Tshwane Water Restrictions: Urgent Warning as Supply Risks Grow
The City of Tshwane has implemented Level 2 water restrictions, warning residents, businesses and institutions to reduce consumption as demand places growing pressure on the bulk supply system.
The update is verified by an official City notice. The signed document is dated 10 November 2026, while the accompanying webpage was published on 12 November. It states that the restrictions take effect immediately. Source: City of Tshwane
Residents should check both their water use and the tariff category applicable to their property, because the measures include approved Level 2 charges.
Why has Tshwane introduced restrictions?
According to the City, September consumption was approximately 34% above its permanent licence allocation and 19% above its temporary allocation.
Rand Water consequently requested a reduction of approximately 200 megalitres daily, equivalent to 200 million litres.
The notice also says Gauteng’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs directed municipalities supplied by Rand Water to implement and enforce Level 2 restrictions.
The City attributes the problem primarily to demand exceeding available treated water supply, rather than a shortage in source dams. That distinction matters: water in a dam still needs treatment and distribution before it reaches households. Source: Official public notice
What should residents do immediately?
Rekord’s reporting on the announcement identifies several conservation measures residents are urged to follow:
- Avoid watering gardens and lawns with municipal drinking water.
- Do not wash vehicles using hosepipes.
- Avoid filling swimming pools with municipal water.
- Repair leaking taps, toilets and pipes.
- Shorten showers and avoid leaving taps running unnecessarily.
- Reuse greywater for gardening where appropriate.
- Report visible leaks and burst pipes through official City channels.
Businesses and institutions are also expected to introduce internal conservation measures. The practical message is to reduce avoidable demand throughout the day, including at properties where water continues to flow normally. Source: Rekord
How do the residential tariffs change?
The announced Level 2 schedule lists the following monthly consumption bands for residential consumers on Scales A, B and C:
| Monthly consumption | Published tariff |
|---|---|
| 0–9 kℓ | Free |
| 10–18 kℓ | R43.20 per kℓ |
| 19–30 kℓ | R72.66 per kℓ |
| 31–42 kℓ | R89.72 per kℓ |
| 43–60 kℓ | R108.01 per kℓ |
| Above 60 kℓ | Applicable approved tariff |
These are consumption-band rates. One kilolitre equals 1,000 litres. Source: The Citizen’s tariff explainer
What support and exemptions remain?
Qualifying indigent households will continue receiving 12 kℓ of free basic water monthly.
Properties valued at R250,000 or below, together with officially registered indigent customers, qualify for the applicable network access charge exemption under the tariff policy.
A network access charge of R203.70 per 30-day billing period remains applicable where prescribed. Other customer categories follow their respective approved Level 2 structures.
Residents should check their account category and registration status. Source: The Citizen
What should you check on your account?
Start with the property’s tariff category, recorded consumption and billing period. If you rent or live in a complex with shared billing, ask whoever manages the account how municipal water charges are allocated.
Keep a record of meter readings where you can safely access your own meter. Comparing readings can help you understand usage and identify an unexpected increase that deserves investigation.
If a charge appears unclear, request an explanation using the City’s official account enquiry channels. Have the relevant account and meter information ready, but avoid posting those details publicly.
The notice establishes restrictions across Tshwane; it does not mean every neighbourhood will experience the same pressure or interruption. Check current separate local supply updates for your area.
How long will the restrictions last?
The announced initial period is 30 days from implementation, followed by a review based on supply and demand conditions.
The City says any extension or adjustment will be communicated through its official platforms. Residents should not assume restrictions automatically disappear after that initial period.
Rekord also reports that monitoring and enforcement will intensify through the Tshwane Metro Police Department’s by-law enforcement unit. Compliance with applicable restrictions and water services by-laws is compulsory. Source: Rekord
For households, the immediate priorities are checking leaks, cutting unnecessary consumption and understanding the charges on their account. Follow official notices for changes rather than relying on an assumed end date.