Knysna’s Taps Run Dry: Level 4 Water Restrictions Loom as Drought Deepens

The Garden Route’s iconic town of Knysna is staring down a water crisis that threatens to tighten its grip on daily life and its bustling holiday economy. With rivers running dry and dam levels plummeting to critical lows, the municipal manager has recommended a drastic escalation to Level 4 water restrictions.

For families, small business owners, and hospitality operators, the prospect of stricter rationing brings a wave of anxiety. The timing could not be worse, as the town gears up for the festive season a period where every drop of water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and ensuring the comfort of the tourists who are the lifeblood of the local economy.

A Decision Hangs in the Balance

While the recommendation is on the table, a final decision is pending. Mayor Thando Matika confirmed to that the municipality, currently under Level 3 restrictions, will make the call at a special council meeting. The decision will hinge on the latest, grim data regarding the town’s water supply and demand.

Echoing the urgency, Municipal Manager Dr. Lulamile Mapholoba has made a direct appeal to residents. “I urge residents to drastically reduce consumption so that we can avoid the need to increase restrictions and punitive tariffs,” he stated, warning that restrictions will be escalated if rainfall and river flows do not improve significantly.

The Shocking State of Knysna’s Water Supply

A recent council report laid bare the severity of the situation. Knysna relies heavily on surface water from rivers like the Knysna, Gouna, and Karatara. These lifelines are now failing.

Rainfall for 2025 has been alarmingly low. In August, a mere 5mm was recorded at the Water Treatment Worksthe lowest on record for that month. Forecasts predict that rainfall will remain about 26% below the long-term average in the coming months.

The municipality’s main storage dam, which can hold a 70-day supply under ideal conditions, is being rapidly drawn down as the rivers that feed it shrink. Alternative sources, like a reverse osmosis plant and a few boreholes, now supply only about 30% of the production demand.

Echoes of Cape Town’s Day Zero

The crisis draws stark parallels to Cape Town’s infamous drought between 2015 and 2018. While Knysna is not yet at the “Day Zero” precipice, the trajectory is unsettlingly familiar. The move to Level 4 restrictions would signal a serious escalation in conservation efforts, likely bringing with it stringent limits on usage and significantly higher punitive tariffs for over-consumption.

The message from officials is clear: the responsibility now lies with every resident to stave off a deeper crisis. The hope is that collective, drastic action can conserve enough water to see the town through the dry summer and protect its economic future.

{Source: IOL}

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