Drought warning as Cape dam levels fall below 50 percent

CAPE Town has entered a critical stretch in its water cycle, with dam levels slipping below the 50 percent mark and officials warning that the window to avoid possible water restrictions later this year is narrowing.

- BY MURRAY SWART

The latest data shows storage in the Western Cape Water Supply System at 48.8 percent, down from just above 50 percent a week ago and continuing a steady decline from 51.8 percent earlier this month. The drop comes as sustained heat drives up demand and inflows remain minimal.