Knysna residents pray for rain

National and local government officials will embark on a compliance and enforcement blitz to assess adherence to water use authorisations, imposed restrictions and environmental regulations amid the water crisis in Knysna.

The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said this intervention is intended to prevent illegal abstraction, wastage, and non-compliance that could further compromise available supply.

This comes as Knysna residents on Sunday gathered at Memorial Square for a moment of prayer for rain.

"Memorial Square became a sacred gathering place as the Greater Knysna community came together in unity, humility and hope. From our lips to His ears, prayers were lifted for rain, for relief, and for renewed strength as our town and the wider Garden Route District continue to face extremely dry and challenging conditions,” the municipality said.

Given the severity of the crisis, DWS through its regulatory and water resource management functions has also directed the municipality to urgently explore and activate alternative water sources. These include groundwater abstraction, borehole development, reuse technologies, and temporary augmentation schemes.

“The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) notes with serious concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District. The Department is working closely with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Knysna Municipality, and other municipalities which are Water  Services Authorities to safeguard water security and mitigate the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses, and the tourism sector,” DWS said. 

Knysna’s water supply system has reached a critical stage with the Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality’s primary storage facility, currently at approximately 19% full, translating to an estimated 13 days of usable water at present consumption levels. 

Compounding this pressure are below-normal rainfall patterns, reduced river flows due to drought conditions, and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism, DWS said. 

In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a standing intergovernmental structure, has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions. The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government and Knysna Municipality and draws technical and regulatory support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Garden Route District Municipality.

Greater Knysna residents will now be paying 100% more on top of their current water bills, as the municipality rolls out harsh new drought tariffs to curb non-essential water use during the severe shortage.

The implementation of Level 4 water restrictions triggers the application of Stage 3 drought tariffs, in line with the approved Water Services Tariff Policy, the municipality explained last week. 

Members of the public are requested to report leaks or water wastage to 044 302 6331 or 044 302 6334.

Cape Times