ROBERTSON – The Langeberg Municipality has implemented Level 1 water restrictions across all towns in the district, effective from 1 November, as dam levels reach critically low points following a very dry winter season. The restrictions, enacted under the Langeberg Drought Management Policy, represent a proactive measure to safeguard dwindling water resources ahead of the high-demand summer months.
The low winter rainfall has left the region’s primary water sources at vulnerable levels. And despite public appeals since September urging residents to reduce consumption, water usage has continued to climb, creating a perfect storm of supply shortages and increasing demand.
“With unpredictable rainfall ahead and the high-demand summer season still to come, the situation poses a significant risk of water shortages in the coming months,” municipal officials warned.
The numbers paint a concerning picture of the region’s water security:
• Dassieshoek Dam: Currently at just 24%, a dramatic drop from 67% in October 2024
• Onder-Dam: Now at 40%, compared to 80% the previous year
• Bo-Dam: Has plummeted to 38%, down from 78% in 2024
These figures represent the key water sources for Robertson and Montagu, highlighting the severity of the situation across the municipality’s primary supply infrastructure.
Municipal authorities acknowledge that climate change remains a fundamental contributing factor to the ongoing crisis. The changing climate patterns are affecting water availability and quality while increasing the frequency and intensity of both 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,” officials stated, placing the spotlight on community-wide conservation efforts.
The Level 1 water restrictions bring with them revised tariffs, specific water restriction measures, and new usage guidelines that all residents must follow. The municipality has made detailed information available, including the full scope of restrictions and how they will be implemented across different sectors.
For residents seeking detailed information about the new restrictions, revised tariffs, and specific usage guidelines, the full municipal notice is available at: https://www.langeberg.gov.za/all-news/item/level-1-water-restrictions-implemented-across-the-langeberg-municipal-area-on-1-november-2025.html
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