Further water restrictions for domestic and commercial users have been implemented in Cape Town. This is according to a statement from Mayor Patricia de Lille. She further added that the restrictions would include an increased strict monitoring as well as pressure management.
The level 5 water restrictions come with other implications. For instance, there is now a new emphasis on capping excessive water use at the domestic household level. The commercial sector is also going to face additional restrictions.
Furthermore, the managers of commercial properties are to ensure a 20% reduction in their monthly consumption of municipal water. This is to come into action with immediate effect. On the other hand, the cap on individual domestic property usage is now at 20kl per month. This is as far as domestic usage is concerned.
Fines
Failure to adhere to the set rules will lead to a high fine to the property owner. The fines should fall in the region of $385 to $770m, subject to the Chief Magistrate’s final word. De Lille said the original upper limit of 87 litres per person and the overall collective target of 500m litres per day in the city remained.
As of last week, consumption stood at 599 million litres per day. De Lille also noted the need to get used to using less water. This is with regard to the winter rainfall season which is coming to an end within the next three to four weeks ushering in summer season.
She said that over the last year, all water users, except commercial property, had shown a decrease. This category included offices and small businesses but not industrial properties. Commercial water users are advised to install water-efficient plumbing fittings and saving devices in a bid to reduce consumption.
