City of Cape Town Link

Water and sanitation compliance

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Alternative water systems</h2></span> <p>We promote the responsible use of alternative water sources which can help reduce the quantity of water drawn from our dams. However, the installation of alternative water systems needs to be well managed and regulated to prevent possible contamination of the municipal drinking water system. </p><p>You need to apply for permission from the City before you install or use an alternative water system.</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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/apply-to-install-and-use-an-alternative-water-system">Apply to install and use an alternative water system</a><br><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/apply-to-sink-a-borehole-or-wellpoint-or-use-an-alternative-source-of-water">Apply to sink a borehole or wellpoint</a></p></div></div> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Certificate of Compliance of Water Installation on Transfer of Ownership </h2></span> <p>To help prevent illegal water connections and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/keep-our-sewers-free-of-stormwater">stormwater ingress</a>, a Certificate of Compliance for existing water installations must be submitted <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Commercial-utility-services/Commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/Find-an-accredited-plumber-in-cape-town">by a qualified, registered plumber </a>before any property in Cape Town can be transferred to a new owner.</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/apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Submit-a-certificate-of-compliance-of-water-installation">Submit a certificate of compliance of water installation</a><span style="color:#424242;"></span><span style="color:#424242;"></span></p></div></div></span></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Private isolation valves and sub-metering</h2><p>Owners of properties with multiple residential, commercial or industrial units are <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Directive_to_install_sub-metering_systems%2005102018.pdf" target="_blank">required to install private isolation valves and meters </a>for each unit. This ensures that water is used efficiently and prevents wastage. </p><p>In exceptional cases, where this is not possible due to the plumbing layout of your property, an exemption from these requirements may be granted.</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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/apply-for-exemption-from-private-isolation-valves-and-sub-metering">Apply for exemption from private isolation valves and sub-metering</a></p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Private water logging devices</h2><p>A private water logging device installed on your property’s water meter will help you monitor your water use in real time. However, as the water meter is the property of the City of Cape Town, you will need to apply for permission to do so.</p><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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/apply-for-private-logging-on-city-of-cape-town-meter">Apply for private logging on City of Cape Town meter</a> </p></div></div> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Sanitation tariffs</h2></span> <p>In <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">formal housing</a>, tariffs are based on how much water you use, which we can calculate by reading your water meter and adding a fixed charge. <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/water-and-sanitation-services-for-businesses">Business and most organisations </a>are charged a flat tariff per kl of water used. In special cases, the City may adjust the percentage rate at which your sanitation is charged. </p><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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Apply-for-a-sanitation-charge-adjustment">Apply for a sanitation charge adjustment </a></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Treated effluent</h2><p>Industrial effluent, if not properly managed, has the potential to damage the municipal sewer system, disrupt wastewater treatment processes and harm the natural environment. Businesses that produce industrial effluent need to apply for permission to <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/disposing-of-industrial-effluent">dispose of it</a>.</p><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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Apply-to-discharge-industrial-effluent">Apply to discharge industrial effluent</a></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Water restrictions</h2><p>All water users are encouraged to save water and adhere to <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/water-restrictions-explained">water restrictions</a>, but exemption is approved in special circumstances.</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/Apply/Municipal-services/Water-and-sanitation/Apply-for-exemption-from-water-restrictions">Apply for exemption from water restrictions</a></p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Report water offences</h2><p>Help us save water by reporting water-related offences:</p><ul><li>Call <em> <a>086 010 3089</a></em> (choose option 2: water-related faults)</li><li> <em>Email <a href="mailto:water@capetown.gov.za">water@capetown.gov.za</a></em> </li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Municipal-services-and-maintenance/Submit-a-service-request/Submit%20a%20service%20request%20online">Online through our Service Request Tool</a></li><li>SMS <em> <a>31373</a></em> (free SMSes do not apply)</li></ul>

An overview of permissions and additional compliance relating to water and sanitation.