City of Cape Town Link

City inspecting illegal stormwater-to-sewer connections on Hout Bay properties

<p>Residents in Hout Bay are encouraged to work with the City to help address illegal stormwater-to-sewer connections in the area that are causing sewer overflows and pollution.</p>

<span><p><br>Over the coming months, the City’s Water and Sanitation Services Department will be visiting properties in Hout Bay to address illegal stormwater-to-sewer connections. These incorrect plumbing installations contribute to sewer overflows, which can create environmental health risks. </p><p>The Water Pollution Control Inspectors began their enforcement drive during September and the operation will likely continue into early next year. </p><p>There are many of these cross-connections on private properties in the area, where water flows from residents’ roofs, gutters, and paved or hard yard surface areas into sewer drains. This causes sewers to flood when it rains, causing overflows further down the network. </p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Hout%20Bay%20stormwater%20ingress%20graphic1.png" alt="" style="width:1213px;" /></figure></span><p>These cross-connections are illegal in terms of the City’s Wastewater and Industrial Effluent Bylaw. Rainwater should always be directed down the gutters (stormwater pipes) into the stormwater system, from where it eventually gets discharged into rivers, vleis, canals, and the sea. </p><p>Some residents may not be aware that these cross-connections are illegal, and damaging sewer infrastructure. Therefore, if a cross-connection is found on your property, you will receive a notice stating that it should be corrected to be Bylaw-compliant within three months. No penalty will be applied initially. </p><p>A follow-up inspection will be conducted after the three month period has lapsed, and if it is discovered that residents have not removed their illegal stormwater to sewer connection within that timeframe, a charge based on square meter of surface area, which drains to the sewer, will be added to their account. This charge will remain until the property owner informs the City that he/she has corrected the illegal connection and this will be verified by a follow-up inspection.</p><p>‘Residents need to be aware that City inspectors are appointed law enforcement officers, and should be able to produce a peace officers card or a City identity tag when visiting the properties. Residents can also call 0860 103 089 to confirm the inspector’s identity. </p><p>‘Should residents discover that they have an illegal stormwater to sewer connection, they can contract a qualified plumber, or a reliable builder or handyman to assist with rectifying the illegal connections or making a legal diversion that will ensure the properties’ stormwater connections are compliant,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg. </p><p><strong>Logging a service request</strong><br>Residents can report sewer blockages, missing drain covers, vandalism, burst pipes, leaks and water waste using one of the following options. <br><br>Please give the street address, and get a reference number.</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Online: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Email: <a href="mailto:water@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">water@capetown.gov.za</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">SMS: 31373 (Maximum 160 characters)</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Call: 0860 103 089</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Visit a City walk-in centre, see <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/facilities" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/facilities</a></div></li></ul><p>Further information can be found here: <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/2021GD0166_Hout%20Bay%20Stormwater%20Ingress%20A4_8%20Dec%202020.pdf" target="_blank">https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms,%20notices,%20tariffs%20and%20lists/2021GD0166_Hout%20Bay%20Stormwater%20Ingress%20A4_8%20Dec%202020.pdf</a> </p><p><br>End<br> </p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure></span>

2020-12-20T22:00:00Z

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