Water Restrictions – The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is bracing for an unprecedented water supply crisis as the government enforces strict new water restrictions starting July 4, 2025. As per the official circular released by the Department of Water and Sanitation, residents in several municipalities across the province will only receive piped water for two hours a day. This decision comes amid alarming drops in dam levels, poor rainfall patterns, and persistent drought conditions that have plagued the region for months. While many parts of South Africa are no stranger to water shortages, this latest development marks a severe escalation. Areas like Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, and Makhanda have reported dwindling reservoirs, with some dams operating at below 20% capacity. The municipality has warned of further reductions if consumption is not curbed immediately. The two-hour supply window has been met with concern and confusion by residents, businesses, and schools alike. Questions regarding scheduling, health safety, and access to alternative water sources are pouring in as the public scrambles to prepare. The provincial government has assured citizens that water tankers and borehole points will be deployed in high-risk zones, but critics argue that the measures are not enough to deal with the scale of the emergency. Below is a complete breakdown of what the new restrictions entail, who will be affected, what support systems are being provided, and how individuals can manage this crisis effectively.
Which Areas Will Be Affected by the New Water Restrictions?
Several municipalities and districts across the Eastern Cape have been placed under immediate water supply restrictions. The list includes both urban and rural settlements.
List of Affected Municipalities (Effective July 4, 2025)
| District/City | Water Window Timing | Supply Duration | Backup Support | Water Level (%) | Alternative Sources | High-Risk Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 06:00 – 08:00 | 2 Hours | Tankers, Boreholes | 18% | Trucked-in water | Northern Suburbs |
| Buffalo City | 19:00 – 21:00 | 2 Hours | Tankers, Water Points | 22% | Mobile tanks | East London Townships |
| Makhanda | 05:00 – 07:00 | 2 Hours | Boreholes | 15% | Harvested rainwater | Rhodes Campus |
| Kouga Municipality | 20:00 – 22:00 | 2 Hours | Community Tanks | 19% | Emergency wells | Jeffreys Bay |
| Chris Hani District | 07:00 – 09:00 | 2 Hours | Water Trucks | 20% | Tanker services | Queenstown |
| Amathole District | 18:00 – 20:00 | 2 Hours | Tankers + NGOs | 17% | Purified greywater | Rural villages |
| Alfred Nzo District | 06:00 – 08:00 | 2 Hours | Boreholes, Water Tankers | 21% | River filtration | Mount Ayliff |
| Joe Gqabi District | 08:00 – 10:00 | 2 Hours | Municipality Water Trucks | 19% | Recycled water points | Aliwal North |
What Caused the Water Restrictions Crisis in Eastern Cape?
Key Reasons for the Water Crisis
- Extended periods of drought with minimal rainfall in 2024–2025
- Depletion of key reservoirs including Kouga and Churchill Dams
- Over-reliance on aging infrastructure with high leakage rates
- Poor maintenance and delayed repair work on water pipelines
- Increased population pressure on limited water resources
- Lack of timely investment in water recycling and storage systems
- Failure to enforce previous water-saving guidelines
How Will the Water Restriction Schedule Work?
Residents are expected to adjust their daily routines to the new supply hours announced by their respective municipalities.
Daily Supply Window Per Area (Summary Table)
| City/Municipality | Morning Supply | Evening Supply | Notes on Variability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela Bay | Yes (06:00–08:00) | No | Timings may rotate weekly |
| Buffalo City | No | Yes (19:00–21:00) | Strict enforcement expected |
| Makhanda | Yes (05:00–07:00) | No | Subject to change per week |
| Kouga | No | Yes (20:00–22:00) | May be cut during weekends |
| Chris Hani | Yes (07:00–09:00) | No | Vulnerable to service delay |
| Amathole | No | Yes (18:00–20:00) | May expand based on storage |
| Alfred Nzo | Yes (06:00–08:00) | No | Supported by water tankers |
| Joe Gqabi | Yes (08:00–10:00) | No | Alternate day restrictions |
How Can Residents Cope with Limited Water Supply?
Top Survival Tips During Water Restrictions
- Store water in clean, sealed containers every time the supply is on.
- Use buckets to collect shower and dishwater for flushing toilets.
- Limit washing clothes to once per week and use full load settings.
- Avoid watering gardens and washing vehicles entirely.
- Disinfect hands using alcohol-based sanitizers to save water.
- Fix all internal leaks and dripping taps immediately.
- Collect and use rainwater wherever possible.
- Install low-flow nozzles and water-saving devices on taps.
What Emergency Support Has the Government Promised?
Immediate Relief Measures for Residents
- Deployment of over 500 water tankers across major towns
- Borehole activation in critical low-pressure areas
- Distribution of 25-litre jerry cans to households
- SMS alert system for supply schedule changes
- Coordination with NGOs for clean water delivery
- Enhanced maintenance crews for burst pipe repairs
- Setup of emergency water points in schools and clinics
Will These Restrictions Last Long?
Projected Timeline and Review Dates
| Review Period | Authority Involved | Possible Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| July 28, 2025 | Department of Water & Sanitation | Extension or easing of limits |
| August 15, 2025 | Eastern Cape Disaster Task Team | Decision based on dam levels |
| September 10, 2025 | Provincial Crisis Panel | Evaluation of emergency response |
| October 1, 2025 | Inter-Ministerial Committee | Long-term water strategy review |
What Are the Health and Hygiene Risks?
Limited access to clean water poses severe risks to hygiene, especially in crowded informal settlements. Residents may be unable to properly wash hands, prepare food, or maintain toilet sanitation. Health officials are urging the public to follow water-saving hygiene practices and report symptoms of waterborne illness immediately.
What Should You Do If Your Area Receives No Water?
If you receive no water during your designated window, first confirm with neighbors. Then, contact your local municipal water emergency number. If no updates are provided, locate the nearest public water point or tanker distribution zone. Store water safely and avoid non-essential usage until service resumes.
This developing situation in Eastern Cape reflects the growing strain on South Africa’s water infrastructure. Residents are advised to stay informed, cooperate with restrictions, and take proactive steps to conserve water at the household level. While these measures may feel extreme, they are necessary to ensure that the province does not face a complete collapse in water supply. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
FAQs of Water Restrictions
Q1: What time will water be available in my area?
A: Each municipality has its own schedule. Refer to the tables above for specific timings.
Q2: Can I use borehole water for drinking?
A: Only if properly filtered and tested. Use municipal or bottled water if unsure.
Q3: Will schools and hospitals be affected?
A: Backup supplies are being arranged for all essential institutions.
Q4: How long will the restrictions stay in place?
A: Initial review is scheduled for July 28, 2025, but extensions are likely.
Q5: What penalties apply if residents waste water?
A: Fines and water meter throttling may be enforced for non-compliance.
Q6: Will the schedule rotate weekly?
A: Yes, in some municipalities to balance pressure across zones.