Is Knysna Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Knysna tap water is generally treated and monitored by local authorities to meet South African water quality standards. It is considered safe for most residents.
However, occasional issues like turbidity or pipe contamination can occur, so some residents prefer boiling or filtering water before drinking.
For specific health concerns or recent advisories, consult the Knysna Municipality or South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation for up-to-date information.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
South Africa is ranked as number 144 globally with a score of 25.3% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Knysna, South Africa
Knysna's main tap water sources are surface water reservoirs, including the Knysna Lakes and several local dams. These sources supply raw water for treatment.
The bulk water treatment plants treat this surface water to ensure it meets safe drinking standards before distribution through the municipal system.
Groundwater sources play a minor role in Knysna but supplement supply during dry periods or increased demand.
Knysna Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Knysna are connected to the municipal water supply, which is treated and monitored to meet safety standards.
However, maintenance varies, and some fountains may have contamination risks from environmental exposure or lack of cleaning, affecting water quality.
It is advisable to verify local conditions or use bottled or filtered water from fountains if safety is uncertain.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Knysna. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Stellenbosch
(385 km)
- Cape Town
(426 km)
- Johannesburg
(994 km)
- Pretoria
(1046 km)
- Polokwane
(1287 km)
- Maun
(1563 km)
About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job — it's something I truly care about.