The City of Cape Town has approved the implementation of tougher water restrictions from tomorrow, 1 February. Among others, the use of potable water for non-essential use will be further restricted.
The Level 3b restrictions come as a result of the severe drought being experienced and the repeated failure to reach the intended water savings target of 800 million litres of collective water used per day. The approval of the 3b fine schedule by the Magistrates’ Court is expected to be in place shortly. A higher amount for spot fines of R5 000 has been proposed as part of the fine schedule.
Differences between Level 3 and 3b restrictions:
Watering/irrigation (with drinking water from municipal supply) of gardens, lawns, flower beds and other plants, vegetable gardens, sports fields, parks and other open spaces is allowed only if using a bucket or watering can. No use of hosepipes or automatic sprinkler systems is allowed. Watering times are not restricted, however, and residents are urged to limit their watering to the mornings and evenings. Watering/irrigation (with municipal drinking water) of flower beds, lawns, vegetables and other plants, sports fields, parks and other open spaces is allowed only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00 for a maximum of one hour per day per property, and only if using a bucket or watering can. No use of hosepipes or any sprinkler systems allowed.
No watering/irrigation is allowed within 24 hours of rainfall, which provides adequate saturation. Washing (using potable water) of vehicles is allowed if using a bucket.
No washing of vehicles using municipal drinking water is allowed at residential/business or industrial properties. Vehicles and boats must be washed with non-potable water at a commercial carwash.
For further information, residents should please visit our water restrictions page on the website www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater.
