Municipal officials have warned that the situation is being worsened by extensive water losses across the network. This comes at a critical time for local businesses that rely heavily on tourism to sustain jobs and livelihoods. Additional support has also been provided to vulnerable communities through the delivery of emergency water supplies. While officials remain cautiously optimistic that Day Zero can still be avoided, they have emphasised that success depends on collective action. Without meaningful reductions in water losses and daily consumption, Knysna’s water crisis could deepen, placing further strain on residents, businesses and the local economy.