Cape Town’s dam levels have fallen to a concerning 59% of capacity, while Western Cape dam levels now stand at 51%, prompting the City to intensify water by-law enforcement across the metro.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s water inspectorate has increased inspections throughout the summer season to regulate excessive water use as the region faces below-average rainfall and rising demand.
During December 2025 and January 2026, water inspectors visited numerous areas including Sandown, Parklands, Bergvliet, Brackenfell South, Somerset West, Tokai, Monte Vista, Heathfield, Gordons Bay, Ottery, Groot Phesantekraal View and Brackenfell South.
The inspections target water wastage on both private and municipal properties, leaks on City infrastructure and private properties, illegal water connections, and violations of the Water By-law’s Schedule 1 permanent restrictions. These restrictions prohibit dampening building sand with potable water and hosing down hard surfaces or paved areas.
Inspectors are also checking that swimming pools are covered when not in use to prevent evaporation, and distributing pamphlets at houses and shopping malls to raise awareness about current dam levels and water-wise initiatives.
Residents found violating the by-law face spot fines ranging from R1 500 to R5 000 for each transgression.
In the coming weeks, inspections will extend to Uitzicht in 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.
“Checking properties for compliance with the City’s Water By-laws is one of several measures aimed at reducing water wastage,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The enforcement efforts are supported by ongoing programmes including leak detection across the water supply network, annual pipe replacement and pressure management.
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Residents receive a knock-and-drop letter prior to inspections informing them of the visit. City officials wear City-branded attire and carry official identity tags, which residents can verify by contacting the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.
Teams use the GIS mapping system to identify properties with swimming pools to ensure they have appropriate covers.
The City is calling on all residents to minimise their water usage. Currently residents are in total using more than 1 000 megalitres of water per day, while the target is 975 megalitres per day.
“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,” Councillor Badroodien said.
Badroodien further stated that the City is working tirelessly to enforce the Water By-law of 2010 and its 2018 amendment as it aims to keep daily water consumption down.
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