Knysna Faces Imminent Water Crisis as Supply Nears Depletion Within 10 Days

Critical Water Levels Trigger Urgent Warnings

The picturesque town of Knysna in South Africa's Western Cape is facing an acute water shortage, with authorities issuing a stark warning that the municipality could exhaust its drinking water supply within the next 10 days if current consumption rates persist and dam levels do not improve. As of January 13, 2026, the Akkerkloof Dam, a primary water source for the town, stands at a critical 15% capacity, while the Balancing Dam is reported to be at 9.7%.

The Knysna Municipality has emphasized that 'Immediate and strict water conservation by all residents and visitors is non-negotiable' to avert a potential 'Day Zero' scenario.

Contributing Factors to the Crisis

The escalating crisis is attributed to a confluence of environmental and operational challenges. Prolonged periods of below-normal rainfall and reduced river flows have significantly impacted water inflows into the municipal system, exacerbating drought conditions across the Garden Route region. Additionally, the influx of tourists during the peak holiday season has placed increased strain on the already dwindling resources.

Infrastructure issues also play a significant role, with reports indicating that up to 50% of water in the system is unaccounted for, largely due to leaks and incidents of infrastructure vandalism. Knysna Mayor Thando Matika acknowledged that the municipality 'must accept responsibility for infrastructure failures' and that the town is fundamentally a water-scarce area facing structural challenges.

Emergency Measures and Community Response

In response to the dire situation, Level 4 water restrictions have been implemented across Greater Knysna. These stringent measures include:

• Limiting domestic water usage to six kilolitres per household per month.
• Prohibiting the watering of gardens and washing of vehicles.
• Closing showers and external taps at public ablution facilities.

A Joint Operations Committee (JOC), comprising representatives from the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Knysna Municipality, and other regional bodies, has been activated to coordinate interventions. Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, stated that the province is deploying five additional plumbing teams to address water leaks and is exploring alternative water sources. These include developing two natural springs, refurbishing seven existing boreholes, and securing access to 10 boreholes on private land and one at a local mosque.

The community has also rallied, with residents and faith leaders gathering for prayer, seeking relief from the dry conditions. Officials are urging residents to reduce consumption to 50 litres per person per day.

Outlook and Future Actions

While light rainfall has been forecast, it is not expected to significantly replenish dam levels, with below-normal rainfall predicted for the southern coast in the first quarter of 2026. Western Cape authorities are considering requesting a provincial or national disaster classification to unlock further support for both water shortages and related fire risks. The municipality continues to appeal for responsible water usage from all residents and visitors to navigate this critical period.