Recent rainfall patterns have been well below the long-term average, with August 2025 recording only 5mm at the Knysna Water Treatment Works, the lowest on record for that month. According to the South African Weather Service, rainfall for the Garden Route region is predicted to be approximately 26% lower than average over the summer period.
The river levels of all the rivers in the Greater Knysna area are low, and we expect an influx of people to the area during the upcoming holiday season. To ensure a continuous supply we must use water sparingly until we’ve had sufficient rain to bulk up our water resources.
Level 4 water restrictions include:
- A stepped-up water conservation campaign;
- Throttling of water zones;
- Water restricting/management devices will be installed;
- Domestic consumption to be limited to 6kl per household per month;
- Business consumption will be reduced by 50% on the previous year’s monthly average consumption, except car washes;
- Construction industry, car washes and nurseries must use alternative sources of water;
- A stage 3 drought tariff will be triggered, however, Council resolved not to implement the stage 3 tariff, but remain on the current stage 2 drought tariff;
- Health and Correctional facilities to install their own tanks that a Municipal tanker will fill;
Residents can report water wastage or broken pipes on (044) 302 6331 or on WhatsApp: 060 998 7000.
