The Akkerkloof Dam has risen to 19.6% capacity as of 20 January, up from 18% the previous day, offering a glimmer of hope in Knysna’s ongoing water crisis. However, municipal authorities caution that the increase does little to alleviate the severe pressure on the region’s water infrastructure. According to the municipality’s latest update, water resources across Greater Knysna remain critically strained.
“Water resources and infrastructure across the municipality remain under severe strain. River flows are still low, and the rainfall received is insufficient to significantly improve dam levels or reverse current water security challenges, particularly as water consumption remains unacceptably high,” the municipality said. Officials emphasised that strict and responsible water use by all residents and visitors remains essential.
Ward 9 councillor Sharon Sabbagh explained that the modest rise in the Akkerkloof Dam is primarily due to pumping operations from the Glebe Dam rather than recent rainfall. The councillor said that the municipality failed to capitalise on significant rainfall a week to 10 days ago due to infrastructure problems. “The Charlesford pump station was not working optimally.
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There was a pipeline break on the one pump and the second pump was not working according to capacity,” she said. This malfunction meant the municipality lost the opportunity to benefit from sandbagging operations at the weir. Municipal data shows water abstraction on Tuesday, 20 January reached 13 704 kilolitres with consumption at 10 006 kilolitres. This was up from 12 373 kilolitres abstraction and 9 200 kilolitres consumption the previous day.
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