The City of Tshwane has implemented Level 2 water restrictions in November 2026, introducing higher water tariffs for households that consume more water as pressure increases on Rand Water’s bulk supply system. The restrictions apply to residents, businesses and institutions across the municipality, with residential tariffs reaching R108,01 per kilolitre for consumption between 43 and 60 kilolitres a month. According to the City, the measures are intended to reduce daily water demand by approximately 200 million litres, protect bulk water storage levels and stabilise supply across the metropolitan area.
The municipality announced the restrictions on 10 November, with an official implementation notice published on 12 November 2026 confirming that the measures would take effect immediately.
The restrictions will remain in place for an initial 30 days before being reviewed.
Why Tshwane Has Introduced Level 2 Water Restrictions
The City of Tshwane says increasing water consumption has placed significant pressure on its bulk water supply from Rand Water.
According to figures communicated by Rand Water, Tshwane’s water consumption in September 2026 exceeded its permanent licence allocation by approximately 34%.
Consumption was also 19% higher than the municipality’s temporary allocation.
Rand Water subsequently requested that the City introduce measures to reduce water consumption by approximately 200 megalitres per day.
One megalitre is equivalent to one million litres, meaning the municipality needs to reduce daily demand by approximately 200 million litres.
The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs also directed municipalities receiving water from Rand Water to implement and enforce Level 2 restrictions.
Importantly, the City has explained that the current challenges are primarily caused by demand exceeding the available treated water supply, rather than insufficient water in source dams.
This means the restrictions are intended to manage consumption and protect the regional supply system.
Tshwane Level 2 Water Tariffs for November 2026
The City has introduced its approved Level 2 water tariffs under Section 18 of its tariff policy and the 2026/27 municipal tariff schedule.
For residential customers on Scales A, B and C, the amount charged depends on monthly water consumption.
| Monthly Water Consumption | Level 2 Tariff |
|---|---|
| 0 to 9 kℓ | Free |
| 10 to 18 kℓ | R43,20 per kℓ |
| 19 to 30 kℓ | R72,66 per kℓ |
| 31 to 42 kℓ | R89,72 per kℓ |
| 43 to 60 kℓ | R108,01 per kℓ |
| Above 60 kℓ | Applicable approved tariff |
One kilolitre equals 1,000 litres of water.
The City says the higher tariffs are designed to encourage responsible consumption and discourage excessive water use.
Households using more water will therefore face higher charges in the applicable consumption bands.
The municipality has not provided the specific rate for consumption above 60 kℓ in its announcement. Customers in this category must consult the approved 2026/27 tariff schedule.
Who Qualifies for Free Water in Tshwane?
The City has confirmed that residential consumers on Scales A, B and C will receive the first 9 kℓ of water free each month under the Level 2 tariff structure.
Qualifying indigent households will continue receiving 12 kℓ of free basic water monthly.
The municipality has also confirmed that properties valued at R250,000 and below, as well as officially registered indigent customers, qualify for the applicable network access charge exemption under its tariff policy.
For other customers, a network access charge of R203,70 per 30-day billing period remains applicable where prescribed.
Residents should note that the free water allocation and network access charge are separate provisions.
Businesses, institutions and other consumer categories will be billed according to their respective approved Level 2 tariff structures.
Water Restrictions: What Tshwane Residents Must Avoid
Alongside the tariff changes, the City has outlined water conservation measures that residents, businesses and institutions must implement.
The municipality has instructed consumers to avoid unnecessary water use and reduce demand wherever possible.
The measures include:
- Avoid watering gardens and lawns with municipal drinking water.
- Do not wash vehicles using hosepipes. Use a bucket instead.
- Avoid filling swimming pools with municipal drinking water.
- Repair leaking taps, toilets, pipes and other plumbing installations immediately.
- Do not leave taps running unnecessarily when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Reduce showering time.
- Reuse greywater, where appropriate, for gardening and other non-drinking purposes.
- Report visible water leaks and burst pipes through the City’s official reporting channels.
- Businesses and institutions must introduce internal water conservation measures.
These measures are intended to reduce daily consumption while the municipality works with Rand Water to stabilise supply.
Residents should also distinguish between the City’s recommended conservation measures and the compulsory requirements contained in its water services by-laws and applicable restrictions.
Will Tshwane Residents Be Fined for Breaking Water Restrictions?
The City has confirmed that water consumption monitoring and enforcement will be intensified.
Its By-Law Enforcement Unit, operating within the Tshwane Metro Police Department, will be responsible for monitoring compliance and implementing appropriate enforcement measures.
The municipality has reminded consumers that compliance with its water services by-laws and applicable restrictions is compulsory.
However, the official implementation notice does not specify individual fine amounts or penalties for particular violations.
Residents should therefore consult the City’s applicable by-laws for enforcement provisions rather than assuming a fixed fine applies to every contravention.
How Long Will Tshwane’s Level 2 Water Restrictions Last?
The restrictions will remain in place for an initial period of 30 days from implementation.
The City will then review the measures according to water supply and demand conditions.
This means the restrictions are not necessarily limited to the initial 30-day period.
They may be extended or adjusted following the review.
The municipality says any changes will be communicated through its official platforms.
Residents should continue following the restrictions until the City formally announces an adjustment or withdrawal.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For households in Tshwane, the immediate impact is the need to monitor monthly water consumption more carefully.
Residents who use water within the free allocation will not pay consumption charges for those qualifying kilolitres, although a network access charge may still apply.
Households with higher consumption will face the applicable Level 2 tariffs, making it important to identify leaks and reduce unnecessary use.
The restrictions also affect businesses and institutions, which must introduce measures to limit their daily water consumption.
Although the measures apply specifically to Tshwane, the underlying pressure affects Rand Water’s regional supply system.
The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has directed municipalities supplied by Rand Water to enforce Level 2 restrictions, highlighting the wider importance of managing demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Did Tshwane Level 2 Water Restrictions Start?
The City announced Level 2 restrictions on 10 November 2026. Its official notice published on 12 November confirmed implementation with immediate effect.
How Much Is Water Per Kilolitre in Tshwane Under Level 2 Restrictions?
Residential tariffs range from R43,20 per kℓ for consumption between 10 and 18 kℓ to R108,01 per kℓ for consumption between 43 and 60 kℓ. The first 9 kℓ is free for residential consumers on Scales A, B and C.
Do Indigent Households Still Receive Free Water?
Yes. Qualifying indigent households continue receiving 12 kℓ of free basic water per month.
Can Tshwane Residents Wash Their Cars With Hosepipes?
The City’s conservation instructions state that residents should not wash vehicles using hosepipes and should use buckets instead.
How Long Will Level 2 Water Restrictions Remain in Place?
The restrictions apply for an initial 30 days and will be reviewed according to water supply and demand conditions. Any extension or adjustment will be announced by the City.
How to Manage Your Water Usage During the Restrictions
Residents can begin by checking their monthly water consumption and identifying activities that use large amounts of water.
Leaking taps, running toilets and damaged pipes should be repaired promptly, while unnecessary outdoor water use should be avoided.
Households should also monitor their municipal accounts to understand which consumption bands apply and whether they qualify for free basic water or network access charge exemptions.
The City of Tshwane has urged all consumers to reduce consumption while it works with Rand Water and other stakeholders to stabilise the bulk supply system.
Residents should follow the municipality’s official announcements for updates on tariffs, enforcement and the review of Level 2 restrictions.
