The Akkerkloof catchment dam.
Edrea du Toit/Rapport/Gallo Images
- Knysna’s main dam, Akkerkloof Dam, is critically low at 20%, leaving only 13 days of water supply at current consumption levels.
- Authorities warn that water rationing may soon be unavoidable to prevent a full-blown water crisis.
- Emergency measures are in motion, and the town is on high alert due to the severe strain on water resources.
With Knysna’s main dam hovering at critically low levels, residents of the popular tourist town in the Western Cape have been warned that water rationing could soon become unavoidable, as authorities scramble to avert a full-blown water crisis.
The municipality this week confirmed that Akkerkloof Dam, the town’s primary water source, had dropped to just 20%, leaving roughly 13 days of water supply at current consumption levels, saying emergency measures were already in motion.
“Akkerkloof Dam, an off-channel dam, is currently at 20%, which is equivalent to a buffer of approximately 13 days of water supply remaining in the Knysna system at current consumption levels, which vary between 12 and 14 megalitres per day,” it said.
The municipality warned that Knysna had entered a critical water security phase that demanded immediate and collective action from residents, businesses and visitors.
“The 13-day threshold is a critical risk indicator, not a trigger point for inaction. Reaching this level signals that the system is under severe strain and that extraordinary water conservation and demand-management measures must take immediate effect.
“If consumption is not reduced rapidly and significantly, the municipality may be compelled to implement water rationing and escalate restrictions to protect the integrity of the system and ensure equitable access to water for essential domestic, health, and firefighting needs,” it said.
The escalating crisis prompted an urgent meeting of the intergovernmental Joint Operations Committee (JOC) on Monday, bringing together national, provincial, and local authorities to coordinate emergency interventions and stabilise supply.
According to the municipality, the meeting confirmed that water security across the greater Knysna area was under severe and worsening strain.
“We wish to emphasise that this is a critical moment for Knysna. Every litre matters. Infrastructure interventions and enforcement alone will not avert a crisis without immediate and sustained behaviour change from all water users.”
“Community cooperation is no longer optional; it is essential. Residents, businesses, and visitors are urged to use water sparingly, eliminate all nonessential use, fix leaks immediately, and comply fully with restrictions,” it said.
Officials added that the situation had been exacerbated as a result of no rainfall, extremely low river flows, and sustained high consumption levels.
Knysna is currently under Level 4 water restrictions, with enforcement efforts intensified to curb excessive use.
The municipality said it had identified high-volume consumers through detailed monitoring systems.
“Formal letters have already been issued to the top 100 water users, directing them to immediately reduce consumption and comply fully with current restrictions.
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“Compliance and enforcement processes are ongoing. Fines are issued where clear transgressions are confirmed, following due process. As enforcement actions are continuous and case-specific, the number of fines issued is updated regularly and forms part of routine compliance reporting,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s provincial head, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, reiterated national government’s concern over the impact of the crisis on households and the local economy, saying that all spheres of government were working together to implement interventions and closely monitor the situation.
