Polokwane says water supply stable as drier summer looms
As a super El Niño threatens a summer hotter and drier than before, Polokwane Municipality is preparing for a period that will put its water reservoirs to the test.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Municipality says its water supply remains satisfactory as South Africa prepares for a potentially hotter and drier summer.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has identified below-normal rainfall as the most likely outcome for most of South Africa during the October to December 2026 period, alongside above-normal temperatures.
The outlook, which comes amid concerns about the effects of El Niño, has renewed questions about the country’s preparedness for potential water shortages and the pressure that prolonged dry conditions could place on municipal supply systems.
However, the forecast does not mean that every region will experience drought, but highlights the importance of monitoring water resources and preparing for changing conditions.
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) has warned that climate forecasts alone cannot protect the country’s water security, emphasising the importance of having skilled professionals who can interpret changing conditions and translate forecasts into practical decisions.
WISA CEO Dr Lester Goldman said municipalities and water utilities needed to assess their available resources against expected demand, identify vulnerable parts of their systems and ensure contingency plans could be implemented when necessary.
The institute has also encouraged municipalities to prioritise infrastructure maintenance and review their emergency response arrangements.
Municipality: Current sources stable
In response to questions from Review Online, Polokwane Municipality said its current water sources remained stable, with daily monitoring indicating satisfactory levels.
The municipality said it was also receiving daily water supply updates from Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), while information from Ebenezer Dam and other sources supplying the city had not raised any immediate concerns.
Daily water supply figures
The municipality provided the following figures from its daily water supply tracker:
| Source | Level/Output |
|---|---|
| Extension 34 (Ivydale) | 85% |
| Ivydale pump station | 90.7% |
| Potgieter | 28.57% |
| 50ML Krugersburg reservoir | 38% |
| 30ML D reservoir | 23% |
| 30ML F reservoir | 33% |
| Olifants | 39 litres per second |
| Ebenezer | 209.6 litres per second |
| Seshego | 46% |
| Seshego Water Treatment Plant | 6.6 megalitres per day |
| SRN | 3.5 megalitres per day |
| Dalmada | 7.6 megalitres per day |
| Thoka | 50% |
| Magowa | 20% |
| Molepo Water Treatment Plant | 2.9 megalitres per day |
The municipality did not specify the date on which these figures were recorded or provide further context on the capacity and operational status represented by each percentage.
It nevertheless maintained that the overall position remained satisfactory.
No water restrictions planned at this stage
Polokwane Municipality said it had a coordinated team responsible for managing water supply across the city and surrounding areas, with officials aware of the current situation and the measures required should conditions deteriorate.
It confirmed that, working with LNW, there was currently no need to introduce water restrictions.
The municipality added that its daily monitoring system would provide updates and guidance as the situation developed.
Its disaster management team had also been mobilised in response to the potential effects of El Niño. The municipality said the team included fire and rescue and disaster management personnel, who were prepared to respond to emergencies.
What lies ahead
While Polokwane Municipality says its current water supply remains satisfactory, the coming summer will test how effectively local authorities can manage water resources should rainfall fall below expectations and temperatures remain high.
