George Municipality Steps Up Water-Saving Measures as National Water Week Begins
In the photo: Cllr Donovan Gultig is next to a water-saving tap fitted with an aerator that can reduce water use by up to 50% or more
As South Africa observes National Water Week 2026 from 16 to 20 March, George Municipality highlights its ongoing commitment to intensifying water-saving interventions as the city remains under pressure due to prolonged below-average rainfall and ongoing drought conditions.
In recent weeks, the Civil Engineering Services Directorate has installed aerators on more than 50 bathroom taps across municipal offices as part of the Municipality’s Internal Water Savings Campaign. Additional flow restrictors are planned for installation in other municipal buildings.
Departments assisting with the installation of aerators in their respective facilities include the Fire Services Department, Community Services, Electrotechnical Services, Community Safety, and Mobility.
The devices reduce water flow to between 0.6 litres and 3 litres per minute, significantly lowering water consumption at each tap. Officials and visitors are requested not to tamper with the devices, as they form part of the Municipality’s broader water conservation efforts.
The MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Donovan Gultig, said: “This is one of the many practical steps the Municipality is taking to reduce internal water consumption. These flow restrictors can reduce water use at taps by up to 50% or more. Every drop truly counts.”
“We encourage businesses, institutions, and households across the George municipal area to implement similar water-saving measures wherever possible,” MMC Gultig added.
Weekly Water Statistics (as of Monday, 16 March 2026)
• Garden Route Dam: 55,89%
• Current daily demand: 38.7 ML (target: 36 ML per day)
• Rainfall recorded this week: 0 mm
• Estimated water supply remaining approximately 22 weeks, subject to rainfall patterns and consumption trends
• Haarlem Dam: 20,21%
• Rainfall recorded this week: 0 mm
Executive Mayor Browen Johnson emphasised the importance of water conservation during National Water Week. “National Water Week reminds us that water is a precious and limited resource. While George continues to experience water shortages, it is encouraging to see how residents, businesses, and visitors have responded to our call to save water. I would like to sincerely thank our community and local businesses for the meaningful role they have played in helping us reduce water consumption and protect our supply.
He further emphasised that sustained improvement is still required: “Although we welcome occasional improvements in dam levels, the situation remains fragile. We must maintain disciplined water use to protect our remaining supply. I urge every resident, business and institution to continue complying with Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures. Responsible water use today safeguards our community tomorrow.”
Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs remain in place.