A high-level delegation of water experts, engineers, and senior government officials convened in Knysna this week, responding to what is being described as a “critical tipping point” in the town’s escalating water crisis. The outcome of their assessment, expected next week, could lead to the situation being declared a disaster.
This urgent intervention follows the National Council of Provinces’ September rejection of a proposal by Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell to place the Knysna Municipality under administration.
The town’s primary water source, the Akkerkloof Dam, is currently at a dire 27% capacity. With the festive season underway and the area being a major tourism hotspot, authorities are racing against time to avert a total supply collapse.
Zanele Bila-Mupariwa, Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, confirmed the severity of the situation in an interview. “Yes, the situation is quite critical at this point in time,” she stated, acknowledging the joint efforts between her department, the municipality, and local government.
Bila-Mupariwa outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address water security, emphasizing a move away from reliance on unpredictable surface water. Plans include diversifying the water mix through groundwater extraction, desalination plants, and wastewater recycling. However, she acknowledged that building new dams—a longer-term solution—involves a “long tedious process” dependent on environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies.
In the immediate term, the department is considering imposing Level 4 water restrictions in Knysna and the broader Garden Route region. Bila-Mupariwa explained this would entail a “reduction in terms of the water intake from the system” to ensure remaining supplies are used optimally and efficiently.
She confirmed the municipality has contingency plans to distribute water and that a departmental “war room” has been activated to monitor usage data from all struggling municipalities daily. “We cannot manage what we do not measure,” she said.
The crisis has sparked debate over its primary causes. Knysna Mayor Tando Mabiga has called for a public “lifestyle change” in water usage, while opposition voices point to significant water loss through leaking infrastructure.
Bila-Mupariwa stated the responsibility is shared. “We cannot only blame the consumer,” she said, agreeing that public behavior must change while urging residents to report leaks promptly. The department is planning public awareness campaigns on water conservation.
When asked if Knysna was heading toward a “Day Zero” scenario similar to Cape Town’s 2018 crisis, Bila-Mupariwa expressed cautious optimism. “I wouldn’t say so,” she responded, citing ongoing work to access groundwater and close monitoring of the situation.
She also provided a crucial clarification regarding recent departmental statements, explaining that the “Western Cape Water Supply System” refers only to a specific 15% footprint of the province, including six large strategic dams, and not the entire province’s network. Different systems, like those in Knysna and George, face their own distinct challenges and restrictions.
With the expert assessment imminent and the tourist season at its peak, the coming weeks will be critical for Knysna as local and national authorities work to secure the town’s water future.
