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 of Cape Town's Water By-law [PDF 438 KB] which controls and regulates water services in the Cape metropolitan area.

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 multi-flush or dual-flush mechanism in the toilet. A multi-flush device allows the user to choose exactly how much water goes to waste when pressing the handle. A dual-flush device has a short flush button for liquids and a longer flush button for solids.
• 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.

Please consider the environment before printing this web page.

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