The City of Cape Town is tightening its water-waster curbing methods, and will soon install throttling devices on the properties of the city’s biggest water wasters.

The city’s Director for Water and Sanitation has issued a directive to all consumers to adhere to Level 4b water restrictions, and to install water management devices on premises where the water usage is unjustifiably excessive with respect to the restriction level.

“Engagements will continue with excessive users and letters will be sent to them soon. Where they cannot reasonably explain the need for the excessive use, in accordance with Level 4b restrictions, we will restrict the water flowing to their property,” the city said.

“There is definitely room to save more water, especially if one looks at the high users. So many of our residents are super-savers and of course they must please continue to think of creative ways to save more water. Many households have repaired leaks on their properties following our direct engagements with them, but for those who continue to ignore our warnings and the law, we will be limiting their supply,” said the city’s Mayor, Patricia de Lille.

The notice issued by the city is as follows:

PUBLIC NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 36 (1) OF THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN WATER BY-LAW, 2010 Notice given by the Director: Water and Sanitation of the City of Cape Town on the 5th day of July 2017 In view of the ongoing drought situation, it is imperative for all consumers to adhere to the Level 4b water restrictions and to limit consumption of municipal drinking water to 87 litres per person per day, cumulatively wherever you are, from the date of publication of this notice. This notice accordingly serves as a directive to that effect. Notice is furthermore given that in the event of non-compliance with this notice, the City will, in terms of Section 36(4) of the aforesaid by-law, in its discretion, install water management devices at premises upon which non-compliance with this notice is occurring.

“This is part of the city’s ongoing proactive drought management interventions, along with increasing its large-scale pressure reduction programmes across Cape Town to force down consumption. Other emergency interventions are under way,” the city said.