While water restrictions are a thing of the past, Helderbergers and local businesses are reminded of certain regulations in the City of Cape Town’s water bylaw that remains in effect at all times and therefore to be continuously water-wise to prevent wasting the precious resource.
“While Cape Town has been experiencing and enjoying the hot weather, residents are reminded of the restrictions related to pools, outdoor water use such as gardening, vehicle cleaning and other aspects, that are in place at all times, to help save water because we are in a water-scarce region,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate also provided some basic but helpful tips to aid water-savviness, and assist locals with finding and fixing water leaks on their properties.
“When residents and businesses have the necessary information to identify leaks, they can make informed decisions to help prevent wasting water, and manage their usage, and not be taken by surprise by unexpected high water bills because of undetected water leaks on their properties,” said Badroodien.
- The following regulations are in place at all times:
Swimming pools
All swimming pools must be covered by a pool cover to avoid evaporation when not in use. . Automatic top up systems using a float valve fed from a municipal drinking water source to supply swimming pools and garden ponds are not allowed.
Outdoor water use and groundwater
Watering only allowed before 09:00 or after 18:00 (to avoid evaporation losses in the heat of the day). This applies to watering with municipal drinking water, and is also recommended for alternative water – eg borehole and well-point water.
Automated sprinkler systems (where permitted) must be able to be correctly positioned and be able to be adjusted to prevent water wastage. . All hosepipes used for watering or washing vehicles, boats and caravans (when permitted) must be fitted with a controlling device, such as a spray nozzle or an automatic self-closing device. . No hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water allowed. Water users, such as abattoirs, food-processing industries, care facilities, animal shelters and other industries or facilities with special needs (health and safety-related only) must apply for exemption.
Outdoor taps, except those on residential properties, must be secured to prevent unauthorised use.
The City recommends alternative water sources, such as boreholes and well-point water, be used sparingly and efficiently.
Efficiency of taps, toilets and showers
The maximum flow rate of new and replaced shower-heads may not exceed seven litres per minute.
The maximum flow rate of any tap installed at a washbasin may not exceed six litres per minute.
New or replaced toilet cisterns may not exceed six litres in capacity. Basins and showers provided at public facilities must be fitted with demand-type taps.
Car washes
Commercial car wash industries must comply with industry best-practice norms regarding water usage per car washed (eg recycling and re-using a minimum of 50% of the water used).
Construction sites
Municipal drinking water may not be used to dampen building sand and other building material to prevent it from being blown away.
Leaks
Check your water fittings and pipes regularly for leaks.
–For more information on saving water, including an additional DIY guide to finding and fixing leaks, visit www.capetown.gov.za/savewater.
-To learn more about water-related bylaws, visit www.capetown.gov.za/waterregulations.
