SUMMARY GUIDE TO THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF …

This booklet gives you a summarised guide to the safe installation and connection of alternative water systems, and use of alternative water. See the full version of the guidelines for more information.

SUMMARY GUIDE TO THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF ALTERNATIVE WATER SYSTEMS

04 Introduction

08 Safe use of alternative water

06 Applying to use alternative water and install systems

CONTENTS

Summary guide to the installation and use of alternative water systems 3

The responsible use of alternative water sources helps reduce the quantity of municipal water drawn from our dams, especially in times of drought. Alternative water also forms part of the City’s water resilience drive, as we face a future of uncertain rainfall. However, there are important regulations in place that you need to be aware of.

Alternative water may contain pathogens, bacteria and harmful substances that can contaminate the municipal drinking-quality water if it comes into contact with it. If you don’t put the correct measures in place, you can possibly contaminate the water on your property and also the municipal water supply in your area. Alternative water can pose serious human health and environmental risks, which need to be avoided.

This booklet gives you summary information about the safe installation of alternative water systems for irrigation or where they are plumbed into the water installation of a building, and the subsequent use of the water collected/extracted. For the full Guidelines for the Installation of Alternative Water Systems, visit http://cct.gov.za/AIBNl

INTRODUCTION

City of Cape Town4

Please note that you are fully responsible for all consequences that may result from using any water that is not drinking-quality water as supplied by the City of Cape Town (the City).


APPLYING TO INSTALL, CONNECT AND USE ALTERNATIVE WATER SYSTEMS

You need to get approval from the City and/or the national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) if you wish to use alternative water and/or install an alternative water system, according to national legislation and the City’s Water By-law. In particular, those systems that are intended to be connected to a water installation, which creates the risk of alternative water flowing into the City’s water supply network.

The table on the next page summarises what approval, authorisation and licensing is needed for different sources of alternative water.

NB: If an alternative water system is installed, you have to submit an application and obtain a Certificate of Approval from a registered plumber. To find a plumber registered with the City, visit www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater

City of Cape Town6

ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE

FROM NATIONAL DWS

FROM CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Rainwater N/A • Approval for

installation

Groundwater

If beyond ‘reasonable’ domestic use as described in Schedule 1, then General Authorisation or Water Use Licence applies

• Registration of boreholes/wellpoints

• Approval for installation

Basement water

If beyond use permitted by Schedule 1 use, then General Authorisation or Water Use Licence applies


Surface water

If beyond use permitted by Schedule 1 use, then General Authorisation or Water Use Licence applies

• Permission to abstract stormwater


Greywater N/A • Approval for

installation

Treated effluent – from City

Registration as a water user



It’s imperative to take safety precautions when you install an alternative water system into a building, or use it for irrigation, including in sports fields, play parks etc.

Install a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer valve (or alternatively an ‘air gap’ tank) so that the municipal drinking water supply in your area cannot be contaminated.

The quality of an alternative water source, and how it is stored and managed, is key to where/ how it can be used. Test your alternative water at a SANAS-accredited laboratory first, and compare the results with the 1996 national water quality guidelines. Treatment may be needed.

Alternative water can be used to flush toilets and for a few other uses, with required permission and quality. However, you are not allowed to drink alternative water or use it for ablution (body washing) and cooking (or food preparation) due to the potential health risks it poses. The only exceptions for this are a few consumers which contract with the City to operate as a Water Service Intermediary, under strict criteria and conditions.

SAFE USE OF ALTERNATIVE WATER

City of Cape Town8

Discharge of used alternative water or any effluent generated must be directed to the correct place. Any discharge or overflow from your alternative water system containing harmful chemicals or substances should be directed to the sewer system for treatment/neutralisation at the City’s wastewater treatment works, provided that it is within the prescribed limits stipulated in the City’s Wastewater and Industrial Effluent By-law. Overflows from tanks containing untreated rainwater should be directed to stormwater drainage.

‘Do not drink’ warning signs must be placed at the property’s main thoroughfare (i.e. at the entrance gate) and the point(s) of use, and all pipes that are used in the alternative water system also need to be colour-coded. (See the full guideline documents for the colours required.)


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ay b

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ason

ally

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urn

it in

to a

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fter t

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ound

ary

wal

l and

bef

ore

the

RPZ

valv

e ba

ck-fl

ow p

reve

nter

.


For water and sanitation-related issues you can reach the City through any one of these channels:

• Online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests

• Email [email protected]

• SMS 31373 (maximum of 160 characters)

• C all 0860 103 089

• V isit a Customer Interaction Centre – for the complete list, see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities

Stick to one of these channels for a faster response, and always get a reference number.

SUMMARY GUIDE TO THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF …

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