Fresh water is a scarce resource in the Western Cape as rainfall is highly variable from year to year. We all have a part to play in conserving as much valuable water as possible. View the City's Water By-law [PDF 436KB] which controls and regulates water services in the City of Cape Town.

Here are some tips on how to save water:

• Install a low-flow shower head and tap aerators on all taps.
• Flush toilets only when necessary.
• Install a dual-flush mechanism in the toilet – which has a short flush for liquids (4.5L of water) and a longer flush for solids (9L).
• Plant water-wise indigenous plants.
• Water gardens only in early morning or the evening and only when necessary.
• Install garden drip irrigation on flower beds and sprayers on lawns.
• Collect rainwater for re-using on the garden or washing the car.
• Use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios.
• Insulate hot water pipes so that not too much water is wasted when waiting for water to get hot.
• Cover your swimming pool to reduce water evaporation.

For more tips on how to save water, visit the City's Water Services website.

 Click here to download the 'WATER' section, or full version, of the Smart Living Handbook - a practical sustainability guide for people and households in Cape Town to make their homes safer and to save money and the environment.