South Africa is facing a dire water crisis that has escalated to emergency levels, with its rivers becoming dangerously polluted and failing wastewater systems posing significant risks to public health. This alarming situation has been highlighted in a recent citizen science study conducted by the organization WaterCAN.
The initiative involved distributing around 500 water testing kits across the country, resulting in approximately 139 tests being performed and documented on their interactive map. These tests covered various water sources, including rivers and tap water. Due to limited access to clean water, particularly in informal settlements, residents were also encouraged to test water from JoJo tanks, which are commonly used in these areas.
Dr. Ferrial Adam, the Executive Director at WaterCAN, revealed some shocking findings: nearly 66% of the open water samples tested were found to contain E. coli bacteria. "Our rivers and streams are essentially turning into open sewers due to the alarming amount of sewage being discharged into these waterways, which is extremely concerning," she stated.
She further elaborated on the severity of the situation, saying, "Our water is laden with waste. This is evident from the fact that about 70% of our wastewater treatment facilities are operating poorly, many in critical condition, and are discharging untreated sewage into our rivers and streams."
Although urban tap water typically undergoes treatment before reaching households, Dr. Adam warns that the safety of drinking water varies significantly depending on the region. Some areas, particularly in the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape, have already been classified as unsafe for direct consumption from the tap.
The report also expresses concern over the government’s increasing reliance on water tankers as a long-term solution to the crisis. It highlights issues such as infrastructure breakdowns, unpaid contractors, and political inaction, all of which exacerbate the existing problems. "There’s certainly a troubling trend regarding the so-called ‘water tank mafia’. The municipalities’ approach of relying on water tankers seems to indicate that they expect this to be the permanent solution, which is something we should resist. This should only be a temporary fix," she emphasized.
Dr. Adam urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively push against complacency, asserting that public pressure and action from civil society are crucial in reversing the decline of South Africa’s water systems.
If you want to hear more from Dr. Ferrial Adam, you can listen to her interview with Bongani Bingwa on 702 by clicking the audio link below.
