Skip to content

Search

Menu

Browse our sections

Explore other content

You may also want to...

 

 

Saving water<h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Top ways to save water </h2><p>Every water-saving effort helps to make a difference. Saving water means that our water supply stretches further and you help to <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Cape%20Town%20Water%20Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">secure Cape Town’s shared water future</a>. <br></p><p>Read our <strong></strong><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_Top_ten_ways_to_use_water_wisely_this_summer-%20Leaflet.pdf" target="_blank">top 10<strong> </strong>ways to use water wisely this summer</a>. Also see our indoor water-saving tips, to find out how you can make a difference (<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="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 regulations and RESTRICTIONS<br></h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/know-your-water-regulations">Permanent water-saving regulations</a> are in place, 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>, and failure to comply with regulations may result in a fine or prosecution.<strong> Water restrictions are not in effect, since 1 November 2020</strong>, but please use water responsibly. If we can collectively use less than 850 million litres per day over the 2022-2023 summer, we can reduce the risk of restrictions. <br></p></div></div></span> <h4> Saving water in the home: </h4><ul><li>The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed 7 litres per minute. </li><li>The maximum flow rate of any washbasin tap may not exceed 6 litres per minute. </li><li>New or replaced toilet cisterns may not exceed 6 litres in capacity.</li></ul><h4>Saving water outside:<br></h4><ul><li>No hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water allowed. </li><li>Hosepipes must be fitted with a controlling device such as a spray nozzle or automatic self-closing device. </li><li>Watering only allowed before 09:00 or after 18:00 (to avoid evaporation losses in the heat of the day). </li><li>Alternative water sources such as borehole and well-point water must be used sparingly and efficiently. </li><li>All swimming pools must be covered by a pool cover to avoid evaporation when not in use. <br></li><li>Automatic top up systems using a float valve fed from a municipal drinking water source to supply swimming pools and garden ponds are not allowed. </li></ul><h4>Saving water in your business or organisation:</h4><ul><li>Handwash basins and showers at public facilities must be fitted with demand-type taps. </li><li>Commercial car washes must comply with industry best-practice norms (e.g. recycling and re-using a minimum of 50% of the water used). </li><li>Municipal drinking water may not be used to dampen building sand and other building material at construction sites.</li><li>Replace automatic flushing urinals. If they cannot be replaced, turn off the water after hours and over weekends. <br></li><li>Ensure that toilet flush valves flush for no more than four seconds, and urinals for no more than eight seconds.<br></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>.<br></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> <h4>Resources</h4> <ul><li> <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</li><li> <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></li><li>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>)</li><li> <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> (greywater, borehole and rainwater harvesting)<br></li><li> <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><br></li></ul></span><span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Fix water leaks​​​​​​​</h2></span> <p>Cape Town’s water use is much higher than it could be because of leaks, dripping taps, and leaking toilets. If leaks are underground, or undetected and ignored for a long time, a lot of water is wasted. Leaks on your property are your responsibility.<br></p><ul><li>Ensure plumbing systems are regularly checked for leaks, and fix them immediately.<br></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.<br></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>.<br></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>.<br></li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​Monitor your water usage​​​​​​​<br></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 use, 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 used in homes, which is why saving water at home is so important. Find out more about how water is used in Cape Town in 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 <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/How_to_read_your_meter_Poster.pdf" target="_blank">read it</a>. Your daily average water use is provided in your <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/How%20to%20read%20your%20municipal%20account.pdf" target="_blank">municipal invoice</a>. Alternatively, you can monitor your use 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">Use of alternative water sources</h2><p>Using other sources of water does help keep our dams fuller for longer, but it needs to be done safely and legally. Find out more on <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Commercial-utility-services/Commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/alternative-water-sources">alternative water sources for your home and 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)<br></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>)<br></li><li>WhatsApp<em> </em> <a> <em>060 018 1505</em></a> </li></ul> <span> </span> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​What we are doing to save water​​​​​​</h2></span> <p>We have implemented a range of measures to save water, including:</p><ul><li>finding and repairing underground water leaks;<br></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;<br></li><li>making more money available for our first line response teams to attend to reported water faults;<br></li><li>improving response times for water complaints;<br></li><li>increasing staff numbers to deal with water management device complaints and faults;<br></li><li>promoting the use of treated effluent (recycled water) or borehole water instead of drinking water for irrigation purposes;<br></li><li>reducing water losses from our systems;<br></li><li>replacing ageing water mains; and<br></li><li>creating awareness for water saving, through school visits and communication.<br></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. Contact our water conservation and water-saving awareness team at <a href="mailto:Water.Education@capetown.gov.za"> <em>Water.Education@capetown.gov.za</em></a>.</p></div></div></span> GP0|#90fbfcbe-1dd4-4a8a-b516-e3ec391fce18;L0|#090fbfcbe-1dd4-4a8a-b516-e3ec391fce18|Saving water;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#5b05eb19-5ba7-4779-bfce-c75d19df1d57;GPP|#39d66b11-2134-4df5-8360-0bc5e66e8f4f;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#f58bba8c-aaef-4388-a48d-3c7b0c0cbc97;L0|#0f58bba8c-aaef-4388-a48d-3c7b0c0cbc97|Saving water;GPP|#1af929fe-1974-4dbe-8aba-fedc6dbd4c01;GPP|#d6c1debf-2fe6-4caf-8748-a5126af00c53;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#f52ea6f9-e18c-4dfd-ad62-ecf711f39182;L0|#0f52ea6f9-e18c-4dfd-ad62-ecf711f39182|Saving water;GPP|#dc7d603c-ae6b-49eb-8ff7-8f48e6169510;GPP|#99fac000-f3ac-4774-9ffd-e5e59a130e21;GP0|#14830b03-9ba4-468c-8c3f-da4d9021d6e3;L0|#014830b03-9ba4-468c-8c3f-da4d9021d6e3|Saving water;GPP|#b7d85630-8bda-4b28-adc9-6def4cb10e31;GPP|#a3964d56-b74d-4d64-95c1-ff381a88a277Make a difference by applying these water-saving tips at home and in your workplace.0

 

 

CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (Afrikaans)584338GP0|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52|Guideline summary;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2021-06-07T22:00:00Z
CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (English)615886GP0|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52|Guideline summary;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2019-08-01T10:00:00Z
CCT Water By-law Summary Guidelines (isiXhosa)582512GP0|#bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52;L0|#0bc87dd24-abc8-47bd-bc23-41119e47cf52|Guideline summary;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2022-01-04T22:00:00Z
DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks (Afrikaans)711131GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-22T22:00:00Z
DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks (English)577834GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-22T22:00:00Z
DIY Guide to Finding and Fixing Water Leaks (isiXhosa)682520GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-22T22:00:00Z
Find and Fix Leaks at Home Poster332609GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-23T10:00:00Z
Find and Fix Leaks at Home Poster (Afrikaans)518142GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-23T10:00:00Z
Find and Fix Leaks at Home Poster (isiXhosa)523366GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-23T10:00:00Z
How the City Manages Leaks and Burst Pipes FAQs344529GP0|#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|Guideline2018-10-17T10:00:00Z
Smart Living Handbook 20208865911GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2020-06-29T22:00:00Z
Smart Living Handbook: Audit Guide For Your Home1079850GP0|#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;GP0|#63522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33;L0|#063522a5c-a6fd-40ae-a313-2b363ab1ec33|Guideline2019-10-16T22:00:00Z
Top Ways to Save Water Indoors Poster128923GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2017-05-11T22:00:00Z
Top Ways to Save Water Indoors Poster (isiXhosa)120119GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
Top Ways to Save Water Poster (Afrikaans)117276GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2017-08-03T22:00:00Z
Tope Ten Ways To Use Water Wisely This Summer Pamphlet1671325GP0|#367c7831-4239-4ad6-824a-c4325897c033;L0|#0367c7831-4239-4ad6-824a-c4325897c033|Pamphlet;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-01-29T22:00:00Z
Treated Effluent FAQs433903GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2018-09-30T22:00:00Z
Water Saving For Homes and Small Businesses Plumbing Checklist (Colour)170530GP0|#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-9601f17b780e2022-11-22T22:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (Afrikaans)85336GP0|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b|Regulation;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2022-12-18T22:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (English)94620GP0|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b|Regulation;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2022-12-18T22:00:00Z
Water Use Regulations (Xhosa)76244GP0|#e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b;L0|#0e814022c-2e45-4465-887b-b6cd814e158b|Regulation;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#d8892104-ce90-493e-b813-93c488f4b1d3;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2022-12-18T22:00:00Z

 

 

You have disabled JavaScript on your browser.
Please enable it in order to use City online applications.