Cape Town's water, explained
Short, sourced explainers on where Cape Town's water comes from, what drives the dry years, and what the City is adding.
Where Cape Town's water comes from
Cape Town's water comes mostly from six big dams in the mountains, shared with nearby towns and farms. How the Western Cape Water Supply System works, and why it is under strain.
Updated 4 November 2026
Does El Niño cause Cape Town's droughts?
El Niño shapes South Africa's summer rain, but Cape Town's dams fill in winter. What the data since 2000 shows about El Niño, La Niña and Cape Town's dry years.
Updated 4 November 2026
Cape Town's New Water Programme
After Day Zero, the City set out to add about 300 million litres of water a day by 2030 from groundwater, recycled water, desalination and clearing invasive plants. What's planned and where it stands.
Updated 4 November 2026
Cape Town's aquifers: Cape Flats, Table Mountain Group and Atlantis
Cape Town is drawing more drinking water from three aquifers: the Cape Flats, the Table Mountain Group and Atlantis. How much each supplies and what's planned.
Updated 4 November 2026
Desalination and recycled water in Cape Town
Cape Town plans a permanent seawater desalination plant at Paarden Eiland and a scheme to purify recycled water at Faure. How much water each would add, and where they stand.
Updated 4 November 2026