Locals will now be allowed to irrigate their gardens using potable water and water-efficient methods as the city has implemented minor adjustments to the terms of Level 3 water restrictions.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Xanthea Limberg, says these irrigation methods can only be used at allocated times.
“Water-efficient irrigation methods using potable water are now allowed for a for a maximum of one hour on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays either before 9am or after 6pm,” she says.
Residents can use a sprinkler or hosepipe fitted with a self-closing nozzle on a Saturday.
Watering gardens using a bucket or watering can is still allowed, and watering hours are restricted to before 9am or after 6pm for one hour per day per property, regardless of the watering method used.
The restrictions have been slightly eased due to the dam water levels, which are standing higher than this time last year at just over 53%, compared to 24% the year before.
Various methods of water-efficient irrigation include:
– Dripper systems
– Drip-lines
– Soaker hose irrigation systems
– Sub-surface or direct-to-root irrigation methods are highly efficient and cost-effective.
The City says it is fulfilling the requests of local residents who would like to keep their gardens green.
“With the dams supplying the city being at a much healthier level when compared to the same period last year, we have been able to responsibly motivate for the call of residents to be heard.”
Limberg explains that although restrictions may been relaxed, locals are encouraged to keep using water wisely.
“While this aspect of Level 3 restrictions has been relaxed, residents are reminded that the need for ongoing restraint and adherence to daily consumption limits remain in place. The personal water use limit remains at 105 litres per person per day, and the City’s collective water usage target is 650-million litres per day.”
Locals can find more details about the changes to the Level 3 water restrictions here.
