South Africa’s Water Crisis: A Nation on the Brink
Water is the lifeblood of any nation, sustaining ecosystems, economies, and communities. In South Africa, however, this vital resource is under severe strain. The nation faces a multifaceted water crisis marked by a combination of limited resources, aging infrastructure, and an increasing demand due to rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and the impacts of climate change. The country’s water systems are under immense pressure, with many areas struggling to balance supply and demand.
Our Current State of Water
It is estimated that by 2025, at least 3,5 billion people (nearly 50% of the world’s population) will face water scarcity. In South Africa, it is estimated that, based on current usage trends, water demand will exceed availability of economically usable fresh water resources by 2025.
South Africa’s water crisis is not a looming threat—it is a current, undeniable reality. As the world edges closer to a future where nearly half its population will face water scarcity, South Africa stands at the frontline of this crisis.
South Africa’s water crisis is not a looming threat—it is a current, undeniable reality. As the world edges closer to a future where nearly half its population will face water scarcity, South Africa stands at the frontline of this crisis.
We are in the grip of a worsening water crisis, driven by a perfect storm of limited natural resources, aging infrastructure, and rapidly rising demand from urbanisation, industrial growth, and climate change.
The country’s water systems are under immense strain, with many regions struggling to maintain a sustainable balance between supply and demand. Widespread water pollution, rising levels of non-revenue water (NRW), and systemic financial mismanagement have further deepened the crisis—widening the gap between available water and the needs of communities, businesses, and ecosystems.
The country’s water systems are under immense strain, with many regions struggling to maintain a sustainable balance between supply and demand. Widespread water pollution, rising levels of non-revenue water (NRW), and systemic financial mismanagement have further deepened the crisis—widening the gap between available water and the needs of communities, businesses, and ecosystems.
Our water risks
- Aging & Inefficient Water Infrastructure
- Poor Water Quality - High Levels of Contaminants & Pollutants
- Inequitable Distribution
- Dependance on Reliable Municipal Supply
- Day Zero, El Niño & La Niña
- Water Leaks & Wastage throughout Distribution System
- Inefficient Water Management.
- Inadequate Access to Clean & Safe Water
Did You Know?
South Africa is ranked as one of the world's driest countries.
Ranked among the driest countries on Earth, the nation receives an average annual rainfall of just 450mm, nearly half the global average of 860mm. This places immense pressure on an already fragile water system and challenges the future of sustainable development, economic growth, and public health.
Infrastructure Breakdown
Aging pipes and poor maintenance are crippling water systems.
In cities like Johannesburg, 46% of water is lost before reaching users. Outdated infrastructure and neglected repairs are causing massive losses—both in water and municipal revenue.
Mismanagement & Corruption
Weak governance fuels service delivery failures.
Many municipalities lack the skills, funds, or integrity to manage water systems. Corruption and inefficiency have stalled critical upgrades and left communities without reliable supply.
Non-Revenue Water Crisis
Nearly half of all water generates no income.
47% of water supply is lost, mostly through leaks—more than three times the global best practice. This reflects deep failures in infrastructure and oversight
Climate Pressure
Droughts are worsening, pushing systems to the edge.
South Africa’s semi-arid climate is becoming hotter and drier. Regions like Limpopo are abandoning traditional farming as water becomes increasingly scarce and unreliable.
Watershedding: A New Reality We Must Confront
South Africans are no strangers to the concept of load shedding—a term that has, for better or worse, become embedded in our national vocabulary. But now, another form of disruption is steadily entering our lives: watershedding.
As of mid-2025, the Gauteng region, including Johannesburg, faces an alarming and intensifying risk of water supply interruptions. This is not an isolated occurrence, nor a temporary inconvenience. It is the result of a system that has been under strain for far too long. The combination of aging infrastructure, insufficient maintenance, and unreliable operations is pushing our water network to its limits.
One of the most critical vulnerabilities lies in the dependency on large, centralised sources like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Scheduled shutdowns for essential maintenance—though necessary—highlight how fragile and overextended our supply infrastructure has become. When routine repairs put an entire city’s water supply at risk, the system is no longer resilient. It is reactive.
Systemic Challenges Behind the Crisis
Water Shortage Challenges:
- Repeated and prolonged periods without domestic water supply.
- Reliance on informal and unregulated water sources.
- Inconvenience in accessing water.
- Contamination of stored water.
- Lack of political attention to the problem.
Causes and Contributors of Water Shortages:
- Poor governance, planning, and awareness among authorities.
- Lack of political accountability and corruption.
- Limited infrastructure maintenance and delays.
- Vandalism and limited community ownership.
- Persistent droughts, high temperatures, and low rainfall.
Health and Social Impacts of Water Insecurity:
- Avoidable infectious diseases and mortality.
- Lack of political accountability and corruption.
- Waterborne diseases (schistosomiasis, cholera, typhoid, etc.).
- Compromised sanitation without clean water.
- Hunger and malnutrition due to limited food preparation.
- Economic impacts (time and financial costs to access water).
- Familial and educational impacts (long distances to fetch water).
- Personal and social impacts (stress, conflicts, protests).
Recent Events Highlighting the Crisis
Cholera Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Water
Hammanskraal outbreak (early 2025)
Reports that approximately 900 people contracted cholera in and around Hammanskraal, with at least 34 fatalities confirmed so far. The cases have been definitively linked to contaminated local water sources.
Previous 2023–2024 outbreak (Gauteng and other provinces)
This earlier wave began in February 2023, ultimately affecting all nine provinces. There were 1,395–1,499 suspected cases, with 47 deaths by March 2024.
Municipal-Level Mismanagement & Fraud
Municipalities are under scrutiny for widespread corruption and fraud in water infrastructure projects. A national review of the “War on Leaks” programme uncovered 20% irregular expenditure, and individual councils like Matlosana have reported fraud exceeding R292 million. These scandals reveal deep governance weaknesses and growing waste within local water services
Western Cape Drought & ENSO Variability
Following years of El Niño-induced dryness, the Western Cape endured one of its worst droughts. With La Niña conditions predicted to taper off by late 2025, experts warn of an incoming extended dry phase lasting through 2026–2030, potentially triggering multiple future drought cycles.
Proposed Agricultural Water Laws
A new regulatory framework under consideration would mandate up to 75% Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) shareholding for water use licenses tied to large agricultural or storage rights. Critics argue the quotas could threaten agricultural investment and food security; supporters say it’s crucial for transformative equity.