Published by Bitou Municipality Sat, 15/11/2025

The Stage 3 restrictions will be implemented with effect from Monday, 17 November 2025, in line with Bitou Municipality’s Drought Management Policy to manage and prevent the increased risk of water shortages. 

This intervention is triggered mainly by the Roodefontein dam dropping below the 50% level due to below-average rainfall in the region.

The latest seasonal climate forecast issued by the SA Weather Services for the period November to January 2026 indicates that during the late-spring season going into summer, most areas of the country, including the Bitou area, are expected to receive below-normal rainfall.

1. The use of potable water obtained from the Bitou Municipality’s water supply system is prohibited for the following activities: 

(a) The watering of gardens using municipal water.

(b) The filling or topping up of swimming pools, ponds, and paddling pools,

(c) The use of automatic swimming pool water fillers,

(d) The use of automatic irrigation sprinklers and drip systems,

(e) The use of automatic urinal flushing systems,

(f)  The hosing of structures, roofs, and driveways

(g) The washing of motor vehicles, boats, and any other type of motorised or non-motorised vehicles.

 

All domestic households are to limit water usage up to a maximum of 15 kilolitres per month.

All domestic households with excessive water usage may have a flow meter restrictor installed to limit usage up to 15 kilolitres per month. 

PLEASE NOTE: Stage 3 tariffs are 200% higher than normal tariffs for consumption above 15 KL in households.

EXEMPTIONS: 

1. The use of reclaimed water or water obtained from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system. The municipality may request proof of the augmentation source.

2. The prohibitions contained in this notice shall not apply in any case, specifically exempted, in writing, by the Head of Department: Engineering Services. 

• Notice of augmented water supply placards must be prominently displayed on boundaries where water from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system is used for activities prohibited in this notice.
• Landowners 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 accordingly. 

UNDER THE HAND OF:
Mr. Christopher Lungelo Mapeyi
ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGER

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