A better alternative for the collection of water
New site in Newlands far more equipped to cope with demand
WITH more residents making an effort to use alternatively sourced water, the springs at Kildare Road (Springs Way) and South African Breweries (SAB) in Newlands saw a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic over the past year or so.
This resulted in unsustainable levels of congestion on the narrow residential roadways, and associated challenges emerged in the form of traffic incidents, scuffles between water collectors, and general health and safety concerns. Law Enforcement officials were required to be stationed there to ensure peace and the smooth running of the collections, and this meant that they were taken away from other areas that would have benefited from their presence and involvement.
The City took note of the call for a more formal, efficient system at a site that was better equipped to cope with the demand, and constructed a new spring-water collection point on the northern side of the Newlands Swimming Pool, with assistance from AB InBev.
This new site has good public access for pedestrians and for the parking of vehicles, and offers better facilities – including closeable taps which minimise wastage.
To steer the water collectors towards the new site, and also because water pressure at the new site would not be sufficient without doing so, the City closed the informal collection point at the Kildare Road site last month.
The City had to make difficult decisions and weigh up various factors, but we believe that this was the best intervention to prevent traffic accidents and pedestrians getting knocked over.
It is important that we adapt to increasing demands that render an existing system inadequate.
We recognise that there is a much valued sense of community enjoyed by those who collect spring water, and we trust that this will remain the case at the new site, which is located approximately 1km from Kildare Road.
The new site was blessed on May 22 during an interfaith ceremony, with representatives from all major faith groups in attendance. We urge residents to make use of this new and better-equipped site in future.
Spring water, like all water, is a national resource which is regulated by the National Department of Water and Sanitation, and the City works closely with this national department on how best to utilise and manage the springs. The City has an obligation to ensure compliance with legislation like the National Water Act, and to ensure that water resources are used in a way that benefits all Capetonians. Unlimited usage is not sustainable.
By law, a proportion of the water has to flow into the river system as it forms a vital part of the natural water cycle and the environment. In this case, it will flow into the Liesbeek River. The City intends to use any spring water in excess of this legislated ecological “reserve” to feed into the bulk water supply system.
The new site has 16 taps in a formal structure which has a platform for containers to stand on, and a drainage system. It is open seven days a week from 5am to 11pm, and has been provided with lighting and public toilets. More taps and longer opening hours are being considered. The water comes from the same source as the spring at Kildare Road.
Residents are reminded that the spring water is not treated water, and it is used at the residents’ own risk. This water is not for commercial use, and may not be sold. Our staff will monitor the site and act on municipal transgressions should they arise.
The City thanks spring water-collectors for their co-operation and for saving municipal tap water.
Please be courteous and give everyone a fair chance when collecting water. We urge those who arrive with multiple containers to have consideration for others and to go to the end of the queue after filling up a container before filling up the next ones.