KNYSNA – The Western Cape government has implemented a series of urgent interventions to address Knysna’s deepening water crisis, with recent efforts and rainfall providing modest relief to a town that faced running dry within days just weeks ago.
The Joint Operations Committee, overseen by the Western Cape Department of Local Government and Development Planning, has stabilised the immediate situation through repairs to critical water infrastructure and measures to strengthen the town’s water management systems.
Recent interventions include the repair of 29 minor water leaks, with no major pipe bursts reported in recent days. The province has committed to installing 1 000 water meters per week, aimed at replacing approximately 8 000 bypassed meters that have undermined effective water management in the municipality.
A fire hydrant repair plan has been developed to improve system integrity and firefighting readiness, whilst regional water security in the Southern Cape has been prioritised through coordinated local and provincial efforts.
The Akkerkloof Dam, Knysna’s primary water source, currently stands at 20,9%, up from a critical low of 15% earlier this year. The improvement follows recent rainfall and the provincial interventions. Current water usage is approximately 10,1 kilolitres per day, providing the town with a 17-day water buffer.
However, the situation remains precarious. In mid-January, the dam had dropped to levels that would have provided only eight to nine days of water, prompting the declaration of a local disaster area in January.
The crisis stems from a combination of severe localised drought and what authorities describe as decades of infrastructure neglect. High water losses through leaks, inadequate maintenance, and vandalism of water infrastructure have compounded the natural drought conditions.
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The Western Cape government placed Knysna Municipality under administration in December 2025, dissolving the Municipal Council and appointing an administrator to oversee recovery strategies. The municipality has been governed by a coalition comprising the Patriotic Alliance, African National Congress, Economic Freedom Fighters, Power to the People and Knysna Independent Movement.
The Democratic Alliance has described the crisis as “man-made and avoidable”, attributing it to years of poor governance and failed service delivery. A 2024 service delivery diagnostic report identified breakdown in communication, high staff vacancies and council interference as key municipal challenges.
The national Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated R20 million in emergency relief to develop groundwater resources and support the strained surface water system.
Despite the modest improvements, residents are urged to adhere strictly to Level 4 water restrictions. Authorities warn that avoiding disaster depends on responsible water demand management until the winter period, when improved rainfall is anticipated.
