Fears that the taps in the South African tourist resort of Knysna, with its turquoise water, sandy beaches and pleasant weather, could soon run dry - a moment known as 'day zero' - have prompted a state of disaster to be declared.
It is a scary prospect for the 100,000 residents who live in this area situated along South Africa's famous Garden Route, a 150km stretch of seaside towns with forested and mountainous scenery on the southern coast. But it is the latest South African town to be hit by a severe water crisis, caused by the failure to maintain infrastructure and changing weather patterns.
Beneath the pretty veneer of Knysna - which is also a retirement haven for more affluent South Africans - its water system is on the brink of collapse. Official estimates suggest that around 55% of the town's drinkable water is lost to leaking pipes. It is a problem compounded by the fact that the town has been hit by a drought, leading to a sharp drop in water levels at its main storage dam.
When we visited the area last week, Akkerkloof dam had just 20 days' worth of reserves. However, it is not clear when exactly 'day zero' will hit as authorities have stepped in with water restrictions and emergency funding.
A retirement centre in Knysna experienced its version of 'day zero' last October, when a fault at a local municipal plant left elderly residents without water for 10 days. This prompted owner Franco de Grandis to invest in a back-up water supply worth around 250,000 South African rand to ensure continuity.
NGOs like Gift of the Givers are providing relief, bringing thousands of liters of water daily to those who can’t afford backup measures. The community’s reliance on such aid highlights an urgent need for sustainable solutions.
As discussions continue among local officials about fixing infrastructure and exploring water recycling options, many residents live in anxiety over potential rationing: 'Water is a basic right. It’s frustrating that the town has come to this,' said De Grandis.
Mayor Thando Matika acknowledges the problems but asserts he inherited them from predecessors, noting a long-standing neglect of maintenance. In response, the government has allocated emergency funds for immediate repairs and plans for an improved future water supply system.
The situation is not just a localized issue; experts warn that towns around South Africa face similar struggles with water security, exacerbated by climate change. 'Day zero' has become a reality for many South Africans, raising alarms about the sustainability of water supply and the need for urgent reforms in water management.
