City water inspectors have ramped up their efforts to ensure residents and businesses are adhering to the Water By-law of 2010 and the 2018 by-law amendment, amid dwindling dam levels and an expected drier-than-usual winter.
As of 2 February 2026, the collective capacity of dams that supply the Metro with water is at 60% on average, compared to 80% the same time in 2025.
Throughout the summer season, the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s Water Inspectorate has increased its checks across Cape Town to deter excessive water use.
During December 2025 and January 2026, water inspectors visited Sandown, Parklands, Bergvliet, Brackenfell South, Somerset West, Tokai, Monte Vista, Heathfield, Gordons Bay, Ottery, Groot Phesantekraal View and Brackenfell South.
The aim is to check for, amongst others, water wastage, both private and municipal, leaks on City infrastructure as well as on private properties, illegal water connections, and keeping swimming pools covered to avoid evaporation when not in use.
The Water By-law Schedule 1 cites permanent restrictions, which include the restrictions on dampening building sand or other building material and hosing down hard surfaces or paved areas with potable water.
Inspectors also ensure that residents and businesses are aware of the current dam levels and water-wise initiatives by distributing pamphlets at houses and shopping malls.
Transgressors can be issued a spot fine ranging from R1500 to R5000 each time they are found violating the by-law.
In the upcoming weeks, these inspections will take place in Uitzicht (Durbanville), Westlake Business Park, Parow Industrial, Somerset West, Plumstead, Goodwood, Belgravia, Meadowridge, Constantia, Table View, and shopping centres in Somerset West, Sea Point, Table View, Cape Gate and Kenilworth.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says prior to the visits, residents will receive a knock-and-drop letter informing them of the inspection taking place in their area.
Teams will check the GIS mapping system to check which properties have a swimming pool, and those residents will be visited to ensure their swimming pool has an appropriate cover.
City officials will be wearing City attire (hat and CCT-branded t-shirt) and will carry their official City identity tag. Residents can verify this by contacting the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.
“Cape Town, we are in this together. We have done it before, and I am confident we can do it again. Let’s work together to reduce non-essential outdoor water use and remain below the 975 million litres per day usage target. Thank you to all residents who are already complying.”
