Cape Town’s Strategy for Fair Water Distribution to Needy Residents

The The City of Cape Town provides 15,000 litres of water per month to registered needy citizens to promote equal access to water resources. Responsible water usage advice is also provided to encourage wise use. The City has a zero tolerance policy for tampering and unauthorized interference with the water supply system. The City encourages homeowners with large households or health needs to apply for an increased water fee.

How does Cape Town ensure fair water distribution for poor residents?

The City of Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate provides a monthly water allocation of 15,000 litres to registered indigent citizens to promote equal access to water resources. Responsible water consumption advice is also provided to encourage sensible use. The City encourages homeowners with large households or health needs to apply for an increased water allowance. The City has a zero tolerance policy towards tampering and unauthorised interference with the water supply system.

In a concerted effort to promote equal access to water resources, the Water and Sanitation Directorate in the City of Cape Town has instituted a policy that provides a free monthly water release of 15,000 litres (15kl) to registered indigent citizens. This policy covers approximately 230,225 homeowners in Cape Town who meet the indigent classification. The allocation of 15kl also takes into account sanitation, which allows for up to 10,500 litres of wastewater.

Advice on responsible water consumption

However, the city is asking these beneficiaries to demonstrate sensible water use and strictly adhere to the pre-established limit. This advice is based on worrying data collected at the end of June 2024, which shows that 23.1% of recipients exceeded the 15kl threshold, with usage skyrocketing to 40kl in certain situations.

The consequences of excessive use are significant. Cape Town has an orderly method of dealing with excessive water consumption. A warning letter is sent expeditiously to the customer when domestic use exceeds the limit for two consecutive months, advising them to reduce their water consumption. If the customer ignores this warning after the fourth consecutive month of exceedance, a supply restriction will follow. This does not mean a complete shutdown, but a reduced pressure, provided in a trickle.

Applications for increased water allowance

To avoid potential restrictions, the City is encouraging homeowners to apply for an increased water allowance at the City of Cape Town Municipal Walk-in centre. This proposal applies to households with more than 10 residents or households with specific health needs.

Indigent consumers are also advised to report any private leaks that may increase consumption immediately. If the customer has not previously used the City’s Indigent Leak Repair Program, the City will make the necessary repairs.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, the directorate sent warning letters to 47,816 indigent consumers for exceeding their water limits. The city subsequently placed 21,579 of these customers on regulated supply. Areas with high incidents included Langa, Philippi (Brown’s Farm), Dunoon, Hanover Park and Gugulethu.

Consequences of manipulation and illegal reconnection

The city also struggles with an ongoing problem of interference and illegal reconnection of the water supply. This often occurs when the supply to a home is cut off due to unpaid bills, leading to illegal removal of the restriction or illegal establishment of a direct connection. There are also cases of meter manipulation with the aim of manipulating or lowering meter readings.

Where there is suspicion that a poor resident’s property has been tampered with, the City has a procedure in place that involves a thorough investigation to validate the tampering, collecting evidence, repairing or replacing the meter if it has been tampered with, serving a notice of tampering on the property owner and imposing a fine of R5000 on the registered owner’s account.

This robust process aims to moderate water use by sanctioned indigent customers and promote responsible water consumption. The City has a zero tolerance policy towards tampering and illegal reconnections. Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, emphasises the importance of conserving water and using allocations responsibly.

Once a restrictor disk is implanted in a meter, it provides a base allocation of 6,000 litres per month, in accordance with South Africa’s national water standards. This disk remains in place for 12 months, after which the flow is restored to 15,000 litres per month. The City’s Water By-law (Section 19: Interference with the Water Supply System) strictly prohibits any unauthorised interference or tampering with the City’s water supply infrastructure.

In summary, water is a valuable resource that requires wise use. By complying with the guidelines and legislation set by the City, residents can make a substantial contribution to water conservation initiatives and help secure Cape Town’s collective water future.

1. How much is the monthly water allowance for registered needy citizens in Cape Town?

The City of Cape Town provides 15,000 litres of water per month to registered needy citizens to promote equal access to water resources.

2. How does Cape Town encourage responsible water use?

The city educates needy citizens about responsible water consumption to encourage them to use water wisely. In addition, the city has a zero-tolerance policy towards manipulation and unauthorized interference with the water supply system.

3. Can homeowners with a large household or with a need for care apply for a higher water allowance?

Yes, the City encourages homeowners with large households or medical needs to apply for an increased water allowance at the City of Cape Town Municipal Walk-in Centre.

4. What happens if a household exceeds the monthly water allocation of 15,000 liters?

If a household exceeds the monthly water allotment of 15,000 liters for two consecutive months, the city will send a warning letter to the customer advising them to limit their water usage. If the customer ignores this warning after the fourth consecutive month of exceedance, a supply restriction will follow.

5. How does Cape Town deal with manipulation and unauthorised interference in the water supply network?

The City has a zero tolerance policy towards tampering and unauthorised interference with the water supply system. Where tampering is suspected, the City will investigate, gather evidence, repair or replace the meter if tampered, issue a tampering notice to the property owner and impose a tampering fine of R5000 on the registered owner’s account.

6. What is the purpose of the restriction disk in the meter and how long does it remain in place?

The restriction disk provides a base allocation of 6,000 litres per month in line with South Africa’s national water standards. This remains in place for 12 months, after which the flow is restored to 15,000 litres per month.