Residents and businesses in several Cape Town suburbs can expect visits from water inspectors in the coming weeks, as the City steps up efforts to curb water wastage during the summer season.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate says its Water Inspectorate has increased inspections across the metro to enforce the Water By-law and discourage excessive water use, as demand rises and rainfall remains below average.
Cape Town areas on the list
During December 2025 and January 2026, water inspectors carried out checks in several areas, including:
Sandown, Parklands, Bergvliet, Brackenfell South, Somerset West, Tokai, Monte Vista, Heathfield, Gordon’s Bay, Ottery, Groot Phesantekraal View and Brackenfell South.
In the coming weeks, inspections are planned for the following areas:
Uitzicht (Durbanville), Westlake Business Park, Parow Industrial, Somerset West, Plumstead, Goodwood, Belgravia, Meadowridge, Constantia and Table View.
Inspectors will also visit shopping centres in Somerset West, Sea Point, Table View, Cape Gate and Kenilworth.
What inspectors will be checking
According to the City, inspections focus on compliance with the Water By-law and include checks for:
- Water wastage on both private and municipal property
- Leaks on City infrastructure and private properties
- Illegal water connections
- Compliance with permanent water restrictions, such as hosing down paved areas or dampening building materials with potable water
- Whether swimming pools are properly covered when not in use
- General awareness of dam levels and water-wise practices
Residents and businesses found to be in violation of the Water By-law may receive notices or spot fines ranging from R1 500 to R5 000 for each offence.
The City said these inspections form part of broader efforts to reduce water wastage, alongside leak detection programmes, pipe replacement and pressure management across the water supply network.
What residents should expect
Before inspections take place, residents will receive a knock-and-drop letter informing them of the visit. Inspectors use the City’s GIS system to identify properties with swimming pools and will check that appropriate pool covers are in place.
City officials will wear City-branded clothing and carry official identification. Residents can verify inspectors by contacting the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said public cooperation is essential.
“Cape Town, we are in this together. We have done it before and I am confident we can do it again,” he said.
“Let’s work together to reduce non-essential outdoor water use and remain below the 975 million litres per day usage target.” Badroodien added.
