Level one (moderate) drought restrictions' was announced by Bitou Municipality on 6 February 2023. 

The restrictions have been triggered by the level of the Roodefontein Dam, one of the key suppliers of water to Plett, dropping below 80%. The restrictions are in line with Bitou Municipality's Drought Management Policy.

The use of water obtained from the municipality’s water supply system is limited for:

• watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas, flower beds, sports fields, bowling greens, golf greens and fairways, croquet lawns, turf wickets, ploughing fields and the like. These may only be watered twice a 
• week for two hours per day
• topping up or filling fountains, ornamental ponds
•  filling swimming and paddling pools
• washing paved areas, walls, roofs, buildings and similar structures

The use of municipal water and the operation of following is prohibited:

• Use of hosepipe
• sprinklers, sprinkler and drip systems
• automatic swimming pool fillers
• automatic urinal flushing systems

Exemptions:

•  The use of reclaimed water or water obtained from sources other than the municipality's water supply system
• Watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas and flower beds by means of a hand-held container
• The use or operation of a hose pipe or sprinkler system for firefighting
• The filling of a new pool on completion of initial construction
•  Commercial vehicle washing business where at least 70% of the water is recycled. Vehicle washing by means of a hand-held container is permitted.
• Watering of plants, trees and shrubs in commercial, state and municipal nurseries
• The filling of municipal swimming pools and swimming pools at hotels, fitness centres, medical care centres, schools, educational institutions and institutions of higher education

Please Note:

• Notice boards must be prominently displayed where water from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system is used for irrigation.
• Land owners must notify the Engineering Services Directorate in writing of the existence of boreholes on their property.
• Landowners must apply to the Department of Water & Sanitation for the intention to sink boreholes and notify Bitou Local Municipality.
• All consumption must be reduced by at least 15% and failure to achieve this will result in Bitou Local Municipality being forced to impose stricter measures.
• The contravention of this prohibition constitutes a criminal offence.

The Municipality urges all visitors and locals to use water sparingly in light of this announcement.

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