WATER CONSUMPTION UPDATE: COMMUNITY ACTION NEEDED TO SAVE OUR WATER
As summer approaches, we are facing serious water shortages across our region. Dam levels are critically low, and every household, business, and visitor must save water now. Please fix leaks, limit irrigation, take short showers, and use grey water where possible. If we act together, we can avoid stricter restrictions later. At the most recently held Provincial Disaster Resilience Strategy Summit in Cape Town on 31 October 2025, statistics were presented to Western Cape municipalities indicating a prolonged drought period ahead, where predicted rainfall figures will decrease year after year, while the number of extremely hot days per annum will increase. In summary, we face the inverted triangle: less rainfall versus more extreme hot temperatures.
Please remember that we are one Langeberg Municipality, and that water restrictions apply in all twelve wards within the municipality. The fact that we may live in one town does not mean that we do not visit another town for convenience shopping, dining at restaurants, or visiting beloved family members and friends. We all need to, irrespective of which ward we live in, proactively contribute to conserving water as a scarce resource to ensure a sustainable Langeberg municipal area, not only for now but also for our future.
Over the past 30 days, water use across our towns has shown varied trends. While some areas have made progress, others have experienced significant increases that demand immediate attention. Overall water use remains too high, and consumers must cut down their usage to prevent Level 2 restrictions.
Key Findings
• Robertson:
◦ Last 30 days: 298,518 kl (+9.41%)
◦ Last 7 days: 68,215 kl (+2.27%)
• Bonnievale:
◦ Last 30 days: 196,776 kl (+4.84%)
◦ Last 7 days: 46,571 kl (+4.34%) – urgent action needed
• Montagu:
◦ Last 30 days: 100,230 kl (−0.52%)
◦ Last 7 days: 26,830 kl (−11.42%) – excellent progress
• Ashton:
◦ Last 30 days: 127,211 kl (+11.55%) – largest monthly increase
◦ Last 7 days: 24,799 kl (−25.64%) – great recent improvement
• McGregor:
◦ Last 30 days: 30,163 kl (+6.43%)
◦ Last 7 days: 6,227 kl (−8.88%)
Water is a shared resource, and rising use puts pressure on supply, especially during dry periods. If trends continue, stricter restrictions may become necessary.
What Can We Do Together
• Fix leaks at home and report municipal leaks immediately.
• Reuse greywater for gardens and cleaning.
• Limit irrigation to early mornings or evenings.
• Install water-saving devices such as low-flow taps and showerheads.
• Encourage neighbours and friends to join water-saving efforts.
We are ramping up awareness campaigns in high-consumption areas, conducting leak detection programmes, and reviewing water tariffs to promote responsible use.
Let’s work together to safeguard our water supply. Every drop counts
