Notice Archive

Free Basic Water Allowance
Every residential account gets 6 kℓ of free water per month, this equates to (6kℓ x 12 months) = 72kℓ per year.
To make billing fair, and accurate the free water is now applied per day:
This means your free allowance depends on the number of days between meter readings, not just a fixed 6 kℓ per reading.

Examples
• 29-day reading: 29 × 0.197 kℓ ≈ 5.7 kℓ free
• 32-day reading: 32 × 0.197 kℓ ≈ 6.3 kℓ free
Small amounts on your bill (e.g., R2–R5) simply reflect water used above the free allowance.
• No extra charges
• No loss of free water
• Billing is now accurate and fair

System Estimates Reversal
When your meter reading is estimated and an actual reading is later obtained the system will automatically reverse all estimated charges from the date of the last estimate and recalculate your water consumption using the per-day method.

In this case, the system will reverse the December and January estimates and recalculate your total consumption from 15/10/2025 to 19/01/2026.

If we estimated that you used 44 (22+22) kilolitres, but the real reading later shows you actually used 62 kilolitres between the previous and current reading dates:
· The estimate is reversed.
· The system recalculates the period based on the actual 62 kilolitres.
· The difference appears on your next bill.
Previously, this correction was done manually via back-end journals. The new system automates it, making your billing more accurate, transparent, and fair.

Additional Information:
Customers may receive a statement that reflects water charges in line with the current tariff structure:
• George Emergency Level 3 tariffs: Up until 11 May 2026
• Haarlem and Uniondale Emergency Level 3 tariffs: Up until 11 May 2026

Please note that the Municipality is currently on Normal Water Tariffs effective from 12 May 2026.

Billing Implications
Residents and consumers are advised that the lifting of the Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs may not result in a substantial reduction in the municipal water charges reflected on the May 2026 accounts. This is due to the fact that a number of meter reading routes had already been closed and processed prior to the effective implementation date of 12 May 2026.

Consequently, portions of the May 2026 billing cycle were still calculated in accordance with the previ-ously approved emergency water tariffs. Consumers are therefore expected to observe a more signifi-cant reduction in the water tariffs charged on accounts issued during the June 2026 billing cycle, when the revised tariffs will be fully incorporated across all billing routes.

Read the May 2026 edition of the George Municipal Newspaper online for the latest municipal news, community projects and important information affecting residents across George.

📖 View the newspaper here:

https://tinyurl.com/2shseytt

George Municipality would like to sincerely thank residents and the broader community for their patience, understanding, and support following the recent storm surge and its impact on the town.

A special word of appreciation is extended to all residents, volunteers, community organisations, and stakeholders who came out on Saturday, 16 May, to assist with the clean-up efforts across the town. Your willingness to give your time and contribute towards restoring our community reflects a strong spirit of unity and civic responsibility, and your efforts are greatly valued and appreciated.
Municipal teams are continuing with the removal of hazardous and overhanging trees, as well as the clearing of storm-related debris across affected areas. The Municipality would like to assure the public that all areas where municipal trees have fallen will be attended to. Tree removal operations will continue according to the scheduled programme, subject to weather conditions and operational considerations.

Ongoing Clean-up Operations and Waste Disposal Appeal
The Municipality further appeals to residents to refrain from disposing of garden refuse and other waste on municipal pavements and in public spaces. Residents are encouraged to continue making use of the designated landfill facilities and to follow the established waste disposal procedures to assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment for all.
George Municipality thanks all residents for their ongoing cooperation and support as restoration efforts continue.

The table below outlines the planned programme for the removal of trees and storm-related debris across the affected areas.

Issued by George Municipality, 22 May 2026

George Municipality warns residents, account holders, and job seekers to remain vigilant against scammers impersonating municipal officials.

Residents are currently receiving fraudulent SMS messages stating that their municipal account is in arrears and that they have 14 days to make payment to avoid disconnection. These messages provide a so-called “Fake Account Number” or alternative reference number and instruct residents to make payment into private or unknown bank accounts.

George Municipality does not send SMS messages with alternative or “Fake Account Numbers” for payment, does not demand payment via SMS, WhatsApp or phone, and does not disconnect electricity meters or water supply for accounts in arrears.

Residents should also remain aware that other scam tactics continue to circulate. These fraudsters:
* Claim to be “Heads of Disconnections” or Finance officials.
* Threaten immediate electricity or water disconnections unless instant payments are made.
* Contact residents via SMS, WhatsApp or phone, instructing payments into private accounts.
* Demand money for EPWP or other job opportunities, including job interviews.

Important to note:
* The Municipality never demands instant payment via WhatsApp, SMS or phone.
* The Municipality will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 request payments via e-wallet or any informal payment method.
* The Municipality does not send SMS messages with alternative or “Fake Account Numbers” for payment.
* The Municipality does not charge money for job interviews or employment.
* Officials will not visit your property to block/unblock prepaid meters or collect payments.
* Bank account details for the Municipality are reflected on your official municipal statement. No other bank details are valid for George Municipality.
* If you receive any suspicious calls, SMS messages, or requests for payment or personal information related to municipal accounts, please report the matter immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and/or via the Municipal Fraud Hotline 0860 044 044.

For Assistance, please contact:
Account access or billing (Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 16:30)
044 801 9111 or accounts@george.gov.za (please quote your municipal account number).
Human Resources: 044 801 9367 | recruitment@george.gov.za

Stay alert. Verify before you pay. Report suspicious activity immediately! George Municipality – Working together to protect our community.