Knysna faces possible Day Zero as Mayor appeals for radical water cuts to avert disaster

Knysna’s mayor, Thando Matika, says the town has about 26 days of water supply left before it reaches "Day Zero".

Matika says dry weather conditions and below-average rainfall during winter have left dam levels in the town critically low, with level four water restrictions declared about a month ago.

The Garden Route Dam declined from 45 percent last week to 44 percent this week, with only 17 millimeters of rainfall recorded in the region in the past week.

 "Currently, with our water supply, in terms of the storage, we have around 26 days that are there, available, but we are making all mitigations to prevent that from going to day zero."  

Meanwhile, in Knysna's neighbouring town, George, the municipality has implemented level three emergency water tariffs to discourage excessive water consumption.

George municipality’s spokesperson, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe.

"These measures are not punitive. They are necessary to prevent a worst-case scenario. We urge all residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly."