Knysna water crisis: Provincial government steps in to ensure taps aren't dry this festive season
New pumps are being installed, plumbing teams are fixing leaks, and boreholes are being refurbished — all to make sure there’s enough water for residents and visitors during December.
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With thousands of holidaymakers expected to pour into Knysna this December, the Western Cape Government has stepped in to help the drought-prone town stabilise its strained water supply and prevent taps from running dry during the peak festive season.
Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said the provincial government will co-chair a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) with the Knysna municipality.
He said the committee will manage the immediate water crisis and support the Garden Route town through the busy holiday period.
Bredell said the decision followed engagements with Knysna’s political leadership, who acknowledged that the town is facing a serious water challenge.
Level four water restrictions are currently in place in Knysna, limiting non-essential water use as pressure on the supply intensifies during the holiday season.
“The mayor, together with his mayoral committee members, agreed that Knysna is facing a water crisis during the immediate holiday season and that all stakeholders must work together to stabilise and fix the town’s water supply challenges,” Bredell said.
He said the JOC’s immediate priority is to reduce the risk of water shortages over the coming weeks, when demand traditionally spikes due to increased tourism and temporary population growth.
“Once the immediate crisis has been stabilised, attention can then shift to resolving the underlying infrastructure and management issues that contributed to the current situation,” Bredell said.
Several urgent interventions are already being rolled out as part of the response.
These include the purchase of a new pump for the Akkerkloof Dam, which is currently sitting at about 27% capacity, raising concerns about supply sustainability.
Five plumbing teams will also be appointed to fast-track the repair of leaks across Knysna’s water distribution network, where water losses have placed additional strain on limited resources.
At the water purification plant, a major leak is set to be repaired, a move expected to save at least one megalitre of water per day.
In addition, existing boreholes with damaged pumps will be refurbished to supplement the town’s water supply and improve overall resilience.
Bredell appealed to both residents and visitors to comply fully with the water restrictions during the festive season.
“We urge all residents and visitors to strictly adhere to these measures,” he said.
“If everyone plays their part, there will be enough water for all during this peak period.”
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