Knysna Municipality has moved to strengthen its drought readiness measures following Council’s latest assessment of the region’s worsening dry conditions. While water levels remain under pressure, Executive Mayor Thando Matika has confirmed that a range of contingency plans are already in place to safeguard supply as the summer season approaches.
“We know many residents are concerned and the holiday season is around the corner,” said Matika. “I want to assure our community and our visitors that we are prepared. We are taking proactive steps to protect our water security.
“Our contingency plans include optimisation of existing sources, accelerated groundwater work, enhanced monitoring and readiness to deploy additional supply options if required.”
Other measures adopted by Council include:
- stronger enforcement of Level 3 water restrictions, with immediate fines for misuse;
- intensified public awareness efforts;
- identifying properties not paying for water or bypassing meters;
- reactivation of the Knysna Reverse Osmosis Plant if necessary; and
- evaluating supply risks and downstream demand considering ongoing aridity.
The appeal to use water responsibly applies to all communities across Greater Knysna including Sedgefield, Karatara, Buffalo Bay, Rheenendal, the Brentons, Belvidere and Knoetzie. Each of these areas is affected by the ongoing dry conditions and collective action from every household and business is essential to protecting the shared – and severely strained – water supply.
Critically low levels in the Knysna River temporarily halted abstraction at the Charlesford Raw Water Pump Station. “Levels have since risen in the pond from which we pump raw water out of the river,” explained Matika. “While pumps were switched off for approximately one day earlier in the week, they are back online and we have resumed abstracting water from this source.”
Matika emphasised that Knysna remains fully open for visitors. “Tourism is vital to our local economy, and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests this season. We simply ask everyone, residents and visitors alike, to use water responsibly. With cooperation and sensible use, we can manage this period without compromising the Knysna experience.”
Potable water remains restricted to essential household use only and non-essential activities, such as garden watering and car washing, are still prohibited. The municipality will continue to monitor the situation daily and will provide regular updates as conditions change.
