Lessons from Cape Town's Day Zero: residents are willing to cooperate but need clear communication and sustained engagement

Abstract

In January 2018, the City of Cape Town's water supply dam levels dropped to 28%. It was the lowest in a century of rainfall records. The city declared Day Zero and stringent water restrictions, which mobilised Capetonians to reduce their water consumption sufficiently to stave off disaster until the winter rains came. An HSRC survey revealed how households, businesses and organisations conserved water during the water crisis and how people experienced the impact of the drought differently, depending on their income, age and location.