Our regulations and by-laws
Our permanent water-saving regulations and important by-laws encourage water-saving, and protect our natural water sources and manmade water systems.
The Water By-law
Our Water By-law encourages
water-saving as a way of life, regulates water use and
plumbing installations, and allows for
water restrictions when necessary. If you contravene the Water By-law, we have the right to issue a fine, take legal action against you, and restrict or disconnect your water.
For more information read through the official gazetted version of the Water By-law (2010), and the Water Amendment By-law (2018). Alternatively, read through the Summary Guide of the By-law, or the
unofficial combined version, which includes the 2018 amendments for ease of reference.
Restrictions
Water restrictions are not in effect, since 1 November 2020. Adhere to the permanent regulations and by-laws, and use water responsibly. If we can collectively use less than 850 million litres per day in Cape Town over the 2022-2023 summer, we can reduce the risk of restrictions.
The Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law
The Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law (2013) regulates the disposal of wastewater and industrial effluent, to protect Cape Town's sewer reticulation system, wastewater treatment plants and the environment. It gives our officials power to take action against people who contravene the by-law.
The Treated Effluent By-law
The Treated Effluent By-law (2010) and
amendment (2015) regulate the supply and use of treated effluent. Treated effluent is water recycled from wastewater treatment works, and is used for irrigation or industrial purposes.
Stormwater Management By- law
The
Stormwater Management By- law (2005) regulates activities that may have a detrimental effect on the development, operation or maintenance of the stormwater system in Cape Town. Our stormwater system drains the city and prevents disruption and inconvenience to everyday life activities during rain events. It also helps with the management of flooding. Our system is an extensive network of built infrastructure, such as pipes and culverts, as well as natural systems such as rivers and wetlands.
