In June 2018, Daily Maverick reported that Cape Town had cancelled Day Zero for 2018 and 2019. Deputy Executive Mayor Ian Neilson said winter rain had lifted dam levels to just over 43 percent. Level 6B restrictions stayed in force, with use still above 500,000 m³/d against a target of 450,000 m³/d. Two desalination plants were already running: Strandfontein at 7,000 m³/d and a unit at the V&A Waterfront at 2,000 m³/d. Neilson acknowledged far higher desalination costs but argued for a broader supply mix.
The report showed that Cape Town held on to diversification in 2018 despite the easing crisis: the desalination plants covered only a fraction of demand but served as a hedge against future risk.
Source: Daily Maverick