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.
Additionally, the town has been hit by a drought, leading to a sharp drop in water levels at its main storage dam. Currently, the Akkerkloof dam has just 20 days' worth of reserves. The exact timing of day zero remains uncertain; however, authorities have responded with water restrictions and emergency funding. A retirement center in Knysna had already faced its own day zero when a fault led to a water outage for ten days last October, prompting owner Franco de Grandis to invest in a backup water supply.
Non-governmental organizations such as Gift of the Givers are aiding residents unable to afford backup solutions by delivering thousands of liters of water in tankers almost daily. However, fears grow that without viable solutions, queuing for rations could become the new norm for locals.
Mayor Thando Matika acknowledged the crisis but indicated that it stems from issues his administration inherited. He reported that his council has now received an emergency cash boost from the national government of $1.25m to address the crisis, intending to repair boreholes and develop plans for better water management. The municipality has implemented strict water usage restrictions, including limits on garden watering and pool filling, in an effort to conserve water during this dire time.
Overall, locals express anger and frustration at the situation, emphasizing that access to water is a basic human right. As Knysna battles against the looming threat of day zero, the implications of its water crisis resonate across South Africa where millions routinely face water insecurity.
