Help plug Day Zero

CaPE TOWN

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is working with the City of Cape Town to relieve the drought in the Western Cape, the worst one it has had in a decade.

According to the DWS there has been insufficient rainfall and dam levels are on the decline.

This has forced authorities to put strict measures in place to prolong a probable Day Zero, when taps could run dry.

The City of Cape Town is implementing level 6B restrictions. This means that there is a daily limit of 50 litres of water or less per person, whether at home, work, school or elsewhere.

While the city is focusing all of its efforts on beating back Day Zero, it said it needs to be prepared for a scenario where it can take control of the city’s water supply to prolong it into winter.

“We will shut off supply to taps when our dams reach a collective level of 13,5 per cent. Once dam levels reach 13,5 per cent, they will begin to shut down the reticulation system, except to key commercial areas and institutions, such as hospitals,” said the city in a statement.

Once this happens, residents will be able to access water from collection points across the city. Each resident will be allocated 25 litres of water a day.

The city has activated its Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) to execute its Water Disaster Plan, which will take effect in the event of Day Zero.

Boreholes

The city has strongly discouraged the outdoor use of boreholes and said usage for irrigation purposes will be limited to a maximum of one hour only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, before 9am and after 6pm.

“Borehole/wellpoint water use must be metered and all users are required to keep records and have these available for inspection,” the city said.

It added that residents must get permission from the DWS if they want to sell or buy borehole/wellpoint water.

As part of government’s efforts to manage water usage, the DWS said authorities are putting stringent measures in place to ensure that the restricted allocation of water is adhered to.

The city is also working with a law enforcement team and Special Investigating Unit to enforce compliance.

Taking steps against culprits

The department recently conducted a joint blitz with the city, focusing on unlawful water activities in Mfuleni.

The operation sought to address all current water contraventions and compliance to the water restrictions, and particularly targeted informal car washes.

“In terms of the city’s level 6B restrictions, municipal potable water cannot be used for washing cars. Informal car washes consume a lot of water. A number of car wash owners use stand pipes to run their businesses, and others use water from their taps,” the department said.

Although there are many dedicated water ambassadors who are working to help avoid Day Zero, the city has called on its citizens to play their role in saving water.

“We need all water users to join the efforts of Team Cape Town,” said City of Cape Town Deputy Mayor Ian Neilson.