The South African government on Monday repeated a warning that it will crack down hard on illegal water users and polluters.

Opening a provincial water indaba in the Western Cape, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica promised firm action against offenders.

"We are strengthening our regulatory focus, and I must warn everyone that we are not going to stand by and observe individuals and institutions pollute our rivers and in some cases 'steal' the limited water resources we have, not only in this province, but in the country as a whole.

"We are going to act decisively to ensure that our water resources are protected and legally utilised for the benefit of all."

Sonjica said that climate change - with a forecast reduction in rainfall - remained a "huge concern" of the government.

"I am acutely aware of the increase in drought in provinces, as well as unusual rainfall patterns as if it is winter again," she said.

The southern Cape is currently in the grip of one of the worst droughts in decades.

Sonjica said the Garden Route tourist town of Knysna would soon have a desalination plant up and running.

"I am informed that we now have a desalination plant approved by the Knysna Council, which will be ready to supply water by mid-December 2009.

"This is... a sterling example of improving water security in the face of a crippling one in a hundred [year] drought," she said.