Residents in the Langeberg Municipality have raised their frustrations as Level 2 water restrictions will take effect on 1 February.
This step comes after the municipality has warned for weeks that the dam levels are concerningly low and water usage continues to climb in the summer heat.
Water restrictions have been implemented by several municipalities in the Western Cape due to a dry season. In the Breede Valley Municipality, Level 2 water restrictions have been in place since 16 January. In the Swellendam Municipality and Buffeljagsrivier Level 3 water restrictions have been in place since 1 December.
Residents aired their concerns on social media that the population of the towns have increased over the past couple of years and that plans to ensure water availability in the future needs to be made by raising dam walls or through securing other water supplies, as the problem will only continue to worsen.
In a statement, the Langeberg Municipality said that dam levels remain critically low. “Despite ongoing public appeals to reduce water usage, overall consumption continues to rise. Combined with unpredictable rainfall patterns and high summer temperatures, the risk of water shortages has intensified,” it stated.
Dams critically low
“Our key water sources, especially the dams in Robertson, are at critically low levels. As of 14 January 2026, Dassieshoek Dam is at just 2% and Kooskok Dam at 8%, compared to 100% in both on 31 January 2025. In McGregor, Vaal Dam has dropped to 10%, down from 93% last year, the Rooi Dam is currently 50 % compared to 88% last year, the Drinkwater dam has dropped to 54% from 87% the previous year.”
Water tariffs linked to Level 2 restrictions will also take effect. A 100% increase applies to residential use and a 20% increase to non-residential use once monthly consumption exceeds 15 kilolitres. This is also applicable to indigent households. Flow restrictors will be installed at properties where consumers do not comply with the restrictions and those with continued high water consumption.
According to the municipality, no “leiwater” is allowed and neither is the watering of gardens with municipal water, the filling of swimming pools or washing of vehicles using a hosepipe. The watering of sports fields, cricket pitches, golf course greens and/or bowling greens is prohibited, unless a non-municipal water source is used.
Commercial car wash businesses are not allowed to wash vehicles using hosepipes.
Residents are requested to report water leakages and pipe bursts to the call centre on 0860 88 1111, via Whatsapp on 065 211 7822 or email to info@langeberg.gov.za. It can also be reported on the Collab Citizen App.
