In these times of water restrictions, with level 6b water restrictions coming into play from 1st February. The City of Cape Town has gone live with it’s Water Usage Map and have made this available online for the general public to peruse.
The importance of this map is not to name and shame residents but to make the public aware of which areas in and around the City are considered high water usage areas.
What areas are covered?
The Map covers the areas within the boundaries as shown below stretching as far as Atlantis, Mamre, Malmsbury Farms, Joostenberg Vlakte, Kraaifontein, Brakenfell, Kuils River, Eerste River, Stellenbosch, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Gordons Bay.
The data only shows the water usage of free hold houses with an estimated 4 people per house, not complexes, flats, squatter camps or the like. The map markers and ledged covers actual usage, zero or no data and estimated data.
Where does the information come from?
The information shown on the map is based on the municipal billing system, and may in actual fact differ from what the actual usage is due to various reasons including water leaks, meter malfunctions, meter reading errors and other errors.
Did you know?
If there are more than four people living on your property, you need to apply to increase your water quota otherwise you could face hefty fines and have a compulsory water management device fitted at your own cost.Who is responsible for saving water?
Each and every one of us is responsible for saving water. The daily usage limit is 50 litres per person across home, work, school, gym or elsewhere. For a guide on household usage click here.
Below is a glance at what the Harfield Village Area looks like.
Dark Green dot < 6 Actual
Light Green dot < 10.5 Actual
Grey dot = Zero/No data
Grey dot with a Dark Green centre < 6 Estimate
Grey dot with a Light Green centre < 10.5 Estimate
Why is it important to save water?
While the City has put in place a means to obtain water from various additional sources we still need to cut our water consumption drastically otherwise we will hit “Day Zero”, which is currently scheduled for 12 April 2018. This date may be pushed out further towards the end of February as the City brings some additional water saving systems online. Find out more about Day Zero here.
Click here to launch the map
How does the Water Map work?
At a glance:
Once on the Water Map Home Page icons and links to assist you in finding your location.
On the left-hand side:
A search bar:
Insert your address or area here to zoom directly to your house, building or area
+ / - Buttons:
These are to zoom in and zoom out of the map to find your location
The House Icon:
Is to see the default view
Square icon:
Is to automatically detect your location
On the right-hand side:
FAQ’s:
A link to a page that showcases the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding the map
Question Mark Icon:
Provides “Help” on some basic information regarding the Water Map of Cape Town.
The Layers Icon:
Allows you to select what information is shown on the map including Water Use, Water Zones, Treatment Effluent Collection Areas and more.
Legend Icon:
Offers the key to the map layers that you have selected.
The City has a 24 page document that explains how the map works in much more detail, should you wish to see more please click here.
#WatershedWednesday
The World Wildlife Fund has started a #WatershedWednesday campaign they publish great articles on a weekly basis providing the latest stats and water shortage information. Follow the link to find great tips to save water and prepare for day zero.
* Information correct as of 27 January 2018
Norgarb Properties.
