Cape Town issues warning as dams plunge to 57%

With Cape Town dam levels now sitting at just 57 percent and dropping by 2 percent in the past week alone, the city is warning that the window to avoid water restrictions may be narrowing.

Nearly 70 percent of the city's water is used inside homes, yet officials say the conservation message is not landing strongly enough with residents.

Authorities are now intensifying awareness campaigns amid growing concern that dam levels could continue to dip.

ALSO READ: CoCT dam levels 19% lower than last year

There are concerns that meaningful rainfall may only arrive later in the year, potentially pushing Cape Town closer to restrictions even before November.

Water and Sanitation MMC Zahid Badroodien says while water restrictions are always a last resort, they'll become a reality if expected winter rains, typically from April, do not materialise.

The city said protecting what remains in its dams is now critical to avoiding tougher measures in the months ahead.