In the pohoto: Conville Swimming Pool
George Municipality will host two major swimming events in 2026 — the Eden Aquatics Gala on 24 January 2026 and the South African Masters Swimming Championships in March 2026. Both events will take place at the Conville Swimming Pool and will be conducted in strict compliance with Council-approved Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures, currently in effect across the municipal area.
To ensure responsible and reduced water use during the ongoing drought, while still accommodating sanctioned sporting events, the Municipality has amended recreational operating hours at municipal swimming pools, including Conville, Gwaing, and Uniondale.
Revised Pool Operations
Conville Swimming Pool will be closed from Tuesday, 20 January to Friday, 23 January 2026 as part of intensified Level 2D water-saving interventions.
The pool will reopen on Saturday, 24 January 2026, exclusively for the Eden Aquatics Gala. From Sunday, 25 January 2026, Conville Swimming Pool will be open to the public on weekends only, operating: • On Saturdays and Sundays at 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00
The weekday closure results in significant water savings. On average, the pool uses approximately 60 kilolitres of water per week, with an additional estimated 120 000 litres lost through evaporation. Restricting weekday operations, therefore, contributes meaningfully to reducing non-essential water use in line with Level 2D requirements.
Uniondale and Gwaing Swimming Pools
Uniondale and Gwaing Swimming Pools have been closed from Tuesday, 20 January 2026. These facilities will reopen for weekend use only from Saturday, 24 January 2026, subject to prevailing water supply conditions.
Additional Water-Saving Measures
The Municipality has implemented further operational interventions to minimise water loss at all public swimming facilities, including: –
• The use of a manual backwash system to better control and reduce backwash water wastage; • In Conville: Installation of on-site water storage with a current capacity of 40 000 litres, with plans underway to increase storage to at least 100 000 litres; • Ongoing investigations into covering pools to further reduce evaporation losses; • Public showers remain closed, and flow-restricting devices are installed at all public facilities;
“These measures reflect the Municipality’s commitment to implementing Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures consistently across all municipal operations,” the Municipality said. “Every effort is being made to reduce non-essential water use while ensuring public safety and the responsible hosting of approved events,” said Granville Campher, Sports Manager in the George Municipality.
George Municipality continues to review water usage across all facilities and will adjust operations as necessary to protect potable water supplies during the ongoing drought.