Knysna: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured the public that work is being done to stabilize the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route. The department noted with concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.
According to South African Government News Agency, in early December 2025, the Knysna Council declared the Greater Knysna Municipality a water-stressed area. This declaration was seen as a necessary step to allow national and provincial interventions to be completed and evaluated for their effectiveness in providing sustainable water solutions. Consequently, water restrictions were increased to Level 4. The situation has been exacerbated by below-average rainfall, ongoing drought patterns across the Garden Route, saline intrusion in critical water sources, and limited reservoir storage capacity.
The DWS reported that Knysna's water supply system has reached a critical stage, with the Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality's primary storage facility, currently at approximately 19% capacity. This translates to an estimated 13 days of usable water at current consumption levels. The situation has been further aggravated by reduced river flows due to drought conditions and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism, significantly reducing inflows into the system.
In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions. The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government, and Knysna Municipality, with support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency and the Garden Route District Municipality. The JOC is tasked with planning and executing short-term emergency measures, medium-term resilience interventions, and longer-term water resource solutions.
The department has directed the municipality to urgently explore alternative water sources, including groundwater abstraction, borehole development, and reuse technologies. A Compliance and Enforcement Blitz will also be implemented to assess adherence to water use authorizations and imposed restrictions. Measures currently being monitored include demand reduction initiatives, sourcing additional water supply, enforcement of Level 4 water restrictions, public communication campaigns, and preventative maintenance of critical infrastructure.
The current crisis underscores the growing impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in coastal and tourism-driven municipalities. The department emphasized the need for Water Services Authorities to diversify their water portfolios through groundwater development, water reuse, and stormwater capture. In addition, DWS is assisting Knysna Municipality in developing and implementing new Water and Sanitation By-Laws to enable more effective regulation and enforcement.
DWS remains concerned about the potential socio-economic implications of the crisis on households, public services, the local economy, and the tourism industry, particularly during peak season. It appealed to residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly and responsibly and condemned infrastructure vandalism. The department reassured the public that government spheres and stakeholders are working collectively to stabilize the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.
Source: South African Government News Agency
