Water shedding looms for Cape businesses
Dam levels in the Western Cape are extremely low. File Photo: Rogan Ward Dam levels in the Western Cape are extremely low. File Photo: Rogan Ward
Dawie Maree, an economist at FNB, pointed out that the manufacturing of food and beverages (which was water intensive) and textile and chemicals industries would be severely affected by the water restrictions.
“It would mean that they might need to cut back on production, which will lead to a loss in profit and ultimately job losses.
“All businesses share the same concerns that we’re heading for a crisis in the Western Cape. If there is not sufficient rain in the near future and if the consumption is not limited, we might even see ‘water shedding’," he warned.
"Alternatives like desalination are on the table, but the disadvantage is the high cost."
The City of Cape Town requested managers of commercial properties to ensure that the monthly consumption of municipal water is reduced by 20% with immediate effect.
Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Janine Myburgh has asked businesses to reduce their water usage when flushing toilets. “The big problem is toilets Unfortunately, we do not have options available to home-owners such as using shower water to flush toilets.
"We urge all our members to consult plumbers on how to reduce their water usage and where possible install new water-wise plumbing equipment. We also urge them to only flush when necessary.
"Measures like this will continue to save water in future years since we can expect water to become more expensive."
Myburgh also urged businesses to ask the city for supplies of recycled water where possible, especially those businesses that use a lot of water.