Knysna is facing an escalating water crisis as prolonged drought conditions continue to grip the Garden Route, pushing the Western Cape town closer to a Day Zero type scenario.
While water shortages remain severe, temporary relief has arrived through the delivery of borehole water transported by tanker trucks to the Knysna Water Treatment Plant.
Tankers Deliver Borehole Water To Treatment Plant
The Knysna Municipality confirmed on Thursday, 22 January 2026, that the first load of borehole water was en route to the treatment facility. The water is being extracted from boreholes operated by PG Bison and transported via large tanker trucks supplied by humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.
The delivery follows the successful conclusion of a contractual agreement between the municipality and PG Bison, enabling the extraction and transportation of additional water to support the town’s strained supply system.
According to reports, the tankers will offload water into the balancing dam at the treatment plant, a move expected to assist the municipality in maintaining water supply and ensuring continued service delivery.
Motorists travelling near the N2, particularly close to the Karatara turn off, have been urged to exercise caution as water extraction activities are taking place in the area.
Municipality Warns That Day Zero Risk Remains
Despite the arrival of borehole water, municipal officials have cautioned that the intervention offers only short term relief. Knysna remains classified as a disaster zone, with water reserves still under significant pressure.
The municipality has reiterated that Day Zero remains a real threat and has called on residents to continue using water sparingly. Officials stressed that sustained water availability until the next rainfall cycle depends largely on responsible consumption and widespread adoption of water saving practices.
Residents have been encouraged to treat every drop as critical in efforts to avert a complete shutdown of the town’s water supply.
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