GEORGE NEWS - A water crisis is looming in George, warns Dr Dennis Farrell of the Business Café.

Farrell reckons if the current downward trend of the Garden Route Dam’s water level continues, it could reach 15% by next August.

In a Business Café statement last week, Farrell points out that the water level had dropped at an estimated average of 4.3% per month - from 100% to 57.11% - over 10 months from January to October (with an average rainfall of 62.9mm over this period).

The latest water level published by George Municipality on Tuesday 11 November is 55.22%.

Acknowledging Farrell’s concern, the municipal manager, Godfrey Louw, said with no rainfall and/or inflow into the dam, we have 20 weeks (five months) left until we hit the 15% mark.

 “We currently have level 2B water restrictions in place. The next level of water restrictions will be implemented from 45% and under, as governed by our Council-approved Drought Management Policy.”

Says Farrell: “What plans are in place should we reach a critical level of 15%, or to prevent us reaching that level? This is a shared crisis that demands shared action by the authorities, businesses and individuals. Current financial values need to appreciate water as a scarce resource and should thus reflect the real value of water. This requires a new value system across all sectors and stakeholders.”

Water at the centre

Farrell asks why development continues at the present scale in the midst of a crisis, and how relevant future water requirements are as based on agreed population and growth figures.

“Water must be placed at the centre of integrated planning and decision-making. Current budgets need to adequately provide for water, which might mean they have to be doubled to cater for present needs.”

He points out that the municipality has been losing treated water through leaks and bursts, commercial losses due to inaccurate metering or billing, and unauthorised consumption (eg, illegal connections).

“As a stakeholder, are you happy to just pick up the increased costs related to water, or are you willing to contribute to resolve the crisis? Water efficiency and curbing water losses should be high on the agenda of each individual and institution in the country. Water management must be formally embedded in the sector businesses, with associated accountability,” says Farrell.

Dennis Farrell

Water must be seen as gold

In response to the Business Café’s statement about a perceived looming water crisis, the George Business Chamber’s chairperson, Johannes Jumat, says water should be regarded as gold, oil and other commodities, especially in today’s times.

“A collective effort is required. The water crisis is not unique, and we can look at what other regions and countries are doing to address it effectively. We want to prevent, at all costs, the consequences of the crisis leading to food insecurity and job losses in water-dependent industries. Alternatives such as water recycling and desalination plants can always be considered.

“Careful thought must be given before linking tariffs to this, especially at a time when consumers are already under financial pressure. Aggressive awareness raising about the crisis is essential to secure everyone’s buy-in. The business chamber is always willing to join hands to find joint solutions for the benefit of all who are affected.”

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Johannes Jumat

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Below follows Louw's full response to Farrell's document:

"Water security is indeed at the centre of integrated planning and decision-making, with the specific aim to respond to and support the achievement of national development and sector goals, and to ensure sustainable water provision for the city of George. 

"The capital expenditure on potable water security increased by R1,2 bn over the past four financial years after the successful award of the BFI grant to the Municipality specifically for this purpose. This amount excludes the municipal increased expenditure on water projects to reduce water losses and improve/rehabilitate and upgrade existing infrastructure. Sustainability remains a strategic goal. It is firmly embedded in the Municipal Spatial Development Framework and IDP to ensure we promote a city structure that is resource frugal and fiscally sustainable.

"Non-Revenue water is currently addressed under the George Municipal Water Services Bylaws, Drought Management Policy, Water Conservation and Water Demand management Strategy. 

"This is an ongoing process, and the Directorate Civil Engineering Services have spent R millions in maintenance costs in an attempt to address the issue around Non-Revenue Water. Multiple CAPEX and OPEX upgrades over the past 5 years including the BFI Grant of R1,2 billion, and frequent project media updates have been issued to keep the public abreast of progress.

Godfrey Louw

"Developments are triggered by demand. The Municipality cannot deny citizens access to George, but we have a responsibility to plan for them. Formalised development enables the municipality to regulate usage and consumption.

"During 2024, a comprehensive bulk water resources study was completed by the Directorate Civil Engineering Services, the report highlights and present the current and future raw water requirements and demands. Various raw water resources were considered and categorised for implementation over a 30-year planned horizon. 

"Some of the raw water augmentation options include groundwater development, refurbishment of the Outeniqua Ultra Filtration Facility (Re-Use), development of a new raw water storage dam, are already in the planning phase with submission for grant funding being prepared etc. The additional 40Ml raw water balancing dam is nearing completion and the Kaaimans raw water pumping scheme was successfully upgraded and is operational.

"Developments are approved based on the availability of bulk infrastructure and resources at the time of application and based on master plans. The current raw water situation is due to the unusually low rainfall over the past few months that was not predicted in advance by weather forecasters and is a natural occurrence. Cyclical periods of lower-than-average rainfall will always occur, and the Municipality has implemented policies to restrict and reduce potable water consumption when required.

"The level of water restrictions is governed by our Council approved Drought Management Policy. Plans and policies that are in place include the continuous implementation of various water conservation and water demand management initiatives, enforcement of water restrictions and implementation of short- and medium-term groundwater exploration and development as well as the upgrading of the Ultra Filtration Plant to better align with international standards.

Water plan and audit report

"The Annual Water Services Development Plan Performance  and Water Services Audit Report are updated, approved by Council and submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation annually. The update to the current Water Services Development Plan is underway and near completion. 

"The latest report was submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation on 16 October 2025. Extractions and data from the water services audit are utilised to update the Municipal Integrated Development Planning and Municipal Annual Report. 

"Discrepancies between Census data, IDP figures and the Water Services Audit are noted and agreed upon between various stakeholders prior finalising the figures for the Water Services Audit. The Figures presented in the Water Services Audit are utilised for planning purposes and future demand projections by the Directorate Civil Engineering Services."

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