George Municipality Lifts Emergency Water Tariffs and Eases Water Restrictions
George Municipality has today, announced the lifting of emergency water tariffs and the easing of water restrictions from Level 2D to Level 2B following the significant recovery of dam levels after recent widespread rainfall across the region. Council resolved at a Special Council Meeting held on 22 May 2026 to lift the Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs with effect from 12 May 2026, and to reduce water restrictions to Level 2B with immediate effect. The decision follows a substantial improvement in storage levels at the Garden Route Dam, which increased from 46,09% to nearly 89% within two weeks after heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. The Haarlem Dam has also fully recovered and is currently at 100%.
Executive Mayor of George, Aldm Browen Johnson, welcomed the relief brought by the recent rains but cautioned residents against returning to wasteful water use habits. “The recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief to our municipality and residents after an extremely challenging drought period. Council’s decision to ease restrictions and lift emergency tariffs provides financial relief to households and businesses, while acknowledging the tremendous efforts made by our community to reduce water consumption, over the past several months,” said Mayor Johnson. “We sincerely thank residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors for their cooperation and responsible water use during restrictions. However, we remain a water-scarce region, and responsible water usage must continue to form part of our daily culture.”
MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Donovan Gultig, said the municipality would continue to apply a cautious and responsible approach to long-term water security. “While the recent rainfall and improved dam levels are encouraging, the municipality must continue planning responsibly for the future. Climate patterns remain unpredictable and we cannot afford complacency. Residents are thanked for their ongoing cooperation and are encouraged to continue using water responsibly as we work together to protect our available resources,” said Cllr Gultig.
The amended Level 2B water restrictions include the following measures:
• Mechanical or automatic irrigation devices and sprinkler systems for gardens remain prohibited.
• Gardens may only be watered using a handheld hose between prescribed times and on allocated days according to even and uneven-numbered households.
• Igation of sports fields remains prohibited, except for golf course greens, bowling greens, and cricket pitches during permitted hours.
• Washing of vehicles using a hosepipe is prohibited, except by commercial car wash enterprises.
• Cleaning of outdoor surfaces using hosepipes or mechanical means remains prohibited, although buckets may be used.
• Filling of swimming pools remains prohibited.
• Properties making use of borehole or reservoir water must display “OWN WATER” signage.
George Municipality confirmed that dam levels, rainfall trends, and water consumption patterns will continue to be closely monitored in line with the Municipal Drought Management Policy.
Although restrictions have been eased, residents are urged to continue using water sparingly and to avoid unnecessary wastage, particularly as forecasts from the South African Weather Service still indicate the possibility of below-average rainfall during the coming winter months. The municipality cautioned that, should dam levels decline again as a result of prolonged below-average rainfall, stricter water restrictions and emergency water tariffs may need to be reintroduced in accordance with Council-approved policy and tariff structures. Any such changes will be communicated to the public accordingly.
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves fully with the amended Level 2B water restrictions available on the municipality’s communication platforms.
Billing Implications
Residents and consumers are advised that the lifting of the Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs may not result in a substantial reduction in the municipal water charges reflected on the May 2026 accounts. This is due to the fact that a number of meter reading routes had already been closed and processed prior to the effective implementation date of 12 May 2026.
Consequently, portions of the May 2026 billing cycle were still calculated in accordance with the previously approved emergency water tariffs. Consumers are therefore expected to observe a more significant reduction in the water tariffs charged on accounts issued during the June 2026 billing cycle, when the revised tariffs will be fully incorporated across all billing routes.
