With level 3 water restrictions currently in place to counter the effects of the devastating drought, the City of Cape Town says it is pleased with the latest statistics which indicate a drop in water consumption.
Between Monday December 19 and Christmas Day, December 25, the average daily consumption was 835 million litres against a target of 800 million litres. This is the lowest average since the implementation of level 3 water restrictions in November last year.
Should residents keep their consumption at winter levels (which equates to 800 million litres a day), Cape Town’s water supply will last until the next rainy season.
The City says that, to date, the average daily consumption statistics have been worrying, with usage reaching 854 million litres between November 21 and 27; 905 million between November 28 and December 4; 870 between December 5 and 11; 864 million between December 12 and 18; and 835 million litres between December 19 and 25.
In addition to this, says the City, the combined dam levels have dropped a further 1.6 percent to 48.1 percent.
The City therefore appeals to residents to be mindful of water usage and to abide by the restrictions:
Watering or irrigation of gardens, lawns, flower beds and other plants, vegetable gardens, sports fields, parks and other open spaces is allowed only if using a bucket or watering can. No use of hosepipes or automatic sprinkler systems are allowed. Watering times are not restricted, however, residents are urged to limit their watering to the mornings and evenings.
Golf courses, sports facilities, parks, schools, learning institutions, nurseries, customers involved in agricultural activities, users with historical gardens and customers with special requirements can apply to the director of water and sanitation for exemption to the above.
No watering or irrigation is allowed within 24 hours of rainfall that provides adequate saturation.
All properties where alternative, non-potable water resources are used (for example, rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse, treated effluent water, spring water, well-points and boreholes) must ensure that they display the appropriate signage to this effect clearly visible from a public thoroughfare.
All well-points and boreholes must be registered with the City and used efficiently to avoid wastage and evaporation.
No washing or hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with drinking water is allowed (except for health purposes). Users such as abattoirs, food processing industries, industries using water to prepare for painting or similar treatments, care facilities, animal shelters and other industries or facilities with special needs can apply to the director of water and sanitation for exemption.
Ornamental water fountains or water features should be operated only by recycling the water or if using non-potable water.
Restrictions applicable to residential customers:
Washing (using potable water) of vehicles and boats is only allowed if using a bucket.
Customers are strongly advised to install water-efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use from all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components.
Manual topping up of swimming pools is allowed only if fitted with a pool cover.
The use of portable play pools is prohibited.
Restrictions applicable to non-residential customers:
Commercial car wash industries must comply with industry best practice norms regarding cars.
Informal car washes must use only buckets.
The use of pool covers for public swimming pools is strongly encouraged.
No automatic top-up systems are allowed for swimming pools.
Spray parks are to be strictly managed to minimise water wastage.
Customers must install water-efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use from all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components in public places and adhere to Water By-law requirements.
Golf courses, sports facilities, parks, schools and learning institutions are not allowed to establish any new landscaping or sports fields, except if irrigated only with non-potable water.
