Unsafe water demands urgent action

ACCESS to safe drinking water is essential for health and well-being, yet across South Africa, water quality is not always reliable. Some cities meet health standards, but national reports show that only 14-16% of municipal water systems consistently provide water that is safe to drink.

- ROBERT ERASMUS.

Ageing infrastructure, rapid urban growth, and climate pressures make it difficult to maintain consistent quality. Leaking pipelines, overburdened treatment plants, and poorly functioning wastewater systems often release partially treated sewage into rivers and dams. Many assume tap water is safe, but the reality is that quality can vary widely, even within the same province.

Why systems are under pressure

Municipal water systems face serious challenges. Treatment plants in many areas are outdated or poorly maintained, making it difficult to keep up with growing demand given that rapid urbanisation has expanded towns and cities faster than infrastructure can be upgraded. Changing rainfall patterns and climate pressures add further strain, making it increasingly difficult to deliver water that meets health standards from source to tap.

Another issue is that wastewater management has a direct effect on drinking water. When treatment plants fail or are overloaded, partially treated sewage enters rivers and catchment areas, contaminating water supplies.