The Akkerkloof Dam in Knysna rose to 19.6% capacity on 20 January 2026, up from 18% the previous day. This modest increase provides some encouragement amid the town's severe water shortages. However, municipal officials stress that the rise does not ease the overall strain on water resources.

The municipality reported that river flows remain low and recent rainfall has not significantly boosted supplies. Water consumption stays high, exacerbating the Knysna water crisis. Authorities call for strict water use by residents and visitors to prevent further deterioration.

Infrastructure Challenges and Long-Term Concerns

The dam level uptick stems mainly from pumping water from the Glebe Dam to Akkerkloof, rather than rainfall, according to Ward 9 councillor Sharon Sabbagh. She noted that a malfunction at the Charlesford pump station prevented optimal use of earlier heavy rains on 10-13 January 2026.

"The Charlesford pump station was not working optimally. There was a pipeline break on the one pump and the second pump was not working according to capacity," Sabbagh said, as reported by The Citizen.

Sabbagh estimates the current supply equates to about 11 days until a potential Day Zero. She questions municipal claims of reduced consumption, citing 8,000 bypassed prepaid meters out of 11,000. The councillor argues against a proposed new Crace Valley Dam, highlighting 56% water losses from leaks and bursts. Existing infrastructure, if fixed, could meet needs without new projects, she maintains.

Humanitarian Response Steps In

Gift of the Givers has delivered water relief to Knysna, Brenton, and Sedgefield since 12 December 2025. The organisation deployed two tanker trucks and a trailer, plus 44 JoJo tanks. Four 2,500-litre tanks support the Provincial Hospital, and two 10,000-litre tanks aid Correctional Services, with more installations planned.

Bottled spring water is stored for emergencies. The municipality has not issued a new response to these efforts as of 22 January 2026, though officials previously urged conservation without detailing relief coordination. Attempts to reach municipal spokespersons for comment on 21 January 2026 received no reply.

This intervention underscores the urgency of the Knysna water crisis, with communities relying on aid while infrastructure repairs lag.