diff --git a/bonfire/resources/ephemeral-cluster-clowdenvironment.yaml b/bonfire/resources/ephemeral-cluster-clowdenvironment.yaml
index 4a260844..fca18ea0 100644
--- a/bonfire/resources/ephemeral-cluster-clowdenvironment.yaml
+++ b/bonfire/resources/ephemeral-cluster-clowdenvironment.yaml
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ objects:
         mode: operator
       kafka:
         mode: operator
-        pvc: false
+        pvc: true
         # disable tls/auth for now until core apps are ready
         enableLegacyStrimzi: true
         cluster: