Cape Town dam levels down to 90.7%

THE total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Town metro decreased by 1.9% in the last week to 90.7%.

Daily water consumption for the same period increased to 754 million litres per day, compared to 712 million litres the week before.

At the same time last year, dam levels were at 75%.

“Residents are reminded that while water restrictions were lifted from November 1, 2020... permanent regulations in the City’s Water By-law still apply,” the City said.

For outdoor water use and groundwater, watering is only allowed before 9am or after 6pm to avoid evaporation losses in the heat of the day.

This applies to watering with municipal drinking water, and is also recommended for alternative water such as borehole and well-point water.

Automated sprinkler systems must be able to be correctly positioned and be able to be adjusted to prevent water wastage.

Hosepipes used for watering or washing vehicles, boats and caravans (when permitted) must be fitted with a controlling device such as a spray nozzle or automatic self-closing device.

No hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water is allowed.

Water users, such as abattoirs, food-processing industries, care facilities, animal shelters and other industries or facilities with special needs (health/safety related only) must apply for exemption.

Outdoor taps, except those on residential properties, must be secured to prevent unauthorised use, the City said.

It added that alternative water sources like boreholes and well-point water should be used sparingly and efficiently.

The maximum flow rate of any tap installed at a washbasin may not exceed six litres per minute and new or replaced toilet cisterns may not exceed six litres in capacity.

All swimming pools must be covered by a pool cover to avoid evaporation when not in use with automatic top up systems using a float valve fed from a municipal drinking water source to supply swimming pools and garden ponds, not allowed.

Commercial car wash industries must comply with industry best-practice norms regarding water usage.

For more information on new water sources, guidelines around alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks, as well as tariff information, please visit http://www. capetown.gov.za/thinkwater.