LEVEL 1 WATER RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED ACROSS THE LANGEBERG MUNICIPAL AREA ON 1 NOVEMBER 2025

Due to exceptionally low winter rainfall, our dams are at critically low levels, and water use continue to increase despite public appeals since September to reduce consumption. With unpredictable rainfall ahead and high-demand summer season still to come, the situation poses a significant risk of water shortages in the coming months. 

To proactively safeguard our water resources and ensure long-term sustainability, the Municipality has implemented Level 1 water restrictions in all towns, in line with the Langeberg Drought Management Policy, effective 1 November 2025.

Our key water sources—particularly the dams in Robertson and Montagu are currently at critically low levels. Dassieshoek Dam stands at 24%, down from 67% in October 2024, the Onder-Dam is now 40% compared to 80% last year, while the Bo-Dam has dropped to 38%, compared to 78% last year.

Climate change remains a key contributing factor, affecting water availability, quality, and the frequency of droughts and floods worldwide. While its effects cannot be controlled, every individual has a responsibility to help manage and minimise impacts through daily, responsible water use.

REVISED WATER TARIFFS EFFECTIVE 1 NOVEMBER 2025
Revised water tariffs linked to the Level 1 restrictions will be implemented from your next meter reading and billing cycle, effective 1 November 2025.
- For residential properties a 50% rate increase applies once monthly usage exceeds 30 kilolitres.
- For non-residential consumers a 10% tariff increase applies once monthly usage exceeds 30 kilolitres.

Water tariffs (Excl. VAT) for residential users:

Water tariffs (Excl. VAT) for non-residential users:

WATER RESTRICTION MEASURES AND USAGE GUIDELINES

Garden Watering:

·    Leiwater (non-potable irrigation water) will be supplied every second week in Robertson and McGregor as per the schedule available at https://www.langeberg.gov.za/services/irrigation-schedule.html. If the water consumption does not decline, the irrigation water (leiwater) to Robertson and McGregor will be terminated.

·      Households that use municipal water to water gardens, may only irrigate for two hours per day between 18:00 – 20:00, on two days per week.

·         The following arrangement to ensure sufficient pressure for watering:

- Even-numbered street addresses: Mondays and Thursdays (18:00 – 20:00).

- Odd-numbered street addresses: Tuesdays and Fridays (18:00 – 20:00).

Sports facilities:

·        Only cricket pitches, golf course greens, and bowling greens may be watered for two hours per day, twice per week only on Tuesdays and Fridays, unless using a private water source.

·        Facilities where irrigation water is provided will irrigate as per the bi-weekly schedule available at https://www.langeberg.gov.za/services/irrigation-schedule.html.

·        Users that draw water directly from the Robertson siphon pipeline may irrigate according to the schedule, only during the week when leiwater is not provided. During the week that leiwater is provided no irrigation will be allowed from the siphon pipeline.

Indigent Households:

·         Indigent households should contact Langeberg Municipality for leakage repairs.

Prohibited Uses:

·         No hosing of roofs, driveways, or vehicles with a garden hose.

·         Restrictions do not apply to full-time commercial car wash businesses.

Report any water leakages to the 24/7 call centre: 

·         Call: 0860 88 1111

·         WhatsApp: 065 211 7822

·         Collab Citizen App: https://onelink.to/jjzt2k

·         E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

If overall water consumption does not decrease by at least 10%, the Municipality may escalate to Level 2 restrictions from 1 December 2025, and to Level 3 if conditions worsen. Restrictions will be lifted once dam levels and consumption stabilise.

No application for relief from these restrictions will be granted to any individual or business. The decision is based on the relatively low water tariffs in the Langeberg Municipal area compared across the block tariff structure of other municipalities. The graph below provides a high-level overview showing that, even with increased tariffs under restriction levels, Langeberg’s water rates remain among the lowest.

All above amounts are based on 2024–2025 tariffs.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER USE
As water is a vital life source, the Municipality encourages cooperation among residents and promotes the responsible use of water as an ongoing standard practice rather than a temporary measure. Small, daily actions by each resident can have a significant impact on water conservation and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Thank you for your understanding and support towards sustainable living in Langeberg Municipality.