– RESIDENTS URGED TO USE WATER WISELY AS FIRE RISK INCREASES –
The Overstrand Municipality and the Western Cape Government are urging residents and farmers to prepare for a hotter, drier summer driven by El Niño conditions.
Table of Contents
El Niño Weather Pattern
Weather forecasts point to a very strong El Niño weather pattern during the coming summer, which could bring warmer and drier conditions to the Western Cape for between nine and 18 months.
The expected conditions could increase the risk of veld fires, while warmer weather can also lead to higher water use. The Overstrand Municipality is therefore preparing for a potentially longer and more difficult fire season and is closely watching both fire and water conditions.
Preparations for Summer Months
As part of its preparations, the Municipality is reviewing and strengthening its plans for the summer months. Fire, Rescue & Disaster Management is working with organisations such as the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA) and other response agencies to improve preparedness, co-ordination and information sharing.
Landowners, farmers and businesses are encouraged to clear alien vegetation, maintain firebreaks where required, and ensure that firefighting equipment is serviced and ready for use to help reduce wildfire risk during the coming summer months.
No Water Restrictions For Now
All dams across the Overstrand remain close to full capacity and are monitored continuously. While no water restrictions are currently in place, residents are nevertheless encouraged to use water wisely now rather than waiting for dry conditions to develop.
Residents can assist by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, turning off taps when not in use, only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, and watering gardens outside the hottest part of the day and for shorter periods.
The existing Water Services By-law stipulates that irrigation is not allowed between 09:00 and 17:00, helping to reduce water losses through evaporation during the warmest part of the day.
Residents have also asked about the effect of the September 2024 Heritage Day storm, when large amounts of silt were washed down from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
A survey of the De Bos Dam basin was carried out after the floods and confirmed that the current capacity of the dam is 5,57 million kilolitres. The dam level is 99.2%, with average daily water consumption: 15.498 Ml/day (previous week 15.800 Ml/day).
More Water Sources Being Explored
The Municipality is continuing efforts to diversify water sources across the region. Plans for a seawater desalination plant are progressing, while work on the groundwater augmentation project continues both in Hermanus and Pearly Beach.
Key Preparation Measures and Regulations
Water Restrictions and Bylaws
Under Overstrand Municipality water bylaws, irrigation is prohibited between 09:00 and 17:00 daily to minimize evaporation loss.
Specific water restrictions remain active in designated areas like Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni, where hosepipes and irrigation systems for gardens/lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing vehicles with municipal water are restricted.
Fire Season Readiness
The Overstrand Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management department is collaborating with external agencies and private landowners to clear dry vegetation and address overgrown properties.
Residents can report overgrown properties via the Overstrand Citizen App or by emailing firesafety@overstrand.gov.za
Water-Wise Habits
Households are encouraged to take short showers, fix leaks promptly, use buckets to capture and reuse greywater, and run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads.
Leaks can be reported to the 24-hour control room for basic services at 028 313 8111
Source and References
Also read: El Niño Puts Pietermaritzburg Water Supply Under Pressure as Hotter, Drier Summer Looms
https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/09/02/western-cape-told-to-prepare-for-hot-summer-fires-and-water-woes
https://www.overstrand.gov.za/preparing-for-the-fire-season/
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