Members of the public have until January to submit their comments on the City of Cape Town’s draft Water Amendment By-law.

The City hopes the amended by-law will further enhance Cape Town’s ability to become a more water-sensitive and resilient city in the future.

The existing Water By-Law was amended in 2015 to ensure that it could adequately monitor and control water-related services and also to oversee the plumbing industry. However, due to the impact of the worst drought in recorded history the City says the by-law requires further amendments.

“The amendments attempt to address the City’s emphasis on proactive governance to better adapt to the New Normal, which recognises our position in a water-scarce region,” says Xanthea Limberg the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor.

“At its core, the amendments seek to move Cape Town towards becoming a more resilient, water-sensitive city. This is another action to ensure that we are able not only to survive droughts of the magnitude that we are currently experiencing, but that we can thrive despite intense droughts,” she adds.

Key proposals now include:

• reducing the demand on the municipal water supply by expanding the regulations on alternative water use and efficient plumbing fittings
• enhancing enforcement of the by-law in relation to plumbers within the metro
• strengthening the requirements for sub-metering on properties that have multiple accommodation units

Members of the public can view the proposed by-law at the City of Cape Town’s subcouncil offices or here. Comments may be sent to WaterPollution.Control@capetown.gov.za until 8 January 2018