The drought is over for Cape Town but residents will still be hit up with a “water-wise” tariff.
The City of Cape Town yesterday announced it has decided to lift water restrictions and to move to the lowest tariff from 1 November .
It said its Mayoral Committee (Mayco) unanimously supported the decision to lift water restrictions, and the item is set for Council’s approval next week.
Mayor Dan Plato said: “While we need to continue to be mindful of climate uncertainty, residents who feel comfortable enough can begin to relax water saving efforts in good conscience, while being water-wise, due to the significant increase in dam levels.”
The mayor said that the water-wise tariff had been approved by Council as part of the set of tariffs for the City’s 2020/21 budget.
“This lowest tariff will offer residents some financial relief while ensuring we can still provide reliable water services and invest in new water sources.”
He said City water costs on average 4c per litre in comparison to R10 per litre for bottled water.
“Based on the first 10 500 litres of water used + 15mm metres, the average bill will be R411.99 on the no restriction, water-wise tariff.
“This is compared to R785.38 under the Level 6B tariff at the peak of the drought.”
City projections indicated dams are unlikely to drop below 50% by next winter.
Mayco Member for Water and Waste Xanthea Limberg added: “The City has already been actioning the Water Strategy as 15 million litres of groundwater per day have come online from the Table Mountain Group Aquifer while other projects, including permanent desalination and water reuse, are also being planned.”