Knysna water crisis deepens as river pumps shut down

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna is facing a critical water crisis: if the population continues using water at the current rate, the town has an estimated 23 days of water left.

This is according to Ward 10 Councillor Peter Bester, who in a press release yesterday, Sunday 23 November, appealed to the public to urgently and drastically reduce water use.

He said the municipality was forced to switch off the Charlesford pumps yesterday because the Knysna River level has dropped too low to allow continued abstraction.

Bester said the municipality has managed to keep the Akkerkloof storage dam at approximately 27%.

However, without the ability to pump from the river, these levels will begin to decline steadily. Between the Akkerkloof and Glebe dams and at the present rate of consumption, Knysna currently has an estimated 23 days of water remaining.

This situation is extremely serious and requires immediate action from every resident, business, and municipal department.

Immediate action required

• Reduce your water use urgently - at home and at work.

• Use water only for essential needs.

Bester's statement further read, "during last week’s NCOP visit to Knysna, Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba was asked about contingency plans should Knysna’s water supply be exhausted.

His response indicated that plans are being developed, but no details have yet been provided to Council."

He reiterated that he has repeatedly called on Knysna Municipality to address its persistently high water losses - currently estimated at around 40%. These losses stem from:

• Frequent burst pipes

• Reservoirs overflowing

• Long-standing leaks not repaired timeously

"It is not enough for the municipality to ask residents to save water. The municipality must urgently address internal water losses and improve operational performance," said Bester. "Knysna cannot afford further delays or inaction."

How you can help

• Reduce water consumption at home and in your business immediately

• Fix leaks on private property

• Report municipal leaks without delay

• Share this message with your community

• Use water strictly for essential purposes.

Bester appealed to the public to act now to prevent this crisis from escalating further. "I will continue to push for transparency, accountability, and swift intervention - but community co-operation is essential."

The Akkerkloof Dam has only 27% water left. Photo: Supplied