 | Drakenstein Municipality urges residents to use water responsibly
09 December 2025 | Press Releases |
9 December 2025As summer temperatures rise and dam levels decline, Drakenstein Municipality calls on all households, businesses and farms to use water sparingly to safeguard our water supply.
Although dam levels are lower than this time last year, there is no immediate cause for alarm. However, responsible water use is critical to ensure long-term water security.
“No new water restrictions are in place, but this may change if dam levels continue to drop or if the national Department of Water and Sanitation issues a directive," says Louis Pienaar, Executive Director of Engineering Services at Drakenstein Municipality.
Current dam levels
The combined storage of the Berg River, Wemmershoek, and Voëlvlei dams stood at 82.4% on 1 December 2025, compared to 93.1% during the same week last year. This decline is due to reduced winter rainfall and early high summer temperatures, which have driven up consumption.
Current water consumption
Daily water use has climbed to over 50.9 million litres on average, up from 48.1 million litres during the same week in 2024.
“Water use typically rises with temperatures, but this year the increase has been earlier and sharper than expected," adds Pienaar.
How you can help
Drakenstein Municipality continues to implement its Water Conservation and Demand Management Strategy, including pressure management, rapid leak repairs, and infrastructure upgrades. Residents can assist by adopting these simple habits:
- Report leaks via the SeeClickFix app or call 080 131 3553 (24-hour toll-free);
- Fix household leaks promptly;
- Limit shower time and avoid unnecessary tap use;
- Use greywater for gardens;
- Irrigate gardens before 09:00 or after 18:00;
- Avoid hosing down paved areas.
Let us make every drop count!
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
For media enquiries, contact: Ilse Schoombee, Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 6462, 082 805 2251 or ilse.schoombee@drakenstein.gov.za.
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality encompasses the towns of Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Simondium, and Saron. It is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 10 clean audits.
Visit our website: www.drakenstein.gov.za or visit on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
