We provide Knysna’s residents and business sector with clean, safe and reliable potable water and treat wastewater. This entails many diverse responsibilities ranging from the management of water catchments areas and water storage to the treatment of wastewater and its safe disposal back into the environment.

Our infrastructure includes 2 off-river holding dams (Akkerkloof & Glebe), 5 water treatment works with an additional 2 Reverse Osmosis plants, 38 water pump stations, 11 sewerage pump stations, 41 reservoirs and 5 wastewater treatment facilities. We maintain 1109 km of water pipeline.

We work to the highest standards and aim to deliver excellent water and sanitation services. We have received a number of awards for providing some of the best drinking water.

All municipalities that act as Water Services Authorities (WSA’s) are required, by the Water Act (Act 108 of 1997) to produce a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) for their water and sewerage (sanitation) systems. The purpose of the WSDP is to ensure effective planning and communication by the Knysna Municipality as the WSA, and to assist in effective monitoring and evaluation.

Level 2 Water Restrictions now in Effect

Level 2 water restrictions are currently being implemented. Under Level 2 restrictions:

• Municipal potable water is restricted to human consumption and business use. Gardens may not be watered, and cars or boats may not be washed.
• Domestic consumption is limited to 20 000 litres per household per month.
• Households exceeding this limit on two occasions may have water-restricting/management devices installed.
• Households receiving free basic water are limited to 6 000 litres per month.
• Construction, car washes and nurseries must use alternative water sources.

Let’s continue using water responsibly and maintain our water-saving habits.

Every drop counts! Be Knys, Save Water.

Residents and businesses must take note that we are still experiencing a drought and that responsible consumption to protect our natural resources must become our way of life.

Water Efficient Installations

All residents are required to retrofit their taps, showerheads and other plumbing equipment with water efficient devices.

Check for water leaks regularly:

• Turn off all the taps in your house and check the water meter (usually situated at the end of your property, about a metre from the road). If the little wheel on the meter is still turning when all the taps are closed, there may be a water leak somewhere in the system.
• Turn off the stop tap at your house, usually situated on the outside wall near the kitchen or bathroom. If the wheel stopped turning, the leak is in the house somewhere. If the wheel continues to turn, the leak is probably between the house and the water metre – if this is the case, close the stop tap at the water meter to ensure that no further water is leaked.
• Water leaks on the house-side of the meter are the responsibility of the homeowner. Leaks in the street-side of the meter are for the care of the municipality. Please report any municipal water leaks to 044 302 6331. Report water abuse to 060 998 7032.

You can conserve water by:

• Taking shorter showers, five minutes or less is best.
• Placing a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants.
• Turning off the tap when soaping hands or brushing teeth.
• Never pouring water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant.
• Replacing or adjusting the toilet handle if it frequently gets stuck in the flush position, allowing water to run constantly.
• Not flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Using a broom, not a hose, to clean your yard and driveway.
• Planting indigenous shrubs from this region in your garden as they tend to use less water.

Click here for Borehole Guideline

Report water and sewerage leaks to:
Telephone: +27 (0)44 302 6331 or WhatsApp 060 998 7032

Contact Manager Water & Wastewater Services:

Mr Rhoydon Parry
Telephone: +27 (0)44 302 6332
Email: rparry@knysna.gov.za