The Kouga Council approved the IMMEDIATE imposition of water restrictions across the Kouga region.

Punitive tariffs are to be implemented from 1 January 2017.

The following activities will be prohibited :

* The use of hosepipes, sprinklers and drip systems

* The watering of gardens, lawns and grassed areas.

* The washing of paved areas, walls, roofs, buildings and similar structures, vehicles or other equipment

* The filling of swimming pools, paddling pools, fountains and ponds

* The connection of a hosepipe or any form of irrigation system to a tap supplying water from the municipal water supply system, except for fire-fighting purposes.

Kouga Municipality receives the bulk of its water for domestic usage from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. The decision to impose water restrictions and punitive tariffs follows on a mandate received by Kouga from the Metro that water usage needs to be cut back by 15%.
Affected towns include Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, Oyster Bay, Patensie, Hankey, Loerie and Thornhill.