Knysna faces water supply strain amid ongoing drought

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality is grappling with multiple water supply challenges as dry weather conditions and infrastructure issues continue to strain the system.

Recent investigations and operational updates highlight a complex situation requiring urgent conser-vation efforts from all residents.

One of the primary water sources, the Knysna River Pool, is at very low levels, forcing reliance on supplementary sources such as the Akkerkloof storage facility.

The Akkerkloof Dam stands at just 27% capacity, representing roughly 17 days of storage, with the Glebe Dam adding only eight more days. Rainfall in recent months has been significantly below average, with forecasts predicting a 26% reduction over the summer.

Water-related issues and technical investigations

Following a prolonged water supply interruption in early Novem-ber, the municipality undertook a thorough technical investigation to identify the causes.

According to municipal communications officer Chris Bezuidenhout, preliminary findings indicate that a combination of operational factors within the network, alongside emergency repairs on a major pipe burst on Sandpiper Street on 29 October, contributed to the disruption.

"Municipal teams, supported by consulting engineers, conducted extensive inspections, pressure tests, and network configuration checks," Bezuidenhout said.

"These efforts steadily restored water pressure, with normal service resuming from 7 November."

At the Fisherhaven pumpstation, a stopcock was found to be incorrectly positioned, allowing air to enter the system. Municipal staff and a local engineer promptly restored the pump station's operation, allowing water to flow back into reservoirs and neighbourhoods.

Pipeline breaks and storage challenges

Despite these repair efforts, water supply remains precarious.In addition, a recent bulk water pipeline break drained the Old Place Reservoir, further reducing available water.

Currently, only one pump at the Charlesford facility is operational for limited hours. This situation restricts water storage and supply, particularly to the northern areas, and highlights the vulnerability of the system amid ongoing dry weather.

Urgent appeal for water conservation

Knysna Municipality has issued an urgent appeal for all residents, businesses and visitors to drastically reduce water consumption. Residents are reminded that water use is currently limited to essential household needs, with bans on watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools. Knysna Mayor Thando Matika stressed: "This is not about panic - it's about preparedness. Every drop counts, and the community's co-operation is essential to manage this difficult period".

Steps forward

The municipality is intensifying water restrictions, exploring the reactivation of the Knysna Reverse Osmosis Plant, optimising pumping schemes, and investigating groundwater options. Law enforcement officers will monitor complian-ce and enforce penalties for water misuse.

Knysna Municipality thanks the community for their understanding and encourages everyone to conserve water diligently.

For updates and water-saving tips, visit www.knysna.gov.za or contact the Water Helpdesk on 044 302 6331.

The Akkerkloof Dam, a supplementary water source, currently stands at approximately 27% capacity, equating to just 17 days of water storage, while the Glebe Dam adds a further eight days.