The Overstrand Municipality has commenced with the drilling of a new production borehole at the corner of the R43 and Mountain Drive in Hermanus as part of its ongoing programme to improve water security.

The contractor has begun site preparation and establishment of drilling equipment. The project is expected to continue until the end of September 2026.

The new borehole will expand the existing Gateway wellfield and forms part of the Municipality’s long-term groundwater augmentation programme. Over the past several years, the Municipality has expanded its groundwater infrastructure to make greater use of available groundwater resources and reduce reliance on surface water supplies.

Hermanus currently receives its bulk water from the De Bos Dam as well as the Gateway, Camphill and Volmoed wellfields in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
As with previous borehole projects, drilling will target the deeper Peninsula Formation aquifer, which is separate from the shallower aquifers used by many private borehole owners. The project is therefore not expected to affect domestic groundwater users.

Residents in the vicinity may experience some temporary noise, dust and increased activity associated with the drilling works. Every effort will be made to minimise these impacts, and the work will be carried out in accordance with the relevant environmental authorisations.

Groundwater abstraction in the Greater Hermanus area continues to be carefully monitored and managed. The Municipality reports regularly to the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that groundwater resources are utilised responsibly and sustainably.

Following completion of the Hermanus borehole, the contractor will move to Pearly Beach to continue borehole development as part of the Municipality’s ongoing investment in improving water security across the Overstrand.