City Parks is committed to conserving water and is instituting plans to become less dependent on potable (drinkable) water. Nevertheless, City Parks also acknowledges the importance of sustaining, enhancing and improving the beauty of the city as well as providing attractive passive and active recreational places.

In the past, little or no thought was given to water conservation when soft landscaping project were planned and undertaken. Plant selection was not necessarily based on water-wise principles, and vast areas were planted with grass, which requires irrigation during dry summer months. No consideration was given to alternative means of surfacing.

When irrigation systems were installed, neither optimum water use nor other factors such as evaporation or the installation of automated systems were considered. The use of alternative water resources was seldom considered when soft landscaping projects were undertaken, as potable water was cheap and readily available.

Furthermore, managers responsible for the maintenance of parks have seldom been subject to water restrictions, and therefore found it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances. Water conservation can be more costly as it is more management- and labour-intensive.

The aim of the new strategy therefore is to conserve and save water, but also to ensure a sustainable green environment.

Water conservation should be addressed in the short- and long-term, with every landscape situation being assessed to ensure actual water savings.

The Water Strategy is based on the following principles:
 
1. Establishment of new developments (including private development submissions)
2. Existing developments and layouts
3. Tree planting
4. Irrigation of residential parks and public open spaces
5. Roadside amenities
6. People responsible for watering
7. Control measures

1. Establishment of new developments (including private development submissions)

• The design of new developments must enhance water conservation.
• The availability of alternative water resources must be investigated, such as local dams, rivers, streams, springs, “grey water”, treated effluent.)
• The design of the irrigation reticulation must be planned in order to minimise water consumption and optimise water use. All automated irrigation systems must be fitted with moisture sensors.
• Plant selection must be based on water-wise principles.
• Whenever possible, sandy soil must be improved by adding clay (heavier soil) or use make use of other water retaining methods and by adding compost and stable manure.
• Unplanted areas should be hardened with surfaces that would enhance the lay-out and not distract or compromise it.
• Areas around shrubs and trees should be mulched to prevent evaporation. (All open soil should be mulched).
• Limit the use of grassed surfaces and use species that are drought resistant.
• Ensure that water meters have been installed to monitor consumption.
• A maintenance/management plan/programme pertaining to sustaining plant life during water restrictions should be compiled in each instance.