Level 4 Water Restrictions

Below please find a copy of the notice e-mail received from Stellenbosch Municipality.

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As a result of the severe drought conditions and due to the State of Emergency declared by the Western Cape Government, Stellenbosch Municipality has decided to move to Level 4 Water Restriction conditions as well as Level 4 Water tariffs. New restrictions are hereby published for implementation on 1 June 2017, but it must also be noted that a new set of water consumption tariffs will be published by delivery of flyers to consumers as well as advertising these in local newspapers. New water tariffs, designed to drastically reduce water consumption, will become effective on 1 July 2017.

Stellenbosch Municipality has approved Level 4 Water Restrictions, effective from 1 June 2017 until further notice.

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

• No watering/ irrigation with municipal drinking water is allowed. This includes watering/irrigation of flower beds. lawns, vegetables, agricultural crops, other plants, sports fields, golf courses, schools, teaming institutions facilities, nurseries, parks and other open spaces. (Nurseries and customers involved in agricultural activities or with historical gardens may apply for exemption. See below for the application process.)
• Municipal departments may only irrigate sports fields, parks, etc. using non-drinking water and upon agreement of days and times with the Water Department.
• Facilities/customers making use of borehole water, treated effluent water, spring water or wellpoints are encouraged to only use boreholes on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00 for a maximum of one hour and not to water/irrigate within seven days after rainfall that provided adequate saturation.
• All boreholes and wellpoints must be registered with Stellenbosch Municipality and mustdisplay the official Stellenbosch Municipality signage clearly visible from a public thoroughfare.
• You are encouraged to flush toilets (manually using a bucket) with grey water, rainwater or other non-drinking water.
• All properties where alternative non-drinking water resources are used (including rain water harvesting, grey water re-use, treated effluent water and spring water) must display signage to this effect clearly visible from a public thoroughfare.
• No washing or hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal drinking water is allowed. (Users. such as abattoirs, food processing industries. care facilities, animal shelters and other industries or facilities with special needs may apply for exemption. See below for the application process.)
• The use of municipal drinking water for ornamental water fountains or water features is prohibited.

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

• No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats using municipal drinking water is allowed. These must be washed with non-drinking water such as borehole and grey water or waterless products.
• Customers are strongly encouraged to install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components.
• No topping up (manually or automatically) of swimming pools allowed, even if fitted with pool covers. This includes the filling of new pools or the refilling of an existing pool after a repair. The use of portable or any temporary play pools are prohibited.
• No increase of the indigent water allocation over and above the free 350 litres a day will be granted, unless through prior application and permission for specific events such as burial ceremonies.
• Maximum use of municipal drinking water, at 100 litres per person per day is strongly encouraged.

RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

• No washing of vehicles, trailers, caravans or boats with municipal drinking water allowed except where an exemption has been granted. This applies to both formal and informal car washes. Vehicles, trailers, caravans and boats should be washed with non-drinking water or waterless products. Exemption on application may be granted if water recycling is used in the washing process. (See below for the application process.)
• The use of fitted pool covers for public swimming pools is strongly encouraged where practically possible.
• No automatic top-up systems for swimming pools are allowed.
• The operation of spray parks is prohibited.
• Customers/facilities must install water efficient parts, fittings and technologies to minimise water use at all taps, showerheads and other plumbing components in public places and adhere to all relevant legislation, including municipal by-laws.
• Golf courses, sports facilities, parks, schools and learning institutions are not allowed to establish any new landscaping or sports fields, and existing facilities to be irrigated only with non-drinking water. For users supplied with water in terms of special contracts (notarial deeds. water service intermediaries or water service providers), the contract conditions shall apply. Know your water regulations. Visit our website www.stellenbosch.gov.za to obtain exemption forms. All exemptions grants under level 2 or level 3 restrictions are withdrawn with immediate effect and re-application will not be considered unless otherwise stated above.

Customers should note that water pressure may be reduced to below applicable regulations or standards requirements to limit water leaks and such may cause intermittent water supply. Note that the water situation is very critical and any possible savings should be followed in order to make the supply of water last as long as possible.

Afrikaans & Xhosa versions of this notice are available on request.