for 15 minutes. More rain forecast for tomorrow. Whether it arrives or not is another story.
The Dam Busters are alive and well and operating in Cape Town We had 10% of our annual rainfall hit us in 90 minutes early Thursday morning. I took my dog for a walk yesterday afternoon and noticed the storm water catchment wall had been breached. This earthen wall is at least 3m tall. I assume the weight of the water was too much for it
Definitely Kevin. As a grower of grass, I can tell you, where I am in London, we have had no rain in just over 7 weeks, with just two thunderstorms in the 3 weeks prior to that. More or less nothing of note since Easter.