How does a prime tourist attraction comply with water restrictions?

©HONGQI ZHANG via 123RF

The reserve, at the southernmost tip of Africa, received its one millionth visitor at the end of last year, and this year has been just as busy. As a result, staff had to find new ways to restrict water usage, regardless of the volume of traffic passing through.

So how does a prime tourist attraction comply, now that level five water restrictions have been implemented?

Some of the measures include:

• The further tightening of water usage at the Two Oceans Restaurant, where patrons are encouraged to order bottled water instead of tap water.

• The installation of automatic tap sensors in restaurant restrooms to prevent unnecessary wastage.

• The replacement of all tap washers to prevent leakages

• The use of push-down taps at other ablution facilities

• The implementation of a grey water system for toilet flushing.

• The watering of gardens and vegetation has been halted.

Comitted to responsible tourism

There has already been a significant improvement in water meter readings – less than half of a year ago. However, Cape Point’s contribution towards responsible tourism doesn’t stop there.

The well-known Flying Dutchman railway funicular that transports visitors from the car park to the top station near the old lighthouse, uses 50 percent less electricity and has an advanced magnetic drive system which does not give off any pollutants during rides.

Cape Point is continuously seeking ways to curb the wasteful water usage while ensuring that tourists’ experiences are not dampened. This is in line with its commitment to responsible tourism.