South Africa Fresh Water Crisis

Rapid urbanization, deforestation, damming of rivers, wetlands destruction, industry, mining, agriculture, energy use, and accidental water pollution contribute to this crisis. 

Rainfall distribution is uneven across South Africa – the eastern side of the country is considerably wetter than the western half. South Africa also experiences alternating periods of droughts and floods, which affects the amount of water across the region. Additionally, the increased frequency of hot, dry conditions results in a high evaporation rate. Climate change has contributed towards more acute wet and dry seasons, which means that floods and droughts are intensifying and occurring more frequently.

Despite these challenges, South Africans on average consume more water than the global average — 234 liters per person daily versus the global average of 173 liters. In 2018, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan identified a water supply deficit of 17% by 2030.

There is also concern around water contamination. A report by the Human Rights Commission highlights the contamination from raw sewage into the Vaal Dam, which provides water for almost 20 million people in three provinces, including the commercial hub of South Africa. Johannesburg. Around 64 percent of households nationally have safe, reliable access to water, and around nine percent of the population draws water from polluted sources.

Old water infrastructure and infrequent maintenance is a major problem. Approximately 37 percent of water is lost due to leaking pipes and other related failures. There will need to be extensive investment into this sector to improve the water sector, which has largely collapsed due to decades of mismanagement. Provincial authorities have identified this sector as a priority, such as the City of Cape Town who has developed an ambitious Climate Change Action Plan. Part of the City’s goals is to focus on water conservation by reducing demand, as well as removal of invasive alien species in water supply catchment areas and aquifer recharge areas, as well as in natural areas across the city.

For more information regarding opportunities for U.S. companies in this sector, please contact Felicity Nagel, Commercial Specialist: Felicity.nagel@trade.gov.