Respect use of water

NOVEMBER is Enforcement Month. To mark Enforcement Month, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Blue Scorpions are carrying out routine inspections across the Western Cape to ensure water users are legal and complying with the National Water Act 36 of 1998.

The Blue Scorpions is the core regulatory component within the DWS that was established to ensure the protection of all water resources in the country, as well as the enforcement of all water and sanitation laws and regulations. The Blue Scorpions in the Western Cape have made strides in dealing with non-compliance – in some instances imposing hefty fines to offenders.

South Africa is among the 30 driest countries in the world. The Western Cape is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in modern history. This drought has encouraged many to explore alternative resources for water security.

Some of the most common behaviours (water uses) during this drought are people:

Drilling boreholes (using this groundwater is a water use, but there are limits associated to the allowable volumes)

Constructing walls, weirs that must be authorised Diverting streams or rivers. Taking water from the river or wetland for gardening, to wash their cars or for construction or any other purpose (know the limits associated to this water use).

Given the water challenges gripping the country, the department will prosecute unlawful water use.

We appeal to all water users to act in a responsible manner and respect the use of water during this drought period. Malusi Rayi Department of Water and Sanitation