Authorities Warn: Water supply margin remains tight

KNYSNA NEWS - "As part of the municipality’s intensified interventions to address the ongoing water crisis and the implementation of Level 4 water restrictions, we are strengthening both compliance and operational capacity," said Knysna Mayor Thando Matika.

Matika was speaking as national, provincial and local government leaders convened on Monday 22 December to assess and reinforce interventions aimed at stabilising Knysna’s water supply system ahead of the peak holiday season.

Representatives from the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Western Cape Provincial Government and Knysna Municipality met under the auspices of the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a structure established to monitor and coordinate responses to the town’s ongoing water supply and sanitation challenges.

The JOC is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government, and Knysna Municipality, reflecting a coordinated, three-sphere approach to addressing the crisis.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, attended the meeting and warned that Knysna’s water system remains under severe strain despite recent improvements.

"We were informed today that the Knysna water supply system can provide 19.7 megalitres of water per day, while the anticipated peak demand during the holiday season is 17 megalitres per day," said Bredell.

"While supply is marginally above demand, ageing infrastructure and high water losses mean this is a razor-thin margin. We therefore call on all residents and visitors to please save water."

A key concern highlighted at the meeting was the replenishment and stabilisation of several interconnected reservoirs within the water supply network.

Because these reservoirs operate in series, low levels in one can destabilise the entire system, making it critical to maintain storage above minimum thresholds.

Bredell acknowledged recent progress made by the municipality, noting that 188 water leaks have been repaired. He added that Knysna Municipality will have seven plumbing teams on standby throughout the festive season to respond rapidly to leaks and pipe bursts.

Attention was also drawn to the pressure on the wastewater system, which is directly affected by high water demand and misuse.

"With a water supply system already under significant pressure, the wastewater system is equally affected," Bredell said. "Blockages increase the risk of raw sewage spills into the environment, which we must work together to prevent."

Matika said the severity of the situation requires firm action, effective enforcement and collective responsibility from all water users.

"This includes decisive enforcement measures, whereby the top 50 excessive water users will be issued with fines in line with the municipality’s bylaws," he said. "In addition, we have deployed additional staff to strengthen operational oversight, monitoring and enforcement on the ground."

Matika further emphasised that these steps are necessary to protect Knysna’s limited water resources and ensure fairness across the system.

"These actions are essential to safeguard our water supply and promote fair and responsible usage across the Greater Knysna area," Matika said. "Water security is a shared responsibility, and we urge all residents and businesses to comply fully with the restrictions as we work collectively to manage demand and secure supply during this critical period."

The Joint Operations Committee sought to reassure residents and visitors that all necessary measures are in place to support a stable and uninterrupted water supply over the festive season.

With continued support from national and provincial government, intensified operational, monitoring and maintenance interventions remain in effect to address infrastructure challenges and stabilise the system.

Despite ongoing dry conditions, authorities said careful demand management and coordinated interventions are helping to mitigate the impact on water availability. Residents, businesses and visitors were again urged to use water sparingly and responsibly.

"The message to visitors is clear," the Mayor said. "Enjoy all that Knysna has to offer while being mindful of water use. Through shared responsibility, we can protect our precious water resources while ensuring that Knysna continues to be a welcoming and world-class destination."

Western Cape Provincial Head of the National Department of Water and Sanitation, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, confirmed that DWS is working jointly with other spheres of government to implement short- to medium-term interventions to address Knysna’s water challenges. She added that national government will continue to closely monitor water supply conditions across the Western Cape.

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