New Water Crisis – In a startling development, the Eastern Cape is bracing for a severe water supply crisis starting July 5, 2025, with government authorities announcing a drastic cut in tap water availability—now restricted to only 2 hours per day. This emergency measure comes in response to worsening drought conditions, critical dam levels, and crumbling municipal infrastructure, especially in Nelson Mandela Bay, Makhanda, and surrounding regions. The announcement has sparked widespread concern among over 1.5 million residents who depend on municipal tap water for daily survival. With reservoirs nearing dead storage levels and weather forecasts predicting no major rainfall in the coming weeks, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and local municipalities have agreed to enforce strict water rationing across affected districts. Citizens have been urged to prepare for possible dry taps, install emergency storage solutions, and ration usage to avoid complete depletion of remaining water reserves. Municipal trucks are being readied to deliver limited water to informal settlements and hospitals. Officials warn that the crisis may deepen unless rain relief arrives soon or emergency borehole operations are expanded. The last time the province faced a similar crisis was in 2022, but the current situation is considered far worse. This warning serves not only as a critical update but also a call to action for communities to adapt and conserve immediately.
Areas Affected by the Eastern Cape New Water Crisis
The following municipalities and towns will face restricted tap water access from July 5 as per the emergency notice.
- Daily water access limited to 2 hours (between 5–7 AM)
- No municipal refills outside emergency trucks
- Local tanks to be deployed in informal areas
Affected Municipal Regions
| Municipality | District | Population Affected | Tanker Backup | Daily Hours Water | Emergency Boreholes | Last Major Ration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Bay | Metro | 850,000 | Yes | 2 hrs | 6 active | May 2022 |
| Makhanda (Grahamstown) | Sarah Baartman | 82,000 | Yes | 2 hrs | 2 active | Oct 2021 |
| Buffalo City (East London) | Amathole | 280,000 | Planned | 2 hrs | Pending | Not Yet |
| Aliwal North | Joe Gqabi | 48,000 | No | 2 hrs | 1 drilled | 2020 |
| Queenstown (Komani) | Chris Hani | 180,000 | Yes | 2 hrs | 3 active | Dec 2022 |
| Mthatha | OR Tambo | 300,000 | Partial | 2 hrs | 2 planned | May 2023 |
| Butterworth | Amathole | 110,000 | Yes | 2 hrs | 1 emergency | March 2021 |
| Cofimvaba | Chris Hani | 39,000 | Yes | 2 hrs | Planned | Not Yet |
Why Is New Water Crisis in Eastern Cape?
The decision to enforce this extreme restriction follows alarming developments in the region’s water infrastructure and climate pattern.
- Dam levels across the Eastern Cape have dropped below 25%
- Municipal maintenance has been delayed due to budget shortages
- Illegal water connections and pipe bursts waste over 30% of supply
- Rising temperatures have increased daily household consumption
- Load shedding has affected pumping stations and water purification
Critical Water Source Status Report
| Dam Name | Capacity (%) | Status | Risk Level | Expected Dry Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kouga Dam | 18.4% | Operational | Very High | Aug 2025 |
| Churchill Dam | 10.9% | Severe Drop | Extreme | July 30, 2025 |
| Loerie Dam | 21.2% | Low Supply | High | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Nahoon Dam | 24.6% | Declining | High | Sept 2025 |
| Bridle Drift Dam | 19.7% | Emergency | Extreme | Aug 10, 2025 |
| Wriggleswade Dam | 29.1% | Low Risk | Medium | Nov 2025 |
| Gcuwa Weir | 12.3% | Critical | High | July 25, 2025 |
How Will Residents Access Water During Restrictions?
Residents will need to rely on stored containers and scheduled municipal tanker deliveries. Schools and clinics will get priority access.
- Water will flow only from 5 AM to 7 AM daily
- Residents must store at least 20–30 litres per day per person
- Community tanks to be installed in high-density zones
- Emergency boreholes to serve clinics and old age homes
Priority Supply Locations Announced
| Location Type | Delivery Frequency | Tanker Capacity | Priority Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Clinics | Daily | 6,000 litres | High |
| Government Schools | Every 2 days | 10,000 litres | High |
| Informal Settlements | Weekly | 5,000 litres | Medium |
| Old Age Homes | Daily | 2,500 litres | High |
| Police Stations | Every 3 days | 8,000 litres | Medium |
What Residents Are Being Urged to Do Now
Municipalities and the DWS are advising all households to take immediate conservation steps before July 5.
Household Water-Saving Checklist
- Fix all leaking taps and toilets immediately
- Limit washing machine and dishwashing usage
- Flush toilets only when absolutely necessary
- Take sponge baths instead of showers
- Store water in clean, sealed containers (minimum 25L per household)
What Happens If the Situation Worsens?
If no significant rainfall is received or borehole extraction fails, authorities may move to a complete water shutdown model on a rotating basis.
Worst-Case Contingency Measures
- Alternate-day water zone scheduling
- Deployment of additional army water tankers
- Closure of car washes and laundromats
- Suspension of school operations in dry zones
- Business water quotas for industrial use
Government Relief Measures & Promised Interventions
The government has activated emergency response units to support municipalities, allocate relief funding, and fast-track borehole construction in critical zones.
Funding & Infrastructure Plans
- R65 million released to Eastern Cape municipalities
- 24 new borehole projects to be completed by July-end
- Water infrastructure contractors deployed 24/7
- Smart meters to monitor large-scale users like malls and factories
Community Outreach & Communication
- Door-to-door awareness campaigns launched
- Free water-saving devices to be distributed to poor households
- Real-time SMS alerts for water availability in each ward
- Municipal WhatsApp numbers available for emergency tanker requests
Eastern Cape is now on the brink of one of its worst water crises in history. Residents must act urgently, adapt to the new schedule, and support conservation efforts at all levels. Government and municipal teams are racing to install emergency infrastructure, but the success of this crisis response depends largely on public cooperation. Without immediate rainfall or a massive reduction in consumption, the region may face a full-scale humanitarian disaster by mid-August.
FAQs on the July 2025 Eastern Cape Water Crisis
1. When will the water restrictions start?
They begin on July 5, 2025, with supply available only from 5 AM to 7 AM daily.
2. Who is affected by this restriction?
All major towns in the Eastern Cape including Nelson Mandela Bay, Makhanda, and Buffalo City.
3. Can households request water tankers?
Only for emergencies like hospitals, clinics, or approved old-age homes.
4. How should residents prepare?
Store at least 25–30 litres of water per person and fix all leaks.
5. How long will the crisis last?
Until dam levels improve or rain arrives—no fixed end date yet.