In support of “Water Week”, from 2 - 7 March, the City of Cape Town has planned a number of interventions and events.

“The aim is to draw the public’s attention to understanding why we all need to save and manage this valuable resource more efficiently. The usual week’s activities have been extended to almost a month to allow for better penetration of this message, specifically into identified areas” says Alderman Clive Justus, the Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

The extended water week programme will focus on education and the disseminating of information to empower residents and their communities.

Whilst the programme is still to be finalised, the City will conduct practical demonstrations on how to save water and detect and repair leaks, give water saving tips and supply information about water management devices at a series of events throughout the metropole.

The demonstrations will take place between 10:00 – 16:00, and will be held in a number of community and school halls. Pamphlets and promotional handouts will be available at each demonstration

The Water Week programme involves schools as well. Some 15 schools and almost 1 750 learners and educators will participate in lectures or site visits, which for some will include a visit to an operational sewage treatment plant.

The Department of Finance and Health will operate information stands at each Water Week event. Residents will be able to obtain information about issues such as the Indigent Grant and applications, account queries, applications for increase of water allocations, debt write-off and rebates at these stands.

City Health will also provide information about Cape Town’s water quality (which is amongst the finest in the country and fully complies with all national standards), water borne diseases, diarrhoea and cholera.

Alderman Justus says that the City’s Technical Operations Centre will have staff available at the events to show the public how the call centres work so that they can better understand what happens after they e-mail or phone them. Detailed information will be given about how to report water leaks, burst pipes, sewer blockages and meter problems.

Officials of the Water Demand Management Section will also be on hand at the events to explain what the City is doing to reduce water losses and conserve water.

In some areas, practical demonstrations will be given by the Water Pollution Control Section to show residents what happens when foreign objects find their way into the sewer and stormwater reticulation systems, as well as the effects of a build up of fats and grease in the pipes.

Certain areas of Cape Town, including Macassar, Kleinvlei, Delft, Wesbank, Retreat, Lower Crossroads and Witsands (Atlantis) have a high rate of water consumption and to support saving water in these areas, the City has implemented a water leaks repair project.

In addition, the City is looking into the feasibility of installing water management devices in Edgemead so that residents can monitor and manage their own water consumption.

Alderman Justus calls on residents to adhere to the low level water restrictions that are still in effect. Washing of cars or watering of gardens or other areas is not allowed between 10:00 – 16:00.

He urges on the public to promptly report any water leaks or pipe bursts to the 24 hour call centre number 0860 103 054 or report by fax to 021 975 4726 or by e-mail to watertoc@capetown.gov.za.

A recent addition to this reporting process is by using SMS to 31373 (Max 160 characters).

For account and usage queries, contact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.