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 an area situated along South Africa's famous Garden Route, a 150km (93-mile) stretch of seaside towns with forested and mountainous scenery on the southern coast. However, 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. The situation is compounded 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. While authorities have stepped in with restrictions and emergency funding, a retirement center in Knysna has already experienced its version of 'day zero'- when a fault at a local municipal plant left elderly residents without water for 10 days last October. Non-governmental organisations like Gift of the Givers have stepped in to help, bringing in thousands of litres of water in tankers almost daily to assist those who cannot afford backup supplies. Water is rationed to 50 litres per person per day, highlighting the dire situation. Local businesses are anxious about the implications of 'day zero' for tourism, but experts warn this is a reality for millions in South Africa every day, who lack reliable access to safe water. The situation is expected to worsen without significant improvements to the existing infrastructure and water management systems.
Knysna Faces Imminent Water Crisis: A 'Day Zero' Threat
Knysna Faces Imminent Water Crisis: A 'Day Zero' Threat
A looming water crisis in Knysna, South Africa, prompts disaster declarations as residents brace for potential water shortages. The municipality combats this with emergency measures amidst infrastructure failures and changing climate patterns.
The picturesque tourist town of Knysna in South Africa is on the brink of a significant water crisis, with a scenario dubbed 'day zero' threatening its 100,000 residents. Declared a state of disaster, the town faces severe water shortages due to infrastructure problems and drought. Local authorities are implementing emergency funding and water restrictions to mitigate the crisis, but many fear a future where rationing becomes necessary. Community efforts and government interventions are underway, yet experts warn this might foreshadow wider issues across South Africa.
