City of Cape Town Link

Saving water

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Top ways to save water </h2> <p>Every water-saving effort helps to make a difference. Saving water means that the water supply in our dams stretches further and that you’ll pay less. Read our water-saving tips to find out how you can make a difference and start saving (<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Water%20Saving%20Checklist%20to%20Avoid%20Day%20Zero.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Water-saving%20checklist%20to%20avoid%20Day%20Zero%20Afr.pdf" target="_blank">Afrikaans</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Water-saving%20checklist%20to%20avoid%20Day%20Zero%20Xho.pdf" target="_blank">isiXhosa</a>).</p> <span> <div class="infographic bg-font-adjust-bg"> <figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Saving%20Water%20Tips%20-%20Thumbnail.jpg" /></figure><figcaption> <p> <span class="infoGraphicSpan"><strong>Water by-law (2010)</strong></span><br><br>Download the Water By-law (2010).</p> <a title="title" class="btn dark-blue" href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Water%20By-law%202010.pdf" target="_blank"> <i class="icon download"></i>Download PDF</a> </figcaption> </div></span> <h4> Saving water in the home: </h4></span> <ul><li> Check and fix all leaks on your property (<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Find%20and%20Fix%20Water%20Leaks%20at%20home.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Find%20and%20Fix%20Water%20Leaks%20at%20home_Afrikaans.pdf" target="_blank">Afrikaans</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Find%20and%20Fix%20Water%20Leaks%20at%20home_Xhosa.pdf" target="_blank">isiXhosa</a>)</li><li>Use municipal drinking water to irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00 for a maximum of one hour per property and only if using a bucket or watering can</li><li>Use of a dripper, drip line or soaker hose irrigation on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays</li><li>Use of sprinklers or a hosepipe fitted with a self-closing spray nozzle on Saturdays</li><li>Use municipal drinking water to fill swimming pools if the pool is covered with a non-permeable solid pool cover when not in use and the pool is topped up with rainwater where practically possible</li><li>Vehicles, trailers, caravans and boats can be washed with municipal drinking water using a bucket</li><li>Convert to water-wise landscaping. Use water-wise plant species, limit lawn areas and mulch flowerbeds to help retain moisture in the soil</li><li>Install water-efficient taps or fit existing taps with aerators - these can reduce water flow from 20-30 litres to 6-10 litres per minute</li><li>Install new water-saving toilets</li></ul><h4>Saving water in your business or organisation:</h4><ul><li>Review your operations to see how your business or organisations can reduce its water consumption</li><li>Do regular water audits to find out which areas of your business are using most of your water and to measure the effectiveness of your water-saving measures. Download our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/SOH_Audit_08_Water_Cheat_Sheet_2013-03-15.pdf" target="_blank">Smart Office Audit sheet</a></li><li>Remind your colleagues and staff to curb their water use both at the workplace and at home</li><li>Make sure employees and colleagues understand why it is important to save water and what is expected from them</li><li>Start a water-saving project. Water conservation initiatives make excellent corporate social responsibility projects</li><li>Replace automatic flushing urinals – these are extremely wasteful. If they cannot be replaced, turn off the water after hours and over weekends</li><li>Ensure that toilet flush valves flush for no more than four seconds and urinals for no more than eight seconds</li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>water tariffs and restrictions</h4><p> <strong>The lowest (no restriction) tariff is in effect from 1 November 2020. </strong><br><br><strong>No water restrictions are in effect from 1 November 2020. </strong>In terms of the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Unofficial_Consolidated_Water_By-law_2010_2018.pdf" target="_blank">Water By-law</a>, <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Water%20use%20regulations%20permanently%20in%20place_2020.pdf" target="_blank">permanent water-saving regulations </a>remain in place. Continue to use water responsibly - failure to comply with regulations may resuly in a fine or prosecution.</p></div></div></span><span> <h4>For more information visit the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/education-and-research-materials/graphics-and-educational-material/water-education-resources">water and sanitation education resources</a> page.</h4> <p> Find out more about <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/water-restrictions-explained">water restrictions</a> and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-water-and-sanitation-services/Water-and-sanitation-services-and-costs-for-formal-housing">water tariffs</a>.</p></span> <p>Also, see our Safe Use of Greywater Booklet (<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Safe%20Use%20of%20Greywater%20booklet.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Safe%20Use%20of%20Greywater%20booklet%20Afrikaans.pdf">Afrikaans</a> | <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Safe%20Use%20of%20Greywater%20booklet%20Xhosa.pdf" target="_blank"> isiXhosa</a>). </p><p>Learn about <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-water-and-sanitation-services/alternative-water-sources">alternative water sources</a> including greywater, boreholes and rainwater harvesting.</p><p>For more information on saving water, download our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_Smart_Living_Handbook.pdf" target="_blank"> Smart Living Handbook</a>.</p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Fix water leaks</h2></span> <p>Cape Town’s water use is much higher than it could be. This is because of leaks, dripping taps, and leaking toilets. Water leaks are especially wasteful if they are underground or undetected and ignored for a long time. Leaks on your property are your responsibility.</p><ul><li>Ensure plumbing systems are regularly checked for leaks and fix them immediately</li><li>Contact a <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-water-and-sanitation-services/Find-a-qualified-registered-plumber-in-Cape-Town">qualified, registered plumber</a> to check your property and fix any leaks</li><li> <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Find%20and%20Fix%20Water%20Leaks%20at%20home.pdf" target="_blank">Find and fix water leaks</a> on your property with <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Water_Finding_Fixing_Water_Leaks.pdf" target="_blank">our DIY guide</a></li><li>Find out how we manage water leaks and burst pipes in our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_Water_Leaks_and_Pipes_Management.pdf" target="_blank">Leaks and Burst Pipes Guide</a></li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy blue bg-navy"><div class="graphic no-border"> <i class="info wellrun"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p> <b></b>One leaking toilet wastes between 2 600 and 13 000 litres per month, depending on the flow rate of the leak. A leaking tap wastes between 400 and 2 600 litres per month.<br></p></div></div></span><span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Monitor your water consumption</h2></span> <p>To save water, it helps to know how much water you are using and how you could use it more efficiently. Monitor your daily average water consumption and check for leaks if it is higher than expected. </p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>About 70% of all water used in the city is consumed in homes, which is why saving water at home is so important. Find out more about how water is used in Cape Town see the Consumers section in the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Water%20Services%20and%20Urban%20Water%20Cycle.pdf" target="_blank">Water Services and the Cape Town Urban Water Cycle</a>.</p></div></div></span> <p>Make sure you know where your property’s <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-water-and-sanitation-services/Water-meter-readings">water meter </a>is located and how to read it. Your daily average water consumption is provided in your municipal invoice. Alternatively, you can monitor your consumption online using <a href="https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/irj/portal">e-Services</a>. </p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/eservices-and-municipal-accounts/Register-for-a-municipal-account">Register for e-Services</a></p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Save water by using alternative water sources</h2><p>Consider installing a borehole or wellpoint if your business, school or organisation maintains sports fields or has a garden. This will help you save drinking water, reduce your water bill and add value to your property. If your business uses large amounts of water for irrigation or industrial processes, consider approaching the City to determine if treated effluent (recycled sewage water) can be used instead, which is much cheaper than drinking water.</p><p>Find out more about <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/Commercial-utility-services/Commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/Alternative-and-recycled-water-sources-for-your-business-or-organisation">alternative and recycled water sources for your business</a>. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Report water issues and offences</h2><p>Help us save water, report water issues (e.g. burst pipes or faulty meters) and restriction offences:</p><ul><li>Call <i> <a>0860 103 089</a></i> (choose option 2: water related faults)</li><li>Email <em> </em> <a href="mailto:water@capetown.gov.za"> <em>water@capetown.gov.za</em></a></li><li>Online through our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests" target="_blank">Service Requests tool</a></li><li>SMS <i><a>31373</a></i> (<em>free SMSes do not apply</em>)</li><li>WhatsApp<em> </em><a><em>060 018 1505</em></a> </li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"> <div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>In terms of the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Water%20By-law%202010.pdf" target="_blank">Water By-law (2010)</a> and <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Water%20Amendment%20By-law%202018.pdf" target="_blank">Amendments (2018)</a>, you could be issued a fine by the City if you contravene water restrictions and repeat offenders may be summonsed and prosecuted. Learn more about <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/know-your-water-regulations">water regulations</a>.<br></p></div></div></span><span> <h2 class="sectHeading">What the City is doing to save water</h2></span> <p>We have implemented a wide range of measures to save water, including:</p><ul><li>finding and repairing underground water leaks</li><li>continuing with pressure reduction programmes to reduce the flow of water at a time, as well as water losses through leakage in the pipework of the distribution system</li><li>made more money available for our first line response teams to attend to reported water faults</li><li>improving response times for water complaints</li><li>increased staff numbers to deal with water management device complaints and faults</li><li>promoting the use of treated effluent (recycled water) or borehole water instead of drinking water for irrigation purposes</li><li>offering plumbing repairs for indigent households free of charge</li><li>reducing water losses from our systems</li><li>replacing ageing water mains</li><li>creating awareness for water saving, school visits and communication</li></ul> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>water awareness</h4><p> <b></b>Organise a water awareness event at your school or organisation. Email us at <a href="mailto:Water.Education@capetown.gov.za">Water.Education@capetown.gov.za</a> to organise a visit from our water conservation and water saving awareness team.</p></div></div></span>

Make a difference by applying these water-saving tips at home and in your workplace.

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DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks (English)	537186	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-08-05T22:00:00Z
DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks (isiXhosa)	512325	GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2021-08-06T10:00:00Z
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Find and Fix Leaks at Home Poster (Afrikaans)	286458	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
Find and Fix Leaks at Home Poster (isiXhosa)	292639	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
How the City Manages Leaks and Burst Pipes FAQs	344529	GP0\|#7d9df7be-4d49-4007-95e2-153219f9c783;L0\|#07d9df7be-4d49-4007-95e2-153219f9c783\|FAQs;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0\|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0\|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33\|Guideline	2018-10-17T10:00:00Z
Smart Living Handbook 2020	8865911	GP0\|#dcc8214b-489e-4c99-a7e9-6bc8bda6e154;L0\|#0dcc8214b-489e-4c99-a7e9-6bc8bda6e154\|Handbook;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2020-06-29T22:00:00Z
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Top Ways to Save Water Indoors Poster	128923	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-05-11T22:00:00Z
Top Ways to Save Water Indoors Poster (isiXhosa)	120119	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
Top Ways to Save Water Poster (Afrikaans)	117276	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
Treated Effluent FAQs	433903	GP0\|#7d9df7be-4d49-4007-95e2-153219f9c783;L0\|#07d9df7be-4d49-4007-95e2-153219f9c783\|FAQs;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2018-09-30T22:00:00Z
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Water Saving For Homes and Small Businesses Plumbing Checklist (Colour)	141286	GP0\|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0\|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6\|Poster;GTSet\|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP\|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP\|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e	2017-11-28T22:00:00Z