The City of Cape Town has called on residents to save water in the light of the soaring summer temperatures, the city’s Water Demand Management Services said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Danie Kloppers said the city had passed two new by-laws this year aimed at promoting permanent good water-management practices in anticipation of the long-term effects of global warming.
”The two by-laws prohibit residents from watering their gardens between 10am and 4pm.
”They cannot sell water without prior written permission or special agreement,” said Kloppers.
In terms of the by-laws, potable water may not be used to damp building sand and other building material to prevent it from being blown away.
Hosepipes must be fitted with automatic, self-closing devices and the maximum flow rate from a tap installed in a wash hand basin may not exceed six litres a minute.
”Major water users — those using more than 3 650 kilolitres a year — excluding multiple dwellers’ units, must undertake an annual water audit.”
Kloppers said commercial car-wash industries must recycle a minimum of 50% of the water they use.
Those who did not comply would be fined.
”We call on all residents and visitors to conserve this valuable resource while there is still something to be saved,” he said.
Cape Town’s dams are 84$ full, but with soaring summer temperatures, water demand is at its highest.
He urged residents to report any water wastage, pollution and any other non-compliance with the by-laws to the water services technical operations centre on 0860 103 054. — Sapa