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Water restrictions are being reinforced across parts of the Western Cape, including the Garden Route, as authorities respond to lower dam levels and sustained summer demand.
Level 4 water restrictions are now in place in the Greater Knysna area, with local authorities closely monitoring conditions and preparing contingency plans. This follows the Akkerkloof Dam reaching a critical 20% capacity, leaving an estimated 13 days of water available.
The Western Cape government has confirmed that regional dam levels are lower than at the same time last year, stressing that early, proactive water-saving steps are more effective than emergency restrictions later in the season. At the end of December, the average water usage sat at 1,025MLD, with the city’s dam levels at 70,5%. Currently, dams in and around Cape Town are sitting at 68% storage capacity.
The City of Cape Town has set a daily usage target of less than 975 million litres per day (MLD) throughout the peak summer period, aimed at avoiding a water crisis in the event of below-average or unpredictable rainfall takes place in 2026.
READ: Cape Town water use off the charts: Lest we forget Day Zero!
The pressure on water resources comes as climate change continues to alter rainfall patterns across the Western Cape, resulting in longer dry periods, hotter summers and less predictable dam replenishment.
Fire risks under a strained water supply
Industry body SATSA says the tourism sector is accustomed to managing seasonal water constraints and is working closely with local authorities to ensure responsible resource use while maintaining visitor safety and service standards.
"Emergency services remain vigilant as hot, dry, and windy weather continues to drive fire risk across the country. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality confirms that whilst fire incidents have increased since December, teams are successfully containing outbreaks and maintaining a high level of readiness," SATSA shared in an update.
"Firefighting efforts continue in Mossel Bay, and the municipality has urged the public to remain alert and avoid affected areas, allowing emergency services to operate safely."
Water-wise measures and tips for guests
Despite the restrictions, tourism businesses across the Garden Route remain open and operational. Many have implemented water-saving measures worth noting:
- Reuse towels and bedding rather than requesting daily changes
- Expect scaled-back housekeeping and fewer linen swaps
- Keep showers short and switch off taps when not in use
- Don’t be surprised by lower water pressure at peak times
- Follow any water-wise guidelines at your hotel, guesthouse or Airbnb
- Check in with your accommodation for up-to-date local conditions
- Keep an eye on official municipal updates for changing restrictions
- Use water thoughtfully throughout your stay to help ease local pressure
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