National Water Week: March 18 - 24, 2013

Water is precious – human beings cannot survive without it. In South Africa, it is also a scarce resource. Locally, laws have been put in place to deter people from wasting valuable water.

The City of Cape Town announced a number of water by-laws in 2010. There have been some recent additions, but these are the most important things to know about the by-laws, and how they affect you:

• Nobody may water a garden (or indeed any grassed areas) using potable (purified, drinkable) water between the hours of 10h00 and 16h00.
• Nobody may hose a hard-surfaced or paved area with potable water without prior permission from the City’s Water Director.
• Water-saving devices, such as low-flow shower heads and tap fittings, and efficient toilet flush systems, must be included in all new buildings and developments within the city.
• No toilet cistern may exceed 9,5l in capacity.
• Automatic top-up systems using a float valve fed from a potable water source to supply swimming pools and garden ponds are not allowed.
• Major water users, using over 3 650kl of water per year (such as businesses and industry, but not including multiple dwelling units) must undertake an annual water audit.

You can also visit the Frogs: Beyond the Pond exhibit to learn more about the city’s water by-laws – make a stop by the giant tap for more info (or click on the picture above).

There are a number of events happening this month around the theme of saving water – check out the city’s events calendar to find out more.

Other useful resources include this handy list of water-saving tips, which include ways to save water in your kitchen, bathroom, business and school.

Lastly, check out the city’s Smart Living Handbook – packed to the brim with practical tips on making sustainable living a reality in Cape Town homes.

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