Capturing Water

In 2018, Cape Town faced one of its worst droughts, prompting conversations of an impending crisis, ‘Day Zero’, when water reservoirs in the city were projected to drop to a dangerously low level of 13.5%. Despite conservation efforts led by local activists and scientists, as well as policies implemented to limit water wastage, the city remains vulnerable to water shortages as deeper systemic issues continue to threaten the city’s water security. From land developments jeopardising aquifer reserves to pollution in river systems, deteriorating sewage infrastructure, inadequate sanitation management, and the commodification and privatisation of water, the film uncovers the deeper crisis beneath the surface. Capturing Water uncovers the social, political, and environmental challenges at the crux of this ongoing crisis, gathering insights from activists, academics, community leaders, politicians, scientists, and government officials, to mobilise legislation and protection against the exploitation, bureaucracy and neo-colonialism which threatens a fundamental human right: access to water.