CAPE TOWN – Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning, has met with senior officials from four municipalities to assess water security as the province confronts ongoing drought conditions.
The meeting, held today with representatives from Stellenbosch, Beaufort West, Laingsburg and Prins Albert, comes as the South African Weather Service predicts a below-average rainfall winter season.
Stellenbosch municipality reported that the Idas Valley Dam is currently 30% full. The municipality is working to activate augmentation from the Kleinplasie Dam and has brought several boreholes online to supplement supply. Residents have been asked to reduce water consumption by 15%, although no formal restrictions are in place.
“Given the provincial drought classification and the South African Weather Service’s prediction of a below-average rainfall winter season, we would strongly recommend that Stellenbosch consider instituting water restrictions as a precautionary measure,” Bredell said.
The Central Karoo remains under significant pressure, particularly in Beaufort West, where the water system is under severe strain. Water consumption has increased from 9,5 megalitres per day in November 2025 to 10,4 megalitres per day in February 2026. The Gamka Dam is currently 14% full, and recent rainfall did not occur within the dam’s catchment area.
Approximately 70% of the town’s water supply comes from a network of 40 boreholes. Of these, 26 are operational, four are non-operational, and 10 are out of service due to vandalism. The municipality also operates a water reclamation plant that currently contributes 1,2 megalitres per day.
“Beaufort West municipality has made progress by installing 2 000 water meters, but much more needs to be done, as water losses remain unacceptably high at 77%. This means the municipality cannot accurately account for whether water is lost through leaks or consumed without being billed. Immediate priorities include refurbishing vandalised boreholes and increasing production at the reclamation plant to its design capacity of 2,1 megalitres per day,” Bredell said.
The municipality indicated that current phase 3 water restrictions will be escalated to phase 4 from 1 March. This will include a 200% surcharge on usage exceeding 10 kilolitres per household per month.
Laingsburg and Prins Albert are currently more stable, but both towns rely heavily on groundwater. Laingsburg reported that groundwater levels have declined during the summer months, with borehole water availability dropping from 14 metres to 30 metres in depth. The municipality has equipped three additional boreholes, installed prepaid water meters and implemented night-time water throttling. These interventions have resulted in a 25% reduction in water usage.
“We are concerned about the excessive water usage by a Correctional Services facility in Prins Albert, where potable water is being used for a food garden project. Prins Albert municipality must urgently address this situation,” Bredell said.
The minister said water security is a shared responsibility and urged residents to comply strictly with water restrictions, use water sparingly, avoid unnecessary outdoor watering, fix leaks immediately, report burst pipes to their municipality and reduce daily household consumption wherever possible.
“Every litre saved helps protect supply for households, businesses and farmers,” he said.
ALSO READ: Western Cape municipalities roll out water restrictions as province braces for dry summer
You must be logged in to post a comment.