Businesses adjust under water crisis emergency

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna is facing one of its most challenging water periods in recent years, with the municipality issuing urgent calls for residents, businesses and visitors to drastically reduce consumption in order to avoid Day Zero.

In a water supply update issued on 1 February, Knysna Municipality warned that water usage remains "extremely high" and that absolutely no outdoor water use is permitted.

This includes car washing, watering of gardens, filling of swimming pools and washing of boats.

According to the municipality's figures on 1 February, Akkerkloof Dam levels are at 23.7%. The balancing dam remains at 0% and is not currently pumping to Akkerkloof.

Local businesses say they are being forced to make difficult and costly adjustments to continue operating while complying with restrictions.

Keeping jobs
Large water storage tanks have been installed at the Astron Energy Waterfront Garage as an investment in alternative water sources. Photos: Kyla Laing

"We have six workers here. These people have families to take care of," he said.

When news of the water crisis broke, the car wash closed for a week and staff were placed on paid leave. Since then, the business has invested heavily in alternative water sources, installing rainwater tanks and bringing in water from a dam in Rheenendal.

The system, which includes 40 000 to 50 000-litre tanks and water meters to monitor usage across the entire business, cost close to R200 000.

Additional costs are incurred every time water is transported from the dam, often collected overnight or over weekends.

To remain viable, Astron has had to increase prices and now operates week by week. The business no longer uses municipal water and remains closed on weekends. Water usage is carefully monitored, with the car wash using roughly a third of the water, while public toilets and the kitchen consume the most.

"If it gets worse or too expensive, we'll have to stop," Giliomee said. "For now, we're making a plan like any responsible business would."

Resourceful solutions
Staff have also been given alternative duties to help sustain their income during reduced operations.

At Obsessions Hair Knysna, owner Kimberly said the salon has implemented a range of water-saving measures and appealed to clients for support.

A notice on social media asked clients who are able, to bring water donations with them. Washing routines have also been adjusted: colour is done before cut treatments to reduce washing, women who previously received two washes now receive one, and men's hair is dampened using spray bottles, with clients encouraged to wash at home beforehand if possible.

Towel use has also changed. Instead of daily machine washing, towels are soaked overnight in soapy water, line-dried and washed in a machine only once a week.

Hand sanitiser has replaced handwashing in bathrooms, and a water-saving nozzle is used on the basin.

Large water storage tanks have been installed at the Astron Energy Waterfront Garage as an investment in alternative water sources. Photos: Kyla Laing