Severe weather warning for homeowners in South Africa

With South Africa facing increased risks of extreme weather and water shortages, experts urged homeowners to make changes to their properties now.

South Africa is bracing for more water woes, with the South African Weather Service warning that an exceptionally strong El Niño is strengthening ahead of the 2026/2027 summer season.

El Niño is associated with higher-than-average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves from spring through summer, along with lower-than-normal rainfall in summer rainfall areas.

This increases the risk of higher evaporation, declining dam levels, and water restrictions as the summer progresses.

The impact could be felt by homeowners across the country, particularly in areas already dealing with water shortages and unreliable municipal services.

With the severe drought that affected Cape Town between 2015 and 2018 still within recent memory, water security is becoming an increasingly important consideration for homeowners and property buyers.

Hotter conditions and reduced rainfall can place pressure on municipal water supplies, while higher evaporation can contribute to falling dam levels.

For homeowners, this can mean greater reliance on alternative water sources, particularly during municipal outages or restrictions.

Water scarcity can also become an issue when selling a property. Buyers are increasingly likely to consider whether a home has reliable access to water, especially in areas where supply interruptions are common.

Tyson Properties’ Neil Abernethy said homeowners should view these challenges not only as risks but also as opportunities to improve their properties.

“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 consider water security when making improvements, even if they are not planning to sell in the next few years.

For those house hunting, these features could also be added to the list of property must-haves.

Upgrades homeowners should be making

One of the most common upgrades is a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater tanks can be connected to roof gutters to collect runoff.

This can then be used for irrigation or, where properly installed, supply certain household needs during municipal outages.

Homeowners should check local requirements before installing tanks, as municipalities may have different rules and some may require building plans.

The tanks also need to be maintained properly. Poorly maintained systems can become breeding areas for mosquitoes.

Abernethy said homeowners can also consider greywater systems, which collect water from sources such as baths and washing machines for use in gardens or, where suitably designed, toilet flushing.

Water-efficient fittings can further reduce consumption. These include dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and aerated taps. Such upgrades can reduce household water use while also lowering monthly water costs.

Boreholes are another option for homeowners seeking greater water independence, though they require more planning.

Abernethy warned that homeowners must follow the correct procedures and ensure that any required environmental impact assessment is lodged with the relevant local authorities.

The quality of borehole water should also be tested. A water treatment expert said water drawn from an unsuitable aquifer can contain high levels of dissolved solids, including minerals such as iron and calcium, as well as bacteria.

This could make the water unsuitable for drinking and potentially damage equipment such as geysers, air conditioners and pipes.

Although installing a borehole can be expensive, Abernethy said it can add significant value to a property, particularly on larger plots and smallholdings.

‘Double benefit’ for homeowners

The way water-saving infrastructure is installed can also affect how it is viewed by future buyers, Abernethy explained.

Rainwater tanks, for example, can be placed in less visible areas or incorporated into the property’s surroundings with features such as screening or fencing.

Abernethy urged homeowners unsure about installation to hire professionals to make any changes to their property.

Neat workmanship and properly installed systems can improve the overall property, while local experts can also help homeowners understand municipal rules and requirements.

The same principle applies to water filtration systems. These can provide an additional layer of protection where municipal water quality is a concern and can improve the home’s functionality for current residents.

Abernethy added that all these improvements can provide “a double benefit”, helping homeowners when water is scarce while lowering monthly bills when municipal services are operating normally.

“These, together with the installation of filtration systems for drinking water in areas where municipal water does not pass muster, are all good ways of not only improving your quality of life but also making your property more attractive to buyers.”