George Municipality has implemented Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs with immediate effect, under the intensified Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures applicable to greater George, Uniondale, and Haarlem, following the continued decline of the Garden Route Dam to 43.48% and the Haarlem Dam to 30.42% as of this week. The purpose of the Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs is to discourage excessive water use, protect limited potable water supplies, and ensure that essential water needs can be met during the ongoing drought.
WHAT ARE EMERGENCY WATER TARIFFS AND WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE? • Basic water needs remain protected • Higher water use becomes significantly more expensive, encouraging water saving • The more water you use above the recommended household usage limit of 10 kilolitres, the higher the cost per kilolitre • These tariffs encourage immediate water-saving behaviour and help reduce pressure on the water supply. By lowering overall consumption now, the Municipality can avoid more severe restrictions or possible water interruptions in the future. • Simply put: the less water you use, the less you pay.
KEY CHANGES UNDER LEVEL 3 EMERGENCY TARIFFS • Domestic households are encouraged to limit consumption to a maximum of 10 kilolitres per month, which includes the first 6kl of water provided at no charge. • Water use above 6kl is charged at increased emergency tariff rates as per applicable tariff block. • Indigent households continue to receive their basic free water allocation, but usage over 6kl is charged at emergency rates. • Emergency tariffs apply to all domestic households as well as businesses and industries. All non-domestic users are billed according to emergency tariff rates that increase as water consumption rises, including guest houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments, churches and church buildings, educational institutions, children’s homes, old-age homes, and crèches.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE • Emergency tariffs apply only to consumption above the free or basic allocation of 6kl. • Users (domestic and otherwise) who significantly exceed usage limits may be charged the highest tariff blocks, subject to increased monitoring and/or fitted with flow-restricting devices • Continued non-compliance may result in fines or legal action in terms of municipal by-laws.
HOW WILL BILLING WORK Level 2 emergency water tariffs (Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures), which started on 19 December 2025, will be charged for water usage included in the January 2026 billing cycle, and Level 3 emergency water tariffs (Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures), which came into effect on 5 January 2026, will be charged for the water usage from the February 2026 billing cycle going forward.
Note: 2 D Water Demand Management Measures with Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs were implemented for Uniondale/Haarlem on 9 January 2026.
Your municipal account shows the water you used in the previous month: • Water used during December 2025 is billed at Level 2 emergency tariff rates on the January 2026 account. • Water used from 5 January 2026 onward will be billed at Level 3 emergency tariff rates and will reflect on the February 2026 account and future bills.
EXEMPTIONS Households or businesses with verified medical, health, or essential operational water needs may apply for an exemption. Applications must be submitted in writing with a full detailed motivation and supporting documentation to the Deputy Director Water and Sanitation, c/o gvanniekerk@george.gov.za, with enquiries to 044 801 9354. Each application is assessed individually, based on proof submitted and historical water consumption.
Application forms for exemptions are available online: • English: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-ENGLISH.pdf • Afrikaans: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-AFRIKAANS.pdf • IsiXhosa: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-isiXhosa.pdf
TARIFF INFORMATION Link to Tariff Document 2025/26: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tariff-Book_1-July-2025-to-30-June-2026.pdf (See page 36 of the document)
REPORT LEAKS OR MISUSE Leaks and water-related queries: 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) or 044 801 6300 (after hours) Water misuse and violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) or 044 801 6300 (after hours)
These measures are not punitive, but necessary. Every drop saved today helps secure water for tomorrow.