Illegal gutter connections can lead to sewer overflows – do your part this winter
04 July 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is calling on residents to help reduce sewer overflows in their neighbourhoods by checking that rainwater gutters are correctly connected to stormwater drains and not the sewer system.
During heavy rainfall, water ingress from gutters that are incorrectly connected can overwhelm the sewer network, leading to sewage overflows into streets, waterways and homes. This places strain on critical infrastructure, poses health risks, and impacts the environment.
‘Sewer systems are designed to carry wastewater from homes, not rainwater from roofs. When these systems are overloaded with rainwater, they cannot cope and overflows occur.
‘Every household can make a difference. We urge residents to check their gutter connections and redirect stormwater to the correct drains. This simple action helps protect our communities, infrastructure and the environment,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
‘Preventing overflows is a shared responsibility. By making sure stormwater does not enter the sewer system, residents are actively helping the City safeguard public health and protect our environment,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
What to do with your stormwater
Keep excess rainwater off your property by considering these safe and sustainable options:
• Redirecting it into your garden: Allow rainwater to soak into unpaved ground or garden areas to help recharge groundwater naturally.
• Channelling it to the street: Use a proper channel or pipe to direct clean rainwater into the road, where it will flow into the stormwater system. Only clean rainwater may enter stormwater drains. This means no greywater or wastewater.
• Collecting and reusing it: Store rainwater in tanks for later use in your garden, which helps conserve water and reduce demand on the municipal supply.
Fixing illegal stormwater-to-sewer connections
‘If you discover that your property’s stormwater gutters are illegally connected to the sewer system, it is important to take action. Contact a registered plumber, qualified builder or reliable handyman to help correct the connection and ensure compliance with municipal by-laws,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Illegal cross-connections cause sewer overflows
The City’s Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law confirms that no person may allow the discharge of rainwater into the sewer system. This type of illegal connection is known as a cross-connection and often occurs on private properties, where rainwater from roofs, gutters or paved surfaces is incorrectly directed into sewer drains.
Please report water and sanitation-related service requests, such as sewer overflows or blockages, to one of the following channels:
• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
• Email water@capetown.gov.za
• SMS 31373 (maximum 160 characters. Standard rates apply)
• Call 0860 103 089
Visit a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)
Caption 1: Downpipe from gutters connected to a sewer gully.
Caption 2: Gutter downpipe correctly redirected away from the sewer system into the stormwater system.
Caption 3: Uncurbed sewer gully, allowing surface water to drain to the sewer.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
