Update: Knysna’s water situation
The Knysna Municipality is urging consumers throughout its municipal area to conserve water. The municipality will also intensify the enforcement of water restrictions.
Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring said that while there was no crisis, economical use of water would prevent the situation from becoming out of control.
“South African Summers are long and hot, and we want to ensure that we have sufficient reserves. The main sources of water in the Knysna Municipal area are rivers and are therefore vulnerable in times of extreme heat or drought. Not only do people tend to use more water when it is hot, but it also increases evaporation.”
Waring explained that Knysna only had one water storage facility, the Akkerkloof Dam, which could hold a maximum of 880 megalitres – about three months’ water supply. Currently the dam is half full and it can only be augmented when usage in town is low enough.
Knysna’s reverse osmosis plant has also been activated to alleviate pressure on the main water supply, which is part of its normal function during summer months.
In Sedgefield, work has started on a weir in the town’s water source, the Karatara River. The weir will assist in water collection and quality, and also to prevent flooding. During the construction process a section of the river has to be diverted while another part is drained, which will place pressure on its supply capacity and may become vulnerable to salt water contamination. The Knysna Municipality appeals to the Sedgefield community to conserve water at all costs to ensure minimum impact during the construction of the weir, which is expected to be completed by July.
In Rheenendal and Buffel’s Bay water is sourced from the Homtini and Goukamma Rivers, which are currently running below average. Continued heat and insufficient rains may place these rivers under severe strain. Residents in these areas are also asked to conserve water and use alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks where possible.
“It should be noted that even when it rains, the matter does not resolve itself overnight and rivers and dams take time to replenish. In fact, in a country that is considered semi-arid, water conservation should be a lifestyle rather than preventative action in times of need.”
Waring said water restrictions, which had been in place since November 2011, remained and enforcement of restrictions would be stepped up. “Persons watering outside restriction periods may be fined R1 000 per incident. Reports of illegal watering can be made to 044 302 6551 or 044 302 6337.
“We thank all users in advance for their cooperation. Knysna as a whole can only benefit from continued partnership between the municipality and the community it serves,” says Waring.
Municipal water restrictions
In Summer, residents with even street numbers may water their gardens between 18:00 and 19:00 on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Residents with odd street numbers may water their gardens between 18:00 and 19:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Be Water Wise: Water-saving tips are available on the Knysna Municipality’s website at www.knysna.gov.za. Click on the link at the bottom of the homepage.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald