Theft of water meters on the increase

15 July 2021

There has been an increase in stolen water meters reported across the city over the last two months. From 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, a total of 2 198 cases have been reported. An average of 152 water meters per month were stolen between July 2020 to April 2021. In May 2021, 287 cases were reported and this increased again in June 2021 to 386 cases.

The City of Cape Town notes with concern that there has been an increase in the rate of theft of water meters over the previous two months. As such, the City would like to inform residents what they should do if they are affected.

What residents need to know:

• If a water meter is stolen,  it should be reported immediately to CCT to obtain a reference number via one of the channels listed below to arrange for a replacement

 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)

• The City should visit the property for an inspection within 24 hours, and if the meter is confirmed as needing replacement, this should be done within a further 24 hours in most cases.

Due to the increase in stolen meters over the past year, the City is no longer installing brass water meters as these have scrap value. However, due to the number of meters in service, it will take some time before all meters are replaced with plastic ones.

‘Theft of water meters results in water wastage, but is also a drain on City resources.  On average, it costs approximately R2 600 excluding Vat to replace a 15mm conventional brass meter and approximately R3 000 excluding Vat to replace a 20mm conventional brass meter,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg

‘We condemn these attacks of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure and encourage residents to report any information related to the theft of water meters to SAPS, to assist with investigations and hold the responsible individuals accountable,’ said Alderman Limberg.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office