George Municipality Implements Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs Following Public Participation
In the photo: Lower dam levels at the Garden Route Dam serve as a reminder for all residents to use water responsibly
The Garden Route Dam has declined from 45.68% last week to 44.50% this week, with only 17 mm of rainfall recorded over the past week. This continued decline has necessitated the escalation of water demand management measures from Level 2C to Level 2D, together with the implementation of Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs with immediate effect.
George Municipality’s confirmation and implementation of Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs follow the conclusion of the public participation process conducted in terms of Section 4 of the Water Services By-law to Limit or Restrict the Use of Water, which closed at 12:00 on Friday, 19 December 2025. While the Municipality initially anticipated implementing Level 2 Emergency Water Tariffs following the public participation period, the further drop in dam levels to below 45% has made it necessary to implement Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs instead.
This process stems from a Special Council resolution taken on 04 December 2025, which approved the tightening of water demand management measures to Level 2C in response to ongoing raw water supply stress caused by below-average rainfall and a rapid decline in the Garden Route Dam, which stood at 49% at the time.
During the prescribed 14-day public participation period, the Municipality received comments and objections from residents and businesses. All submissions were carefully considered, and written responses were issued. Executive Mayor Browen Johnson has noted the inputs received and approved the proposed responses and concessions where appropriate, without compromising the integrity and sustainability of the municipal water supply system.
Emergency Water Tariffs Take Effect
As approved by Council, Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs are implemented with immediate effect and will be reflected in the January 2026 municipal billing cycle. These tariffs are aimed at discouraging excessive consumption and safeguarding limited potable water resources for essential use.
Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures
Under Level 2D, the following mandatory measures apply, in addition to all existing restrictions:
• Households are limited to 10 kilolitres per month. Consumption above this threshold will be charged at Level 3 emergency tariff rates.
• Businesses and entertainment facilities must reduce water consumption by 25%, while industries must reduce usage by 15%, measured against applicable historical averages.
• Use of hoses by carwashes is prohibited and vehicles may only be washed using buckets, unless water is supplied from own sources
• High water users will be actively monitored, and flow-restricting devices may be installed where non-compliance is identified.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
George Municipality recognises that critical health and safety needs cannot be compromised. Households with verified medical requirements necessitating higher water use may apply for an exemption through the Deputy Director: Water Services, supported by appropriate documentation.
Similarly, businesses providing essential services — such as hospital laundry services operating under fixed-rate contracts — may apply for partial or full exemptions from usage reductions and for limited emergency tariff relief. All applications will be assessed based on substantiated proof and historical consumption data.
Application forms for exemptions are available online:
• English: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-ENGLISH.pdf
• Afrikaans: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-AFRIKAANS.pdf
• IsiXhosa: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-isiXhosa.pdf
“These measures are not punitive but necessary,” said Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw. “Every exemption granted reduces the water available tomorrow. In a water crisis, every drop truly counts.”
Residents, businesses, and visitors are urged to continue using water sparingly and to familiarise themselves with the applicable measures. Further updates will be communicated should the dam levels continue to decline.