Water Restrictions – As the Eastern Cape battles one of its worst water crises in recent history, residents of eight key municipalities are bracing for severe water restrictions starting July 4. With dams running dry and demand skyrocketing during winter, the Eastern Cape Department of Water and Sanitation has confirmed that water will only be supplied for two hours per day in the affected areas. This dramatic intervention aims to conserve dwindling reserves and manage the deteriorating infrastructure already under immense strain. Residents in these areas have been reporting frequent service interruptions, low pressure, and prolonged dry taps in recent weeks. Authorities have now made it official — the schedule will be enforced from July 4, and any misuse or non-compliance will result in strict penalties. The affected municipalities span both urban hubs and rural communities, sparking concern over access to basic sanitation, drinking water, and public health services. While temporary relief measures such as water tankers and boreholes are being deployed, long-term solutions remain uncertain. Community leaders have urged immediate government intervention at both provincial and national levels, calling for emergency funding and infrastructure upgrades. Meanwhile, households and businesses are being encouraged to implement strict water-saving practices and prepare for disruptions that could extend for months. Below is a complete breakdown of how this water restriction policy will affect daily life in the impacted regions, which areas are hit the hardest, and what residents can expect in terms of supply schedules, enforcement actions, and support services.
Affected Municipalities and Daily Water Restrictions
Eight municipalities will face a strict 2-hour daily water supply window, divided by local schedules and system limitations.
- Restrictions begin on: July 4, 2025
- Supply limited to: 2 hours/day
- Applies to: 8 municipalities
- Reason: Severe drought + low dam levels
- Penalty for violations: Fine up to R5,000
- Backup supply: Limited water tankers
- Future review: Scheduled for August 15
Municipality-Wise Restriction Details
Each municipality will follow a strict 2-hour schedule as outlined by local councils and water departments.
| Municipality Name | Daily Supply Window | Estimated Population | Backup Water Tankers | Primary Water Source | Dam Level (%) | Restriction Penalty | First Review Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 6 AM – 8 AM | 1,263,000 | 28 | Churchill Dam | 12% | R5,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Buffalo City Metro | 5 AM – 7 AM | 834,000 | 17 | Bridle Drift Dam | 10% | R4,500 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Chris Hani District | 7 AM – 9 AM | 824,000 | 12 | Xonxa Dam | 14% | R5,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| OR Tambo District | 8 AM – 10 AM | 1,364,000 | 25 | Mthatha Dam | 11% | R5,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Sarah Baartman District | 6 AM – 8 AM | 450,000 | 10 | Kouga Dam | 9% | R3,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Joe Gqabi District | 7 AM – 9 AM | 362,000 | 6 | Maclear Dam | 15% | R2,500 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Alfred Nzo District | 5 AM – 7 AM | 868,000 | 14 | Ntsikeni Dam | 13% | R4,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Amathole District | 6 AM – 8 AM | 892,000 | 20 | Gcuwa Dam | 10% | R5,000 | Aug 15, 2025 |
Reasons Behind the Severe Restrictions
The decision to limit water supply so drastically is rooted in multiple overlapping challenges facing the province.
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- Dam levels in key supply reservoirs have dropped below 15%
- Poor rainfall during the last two winter cycles
- High demand and water misuse during peak hours
- Failing infrastructure leading to over 30% water loss in pipelines
- Limited national support for maintenance and upgrades
Historical Drought Trends in the Region
Eastern Cape has faced repeated drought patterns since 2016, with rainfall well below national averages.
| Year | Rainfall Deviation | Dam Capacity Change | Water Restriction Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -18% | 55% → 42% | Stage 2 |
| 2018 | -22% | 42% → 31% | Stage 3 |
| 2020 | -35% | 31% → 20% | Stage 4 |
| 2022 | -27% | 20% → 15% | Stage 5 |
| 2024 | -33% | 15% → 11% | Stage 6 |
What This Means for Residents
With just a 2-hour supply window daily, households must adapt quickly to avoid shortages and hygiene crises.
- Store water in clean, sealed containers each morning
- Use greywater for flushing toilets and cleaning
- Avoid outdoor taps, gardening, or car washing
- Install water-saving showerheads and taps
- Sanitize with minimal water use methods
- Coordinate within communities to share tankers
Business and School Adjustments
Businesses and institutions, especially schools and clinics, must implement strict water management protocols.
- Schools will receive water tankers every morning at 5 AM
- Hospitals prioritised for 24-hour internal tank supply
- Restaurants must use disposable utensils to save on washing
- Car washes, laundries, and pools are to be temporarily closed
- Construction activity dependent on municipal water is halted
Government Measures and Relief Plans
The Eastern Cape government, in coordination with national departments, has outlined temporary and long-term actions.
- Deployment of 132 water tankers across 8 districts
- Installation of 50+ community water tanks
- Fast-track repairs to 72 major pipeline leaks
- Emergency R150 million allocated for borehole drilling
- Collaboration with national agencies for dam restoration
National Disaster Declaration and Funding
The province has requested emergency classification as a “Water Disaster Region” from the Presidency to access full funding.
- Application submitted: June 18, 2025
- Approval expected: July 10, 2025
- Funds expected: R800 million
- Priority areas: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, parts of KZN
- Phase I of intervention: July 15 – October 2025
Role of Community and NGOs
Local communities and NGOs are playing a vital role in mobilizing resources and supporting vulnerable households.
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- Gift of the Givers has pledged 100 JoJo tanks
- Rural Water Project delivering filters to schools
- Volunteer plumbers fixing burst household pipes
- Local businesses donating bottled water to elderly care homes
Enforcement and Penalties for Water Misuse
Strict fines and disconnection threats will be enforced to prevent abuse of the limited supply window.
- Residential fine: Up to R5,000 for misuse or wastage
- Business fine: Up to R10,000 for non-compliance
- Repeat violations may lead to disconnection
- Enforcement teams to conduct daily patrols
- Tip-off hotline open for reporting illegal water use
Summary of Penalties and Enforcement Actions
| Type of Offence | First Offense Fine | Repeat Offense | Disconnection Risk | Enforcement Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential wastage | R2,000 | R5,000 | Yes | Local Water Dept |
| Business non-compliance | R5,000 | R10,000 | Yes | Metro Inspectors |
| Illegal connections | R10,000 | R15,000 | Immediate | SAPS + Municipal |
| Unauthorized car wash | R3,000 | R5,000 | Yes | Local Authority |
As the Eastern Cape enters this difficult period of enforced conservation, collective effort, timely preparation, and responsible use will be the only way to survive the water scarcity crisis. While government aid is on the way, every drop counts, and every citizen’s role in safeguarding it is now more important than ever.
FAQs
Q1: When will these restrictions end?
The current plan is to review the water restrictions on August 15, but they may extend depending on rainfall and dam levels.
Q2: Will schools and hospitals get special water supply?
Yes, both schools and hospitals are prioritized for daily tanker services and storage facilities.
Q3: What if I miss the 2-hour supply window?
Unfortunately, the supply is strictly time-bound. You must store water in advance and follow the schedule provided by your local municipality.
Q4: Can I install a borehole at home?
Yes, but you must apply for a permit from your municipality and ensure groundwater safety protocols are followed.
Q5: Will businesses receive compensation for shutdowns?
The provincial treasury is reviewing a temporary relief package, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Q6: Is it safe to drink water from tankers?
Yes, all tanker water is treated and tested daily before dispatch.
