Property experts have urged South African homeowners to prepare their homes for water shortages. The South African Weather Service has warned that an exceptionally strong El Niño is building ahead of the 2026/2027 summer season.
El Niño is linked to hotter than normal weather and more heatwaves from spring into summer. It also tends to bring less rain to summer rainfall areas, according to Daily Investor.
This raises the risk of more evaporation, falling dam levels and water restrictions as summer goes on. Homeowners in areas that already face water cuts and poor municipal services could feel it most.
Neil Abernethy of Tyson Properties said owners should see the challenge as a chance to improve their homes.
“Instead of seeing this as a negative, this presents a unique opportunity to add value to your property and ensure that it stands out from the rest in the neighbourhood,” Abernethy said.
He said homeowners should think about water security when they upgrade, even if they do not plan to sell soon. Buyers are more likely to ask whether a home has a reliable water supply, especially where cuts are common.
One common upgrade is a rainwater tank linked to the roof gutters. The water can be used in the garden. If the system is installed properly, it can also meet some household needs during outages.
Homeowners were advised to check local rules before putting in tanks. Some municipalities have different rules, and some may ask for building plans. Tanks that are not looked after can also become breeding places for mosquitoes.
Abernethy said greywater systems are another choice. These collect water from baths and washing machines. The water can be used in gardens or, with the right design, to flush toilets.
Water-saving fittings can also help. These include dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and aerated taps. They can cut how much water a household uses and lower monthly water bills.
Boreholes give homeowners more independence, but they take more planning. Abernethy warned that owners must follow the correct steps. This includes lodging any required environmental impact assessment with the local authority.
A water treatment expert said borehole water should be tested. Water from an unsuitable aquifer can hold high levels of dissolved solids, such as iron and calcium, and bacteria. This can make it unsafe to drink and can damage geysers, air conditioners and pipes.
Abernethy said a borehole can be costly to install but can add a lot of value to a property. He said this is especially true on larger plots and smallholdings.
He said the way these systems are installed also affects how buyers see them. Tanks can be placed out of sight or hidden behind screening or fencing.
Abernethy urged homeowners who are unsure to hire professionals. He said neat, proper work can improve a property, and local experts can explain municipal rules.
He said these upgrades offer “a double benefit”. They help when water is scarce and lower bills when municipal supply works normally.
Cape Town faced a severe drought between 2015 and 2018. Daily Investor reported that water security is becoming a bigger concern for homeowners and property buyers since then.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Daily Investor. Image: Daily Investor. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.