KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna municipality issued a press release last week stating that Greater Knysna’s rivers experienced almost no flow, with the Akkerkloof Dam at 39% and this prompted level 3 water restrictions with immediate effect.
“Greater Knysna has not had decent rains for months now resulting in all our rivers from which we extract our water flow being almost nonexistent. We have no option but to place our municipal area on level 3 water restrictions," said acting municipal manager Johnny Douglas.
Hair salons
Milagros hair salon owner Nicky Sass said, "This scares us. It might lead to the town not having any running water which will then mean we will have to close shop. This business is our life, and if there is no water, then that is it for us."
Sass said the town has always had water problems but has never reached level three before. "I remember last year when we were told about water scarcity, we had to ask some of our clients to bring 5-litre containers of water whenever they came to do their hair. Lucky for us, we have amazing clients who did just that that, no questions asked, and we have to do the same again this year."
To save water they use the same water to wash the dishes all day, mop their floor once instead of three times a week, and provide the bucket system for their clients, Sass said.
"What is heartbreaking is that inasmuch we try to save, recycle and reuse water there are still people who waste water because they feel like it doesn't affect them – it affects each one of us," said Sass.
Across the road from Milagros is Nomsa's hair salon. The owner Nomsa Jonam said that without water all businesses are bound to bite the dust, "I think the municipality should invest in buying a machine that can purify the water from the sea, not for human consumption but for other functions like watering of plants, washing clothes and hair, so that the little water that is available can only be used for consumption. If this is not dealt with proactively so many businesses will close."
Hairstylist from Nine on Gray, Linzi Frey said, "It is too late for businesses to even think of a backup plan, we try to save water but if the municipality was monitoring water levels and issue out updates, have signs and notices then maybe Knysna residents and businesses would be more conscious and we wouldn't be in this predicament.
Laundromats
Speaking to the manager of Laundry Girls in Gray Street, Patricia Rhode said, "This is very bad for business, because before this we have been dealing with dirty water and found ourselves having to make three loads instead of two because the water is so brown and clients do not want to pay for three loads, when in the past, two loads got the job done. So the business loses out and on top of that now we have to deal with water restrictions. I don't know how we're going to survive this."
Speaking to the manager of Laundry Girls in Gray Street, Patricia Rhode said, "This is very bad for business, because before this we have been dealing with dirty water and found ourselves having to make three loads instead of two because the water is so brown and clients do not want to pay for three loads, when in the past, two loads got the job done. So the business loses out and on top of that now we have to deal with water restrictions. I don't know how we're going to survive this."
She said she fears that the few companies that will survive this will do so at a cost, which may entail letting go of some of their staff. "They won't be able to take the punch and be able to pay salaries."
Employees from Laundry girls hard at work. Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi .
Construction
EH Alexander construction company seems to be taking it with a pinch of salt and drilling for water in order to mix their cement and ensure continuity in the business.
EH Alexander construction company seems to be taking it with a pinch of salt and drilling for water in order to mix their cement and ensure continuity in the business.
The company's owner Envour Alexander said, "Fact is, we can't build without water and have no choice but to be innovative. For now our source of water is an underground pump – it is not on site so every morning before going on site we drill water. We are currently not using the water from the municipality."
Alexander, like other business owners, feels that the level 3 water restrictions threaten his business and the job security of his employees, "Without water we cannot continue, and we can try to be innovative, but something's going to give."
It's business almost as usual for EH Alexander construction company, because they are sourcing their water from underground for now. Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi.
Water purification
H2O International, one of the leading water-purifying companies, also relies heavily on the municipal tap water.
Speaking to the H2O Knysna owner Louis Nel, the Knysna-Plett Herald asked whether he has seen an increase in sales since the level 3 water restrictions were announced.
H2O International, one of the leading water-purifying companies, also relies heavily on the municipal tap water.
Speaking to the H2O Knysna owner Louis Nel, the Knysna-Plett Herald asked whether he has seen an increase in sales since the level 3 water restrictions were announced.
“We haven’t seen an increase or demand on that front, however, more of our customers have shown interest in having their water purifiers installed in their homes – with the decrease in dam levels, the water quality is compromised.”
On how the business will be affected should the town reach level 4, Nel said, “We do not have a reservoir tank to fall back on, so should it get to that, then our business like many will take the knock.”
Nel said when the company installs water purifiers for their clients they also advise them to use certain methods that do not waste water in the process, “Like the reverse osmosis purifiers – they waste 4 litres for every litre of purified water they produce.”
He said he hopes that locals can also be aware of the implications of wasting water and not saving water, and erect water tanks to catch rainwater and be self-sufficient.
H2O International says they haven't seen an increase in sales yet. Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi
Nurseries
• Rochelle Mackenzie, a manager for Lagoonview Nursery, said the newly announced water restrictions affect everyone in town. “We use water from underground to water our plants – from that one might think we’re not affected but we are,” she said.
• Rochelle Mackenzie, a manager for Lagoonview Nursery, said the newly announced water restrictions affect everyone in town. “We use water from underground to water our plants – from that one might think we’re not affected but we are,” she said.
“We might be lucky and make sales, but how are people going to take care of their plants when there is no water or rain? What is the point of buying flowers to watch them die?” Mackenzie said plant lovers might have to look at buying succulents for now, as they do not require that much water.
“These are trying times for Knysna residents and businesses,” Mackenzie said.
• Owner of Chameleon Nursery, Julaine Bunge, said the drought is affecting the plant industry and the recent water restriction have a double effect on her, even though she has never used municipal water for her plants. “In our premises we use the water from the tank to encourage plant growth. There is a borehole, it’s not deep and provides water very slowly, but it works.”
She said in view of water restrictions her business is not affected, but she is more concerned about the drought.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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