South Africa’s water crisis deepens as the quality and availability of drinking water continue to deteriorate. The country’s residents are facing increasing concerns over the safety of their water supply, with widespread problems reported in urban areas. As a vital resource, access to clean drinking water is essential for human health and hygiene.
The quality of municipal drinking water in South Africa has been declining due to ageing infrastructure, inadequate treatment, and pollution. According to the Blue Drop Report 2023, only 26 water supply systems achieved a score of around 95%, down from 44 in 2014. Furthermore, 29% of water supply systems were identified as being in a critical state. A recent test by the non-governmental organisation AfriForum found that 87% of municipal drinking water was safe for human consumption, a nine percentage point decrease from the previous year.
In emergency situations, residents can take steps to purify their water. A simple filter can be created using a sieve lined with paper towel or a dishcloth. Boiling water for at least three minutes can kill disease-causing organisms, while adding unscented household bleach can disinfect the water. Solar disinfection, also known as SODIS, can also be used to kill disease-causing organisms using sunlight.
The country’s water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts, population growth, and poor management. Water shedding, throttling, and rationing have become common practices, with scheduled outages and reduced water pressure affecting many areas. A new report warns that the provinces of Gauteng and the Western Cape are set to face increasing water scarcity due to rising populations.
The situation highlights the need for urgent attention to South Africa’s water crisis. As the demand for water continues to exceed the available supply, it is essential to address the underlying issues of infrastructure, treatment, and pollution. The health and safety of citizens depend on access to clean and reliable drinking water, making it a critical priority for the country’s authorities.