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Knysna is running out of water. The main dam, Akkerkloof, has dropped to critical levels. Officials say the town has less than two weeks of usable water left. High demand, failing infrastructure and low rainfall have pushed the system to the edge.
The municipality has urged residents to cut consumption immediately. Households have been asked to stay below six kilolitres a month. Law enforcement teams are monitoring high‑use areas and tackling leaks.
The town’s Joint Operations Committee has activated emergency plans. New water sources, including boreholes, are being explored. Provincial officials have warned that a formal disaster declaration may be needed.
Authorities say panic water‑storing is making the situation worse. Residents have been buying tanks and filling them using municipal supply. The mayor says this behaviour drains the system faster and increases the risk of taps running dry.
Businesses have raised concerns about long‑term planning. They want better leak management, more storage capacity and clearer communication. Many say the crisis exposes years of infrastructure strain.
Officials say rationing could be introduced if consumption does not fall. They warn that every litre now counts. The municipality says the community must work together to avoid a full shutdown of supply.
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