The Water Pollution Control Inspectors are set to start their operations in the area on 1 September and the operation will likely continue into early next year.

These incorrect plumbing installations contribute to sewer overflows, which can create environmental and health risks. 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. 

​​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.

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.

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.

‘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.

‘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 Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Log water and sanitation service requests

Report vandalism damages, sewer blockages, missing drain covers, burst pipes, leaks and water wastage using one of the following channels (Please provide the street address, and get a reference number):