As many Capetonians seek alternative sources of water across the city, some problems have arisen at the Newlands spring located on the premises of the South African Breweries (SAB).

SAB said it was considering investing in additional infrastructure as water demand is growing, with many people queuing for long periods to gain access to water at the facility.

According to the Cape Argus, it received a tip-off that someone was collecting up to 2,000 litres of water on the premises, delaying and upsetting others in the queue.

John Stenslund, general manager at SAB, said they had received complaints about the abuse of water at the facility.

Stenslund said they have urged all members of the public “not to abuse this source of free water and to limit themselves to the maximum allowable limit of 25 litres a day”.

SAB has since installed CCTV cameras and added lighting on its premises as added security and a measure to monitor the situation.

SAB stipulated that water collected from the spring is to be used for as a source of potable water, and was not meant for commercial use. The company added that if anyone was found using the water for commercial purposes, they would be asked to show a water use authorisation permit issued by the national department of water and sanitation that allows for water collection from springs.

“If they don’t have such an authorisation, we will be forced to report them to the DWS, with possible consequences in terms of the act,” Stenslunde said.

The City of Cape Town took a decision in 2011 to allow the public access to this water source, which is currently used by the brewery to make beer. However, the business and agricultural sector was not included.

“Water is one of SAB’s key sustainable development priorities in planning for the future,” Stenslunde said. “It is critical that in this time of water shortage, this natural resource be used sparingly and responsibly.”

Source: IOL