Plettenberg Bay
The Bitou Municipality has implemented Level 4 water restrictions, effective from the 14 January 2026.
Bitou Municipality said it met with the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers Association, to discuss stringent water demand management measures.
Restrictions and rationing water users is top on the town’s agenda to curb a looming water crisis, now just 40 days away.
The Municipality’s Andile Namntu, said “our water situation is serious. With very little rainfall, extremely low dam levels, and reduced river flow, the municipality estimates that only about 40 days of water remain in the Roodefontein Dam, which could take us to 14 March 2026, if nothing changes.”
But water intake remains sky high.
Daily consumption is at 14.25 megalitres, and is expected to be cut to between 7 and 9 megalitres.
But Namntu said household water allowance will be slated from 15 kilolitres to 10 kilolitres, effective on the 7 January 2026.
He also said notices would be issued to anyone using anything between 70 and 409 Kl per month.
The desalination plant is also expected to support water supply measures during this difficult time.
Dam levels in the Western Cape are at a combined 58,8% compared to last year’s 81% around the same time.
Knysna
River levels throughout the Greater Knysna area (including Homtini, Goukamma and Karatara River) remain critically low with the main source of supply (Akkerkloof dam) now only at 15%.
Immediate and strict water conservation by all residents and visitors is non-negotiable, with the Municipality managing water now, litre by litre.
For example, in Knysna, production on the 11 January 2026 amounted to about, 11 098 kL, and was 9 016 kL, abstraction at Charlesford was 118 L/s for 12 hours.
A water forum last month, made up of various stakeholders, agreed households be limited to 10 kilolitres per month.
Water use above this limit will be billed at Level 3 Emergency Tariffs.
As a water-saving measure, the town has temporarily banned showers and external taps at ablution facilities and at public spaces
The Forum is made up of the Department of Water and Sanitation South Africa, the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, Knysna Infrastructure Group – KIG, Sedgefield Ratepayers & Residents Association Knysna.
Picture: Supplied