Overstrand Municipality has introduced water restrictions for Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni until further notice.
Pearly Beach is supplied with bulk water from the Pearly Beach Dam and the Koekemoer Dam. Although the smaller Pearly Beach Dam level is still at 95% of capacity, the Koekemoer Dam dropped to 40% following damage to a private bulk water pipeline out of the municipality’s control during the recent fires.
As a precautionary measure and considering the low rainfall since August 2025 and predictions of another dry winter in 2026, water restrictions are implemented.
Overstrand Municipality investigated groundwater potential in the area and is in the process of appointing a drilling contractor, to diversify the town’s water sources and to reduce dependence on surface water dams.
The restrictive measures are as follows:
- Gardens and lawns are not to be watered with municipal water using a hose pipe or an irrigation system.
- Swimming pools are not to be filled with municipal water.
- Use of a hose pipe with municipal water to wash vehicles is prohibited.
Signage must be prominently displayed where water from sources other than the municipality’s water supply system is used for irrigation (e.g. well points, boreholes and rainwater tanks).
At this stage no water restrictions are applicable in the other areas of the Overstrand but the situation in all the towns is closely monitored.
The water services by-law clause 46 remains in place for the entire Overstrand area, which requires that no irrigation takes place between 9:00 and 17:00 daily. This is just good practice, to limit evaporation during the generally warmest period of the day.
