Oudtshoorn, 12 December 2025 – Amid rising concerns over increased water consumption and the urgent need for sustainable water management, the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality has announced the immediate implementation of water restrictions to safeguard the community’s water security.
At the Council Meeting held on Thursday, 12 December 2025, Executive Mayor Alderman Johan Allers confirmed that the recent extreme heat experienced in Oudtshoorn has led to a sharp increase in water usage, prompting the urgent implementation of Level 1 Water Restrictions immediately. Stricter levels will automatically follow as dam levels continue to decline.
The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality will apply the following water restriction scale based on dam levels:
LEVEL 1 WATER RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY FOR OUDTSHOORN
Level 1 Water Restrictions apply to all areas supplied by the Raubenheimer Dam.
Key Rules for Level 1 (66%–80%)
- Daily use target: 150 litres per person per day
- Private car washing: Allowed
- Commercial car washes: Allowed
- Private swimming pools: May be filled but must be covered
- Fountains: Allowed
- Garden irrigation: 3 days per week, between 06:00 and 09:00 and between 17:00 and 20:00, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Sport fields: Irrigation allowed 3 days per week, between 06:00 and 09:00 and between 17:00 and 20:00, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Washing paving: Not allowed
- Roof cleaning / construction use: Allowed
- Fine for non-compliance: R1 000
Below is a summary of the next levels that will be implemented as the Raubenheimer Dam drops:
LEVEL 2 – High (Triggered at 51%–65%)
Daily use target: 100 litres per person/day
- Private car wash: Bucket only
- Commercial car wash: With permission only
- Swimming pools: Allowed, must be covered
- Fountains: Not allowed
- Garden irrigation: 2 days/week (6 hrs/day)
- Sport fields: Not allowed
- Paving washing: Not allowed
- Roof cleaning/construction: Permission required
- Fine: R1 000
LEVEL 3 – Very High (Triggered at 41%–50%)
Daily use target: 50 litres per person/day
Drought tariff: Stage 1
- Private car wash: Not allowed
- Commercial car wash: Permission required
- Swimming pools: Not allowed
- Fountains: Not allowed
- Garden irrigation: Not allowed
- Sport fields: Not allowed
- Roof cleaning/paving: Not allowed
- Fine: R5 000
LEVEL 4 – Severe (Triggered at 31%–40%)
Daily use target: 50 litres per person/day
Drought tariff: Stage 2–3
- Private car wash: Not allowed
- Commercial car wash: Bucket only
- All irrigation: Not allowed
- Swimming pools: Not allowed
- Roof cleaning/paving: Not allowed
- Fine: R5 000
LEVEL 5 – Emergency (Triggered at 25%–30%)
Daily use target: 50 litres per person/day
Drought tariff: Stage 4
- All car washing: Not allowed
- All irrigation: Not allowed
- Swimming pools: Not allowed
- Any non-essential use: Not allowed
- Fine: R7 500
LEVEL 6 – Crisis (Triggered at < 25%)
Daily use target: 25 litres per person/day
Drought tariff: Stage 5
- All outdoor/irrigation/washing: Not allowed
- Car washes: Not allowed
- Pools and fountains: Not allowed
- All non-essential water use: Not allowed
- Fine: R7 500
LEVEL 6 RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE FOR DE RUST, DYSSELSDORP & KKLWS
Dysselsdorp & KKLWS
These areas depend on KKLWS boreholes, where supply and consumption are currently almost equal. Borehole levels remain stable, but no spare capacity exists.
Residents are reminded that Level 6 restrictions remain fully active and consumption must decrease immediately
De Rust
The flow in the Huis River remains critically low. To maintain supply, De Rust is receiving 24-hour augmentation from KKLWS, placing heavy strain on the system. Residents must strictly adhere to Level 6 restrictions.
The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality urges all communities to follow the applicable restriction levels and reduce consumption. Water security depends on the collective effort of every household and business.