What is a Water Certificate of Compliance (COC)? 

The purpose of a Water Certificate of Compliance (COC) is to make sure that no clean water goes to waste.

A Water Compliance Certificate is needed to make sure that no clean water goes to waste. This certificate is required as a local by-law and only applies to properties sold where the City of Cape Town is the municipal authority. It came into effect in March 2011.

The City of Cape Town Water By-Law, Section 14(1), stipulates that before a property can be transferred, a Schedule 4 Certificate of Compliance for the water installation must be issued. The installation must meet the by-laws as well as the SANS 10252 and SANS 10254 regulations.

The certification is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, or until any changes are made to the installation and is always renewable if the property is transferred to another party as per the City of Cape Town.

How long is a Water Compliance Certificate valid for? 

• The certification is valid for 6 months from date of issue, as per the City of Cape Town. 

How the process works: 

1. A DOSS Compliance qualified and registered plumber will come to your property in Cape Town to do the inspection. 
2. If the installation complies with regulations and by-laws, we issue your certificate at no additional cost to the inspection fee. 
3. If the installation does not meet the regulations and by-laws, we will formulate a report and quote you on any necessary repairs. 
4. If you accept the quotation, we will arrange an appointment for the repairs to be done. 
5. A DOSS Compliance plumbing repair team will efficiently undertake the repairs. 
6. Once the repairs are completed, we will issue your compliance certificate. 

Water and plumbing installation compliance checklist: 

• The hot water cylinder is plumbed correctly: 
• Pressure release valve (PRV) is of the correct value. 
• Vacuum breakers are correctly installed and at correct height. 
• Emergency temperature pressure valve overflow is installed with the correctly sized and rated copper pipe. 
• All three geyser overflows are separately plumbed to the outside and must safely discharge to the atmosphere. 
• None of the terminal water fittings leak and they are correctly fixed in position. 
• No storm water is discharged into the sewerage system. 
• The water meter registers when a tap is open and stops completely when no water is drawn. 
• There are no cross connections between the potable supply and any grey water or groundwater system which may be installed. 
• A drip tray installed if the geyser was installed after September 2006. 
• The water pipes in the plumbing installation are properly saddled and secured. 

What is not covered by the Compliance Certificate? 

• Slow bathwater draining. 
• Low water pressure 
• Sink, toilet, or basin waste-water leakage 
• Broken toilet or flusher handle 
• Blocked drains 
• Waste pipes 
• Underground Leaks 
• Leaks inside walls 

Other Services include the following

• Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC)
• Beetle Certificate of Compliance (COC)
• Gas Certificate of Compliance (COC)
• Electric Fence Certificate of Compliance (COC)

See FAQS about water compliance.