The experience is changing the way people think about water and how it is managed.
Adaptation to climate change The big lesson is being better prepared to deal with a prolonged drought.
Over 95% of the city’s water comes from surface water dams.
Sixty years ago the Australian city of Perth was in a similar position with most of its water supply from dams.
National governments are slow to intervene, and when they do their actions are often not at the right scale or timely enough.
Measure more, manage better ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure’ should be the rallying cry for improving the quality of data and analysis needed to support and inform decisions.
In the case of Cape Town the city has been reporting on the state of the water by supplying information on dam levels, water demand, models and water quality .
Public trust Above all, public trust is key to encouraging water saving and helping to establish confidence in managing the crisis.
But if cities are going to become more resilient and responsive to climate change then a search for new water supplies will be necessary.
Drought Cape Town drought response Drought strategies Cape Town drought