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Capetonians still not adhering to water-saving instructions

The City of Cape Town is concerned about a recent spike in water usage by residents, despite the Western Cape still experiencing severe drought.

Dam storage levels are at 23.1%. With the last 10% of a dam’s water mostly not being useable, dam levels are effectively at 13.1%.

According to the city, consumption has again shot up and is 40 million litres per day above the target of 600 million litres per day.

“Members of the public are advised not to relax their water-saving efforts. Since 6th June 2017, when the recent big storm made landfall, and including subsequent spells of rain, dam levels have only increased by about 3.7%. Clearly, the drought crisis continues as dam levels are critically lower than usual at the start of the winter,” the city said.

Level four water restrictions remain in place indefinitely over the long-term and could be intensified if warranted.

The city has appealed to the courts for tougher action to assist with the tackling non-compliance of water restrictions. The maximum spot fine for a contravention has been raised to R5 000, rising to R10 000 or even a prison sentence for serious or repeat offences as per the new fine schedule for Level four restrictions.

“All consumers must continue to use less than 100 litres per person per day in total, whether at work, home, school or elsewhere,” said the City’s MMC for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.

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