Recent rains brought the water level of the Garden Route Dam, up to 56.89%, down from 43.61%, last week.
The Haarlem Dam, also in George, has also increased to 29%, up from 20%, last week.
Browen Johnson, said on Monday, while dam levels have improved, water usage remains high.
“At the current consumption rate, with hot weather, evaporation, and no rainfall, the level of the dam can drop by up to 2% per week”.
As a result, Jannie Koegelenberg, Director for Civil Engineering Services, at the Municipality, was quick to explain that water restrictions remain.
“A short-term improvement cannot justify changing restrictions or emergency tariffs, as conditions may deteriorate again rapidly. Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs therefore remain in place.”
The Municipality also said the recent improvement in dam levels, does not revoke the Classification of a National Disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, relating to drought and the possible interruption of water provision in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Elias Sithole, gazetted the classification of a National Disaster on the 4th of February 2026.
Plettenberg Bay
Similarly, Plettenberg Bay, also along the Garden Route, received an estimated 30–35 mm of rainfall in February.
The Municipality said although rainfall has boosted river flow and helped stabilize dam levels, daily consumption remains sky high.
This week the Roodefontein Dam, main supplier of the town, was at 28,73% full.
Knysna
Knysna remains water stressed, with the main dam -Akkerkloof, at only 29% full.
Daily consumption is at 10,140 Kilolitres, above the target of 8,000 Kilolitres.
The Municipality also reports pipe burst daily, despite stringent management of water.
The Municipality’s installation of conventional water meters to replace faulty and unmetered units, began on Wednesday.
Thando Matika, Mayor of Knysna, said “these measures are critical to reducing water losses and unbilled consumption, ensuring that water supplied to the system is not lost through leaks, illegal connections or faulty meters, and that usage is accurately measured and recovered,” he explained. “This marks the end of the era of free flow and reinforces our commitment to responsible water management and long-term sustainability.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
Dams supplying the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, are at a combined 35% full.
Impofu Dam is at an estimated 26.16%, with 16.5% dead storage, while the Churchill, was at 9% in January 2026, while Loerie Dam was at about 44%.
Picture: Supplied