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Water and Sanitation

SOUTH AFRICA
Yearbook
2021/22

Water and Sanitation

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Water and Sanitation

revenue water which is currently at 41%. Non-revenue water includes large improvements. A range of reasons, including rapid household
Water and Sanitation all water supplied that is not paid for, including physical water losses growth and urbanisation, as well as a preference for flush toilets have
South Africa remains a water scarce country and is facing a challenge
through leaks in the distribution system, illegal connections, unbilled all contributed to the slow progress over the reference period. The
in the delivery of water and sanitation services caused by, among other
consumption and billed, but unpaid for water use. While figures vary relative scarcity of water and regular water interruptions experienced
factors, insufficient water infrastructure maintenance and investment,
between municipalities and services providers, average physical in many parts of the country might increasingly lead to the use of
recurrent droughts driven by climatic variation, inequities in access to
losses in municipal systems are estimated to be around 35%, against a alternative sources of sanitation.
water and sanitation. This is exacerbated by climate change, which
global best practice in the order of 15%. It is notable that the percentage of households whose members
continues to present changes in temperature, precipitation and extreme
The Industrial Policy Action Plan sets out the intentions of South Africa usually wash hands with soap and water increased notably between
weather events.
in terms of expanding the manufacturing sector, which will increase 2019 and 2021 (from 43,6% to 59,1%), while the percentage of
The mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is
water demand in this sector, and which has the potential to increase households whose members only rinsed their hands with water
set out in the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) and the Water
water pollution if not appropriately regulated. To balance requirements decreased from 50,8% to 35,2% over the same period of time. Almost
Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997)). The department’s legislative
and supply, South Africa will need to reduce water demand, as well three-quarters (73,5%) of households reported that they had access to
mandate is to ensure that the country’s water resources are protected,
as increase supply for a growing population and economy in order to hand-washing facilities.
managed, used, developed, conserved and controlled by regulating
ensure water security by 2030. According to the GHS, tap water inside their dwellings, off-site or
and supporting the delivery of effective water supply and sanitation.
Without demand management, currently planned infrastructure on-site was most common among households in Western Cape
This is done in accordance with the requirements of water‐related
development and the broadening of the water mix will not be sufficient (99,4%), Gauteng (98,4%), and Free State (93,6%) and least common
policies and legislation that are critical in delivering on people’s right
to balance supply and demand. However, if the targets of reducing in Limpopo (69,4%) and Eastern Cape (71,0%). Since 2002, the
to have enough food and water, growing the economy, and eradicating
physical losses in municipal systems are reached, as well as a reduction percentage of households in Eastern Cape with access to water in the
poverty.
in the per capita consumption to the global average, in addition to the dwelling, on- or off-site increased by 14,9 percentage points and those
This rainfall produces a total annual runoff of approximately 49 000
surface and groundwater supplies, and desalination, re-use and treated in KwaZulu-Natal by 11,6 percentage points. Nationally, the percentage
million cubic metres (m³)/a. A total of 65% of South Africa has a mean
AMD, there will be a slight surplus available in 2030. of households with access to tap water in their dwellings, off-site or
annual rainfall of less than 500 mm and 21% of the country with a
Chapter 4 of the NDP envisages a South Africa that recognises the on-site increased by 4,3 percentage points during the same period.
mean annual rainfall of less than 200 mm. The country, therefore,
importance of secure and equitable access to water and sanitation as Despite these notable improvements, access to water actually
experiences severe and prolonged hydrological droughts, which may
catalysts for socio-economic development. This is given expression declined in six provinces between 2002 and 2021. The largest declined
last as long as 10 years at a time.
by Priority 1 (economic transformation and job creation) and Priority was observed in Limpopo (-4,4 percentage points), Mpumalanga (-4,3
The country’s water security is mainly reliant on fresh surface water,
4 (spatial integration, human settlements and local government) of percentage points), North West (-2,2 percentage points) and Free
with ground water and return flows underutilised. There are currently
government’s 2019-2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), State (-2,0 percentage points).
5 551 registered dams with a total gross storage capacity of 33 291
with which the work of the DWS is aligned. In addition, access to water has been declining in both Eastern Cape
million m³. Of these registered dams, 4 294 are small (i.e. less than
Over the medium term, the DWS planned to continue focusing and Limpopo since at least 2014. On the positive side one should,
12 m) serving farms and municipalities. These smaller dams play a
on enhancing regulatory measures, ensuring that infrastructure is however, take into account that many more households were provided
critical role in local water security and climate resilience. The total
protected and restored, and ensuring that water and sanitation services with water in 2021 than two decades earlier.
national potential for accessible groundwater, on the other hand, is
are managed effectively. An estimated 45,2% of households had access to piped water in
approximately 4 500 million m³/a; of which between 2 000 and 3 000
their dwellings in 2021. A further 29,4% accessed water on-site while
million m³/a, is being utilised.
Most of South Africa’s freshwater comes from catchments that Access to water 12,2% relied on communal taps and 1,9% relied on neighbours’ taps.
The provision of safe and readily available water is important for public Although generally households’ access to water improved, 2,7% of
receive the highest rainfall (strategic water source areas). There are
health and poverty reduction. According to Statistics South Africa’s households still had to fetch water from rivers, streams, stagnant water
22 strategic water source areas occupying 8% of the land, however
(Stats SA) General Household Survey (GHS) of 2021, the percentage pools, dams, wells and springs in 2021.
these provide 50% of the surface run-off (water in wetlands, streams
of households with access to an improved source of water increased About 98,6% of households in metros had access to tap water. This
and rivers). The strategic water source areas support the water needs
from 84,4% to 88,7% between 2002 and 2021. type of access to water was most common in Cape Town (99,5%),
of approximately 60% of the population, 67% of national economic
The increases were most notable in Eastern Cape (+14,9 percentage Nelson Mandela Bay (99,2%), and Johannesburg (99,1%). Mangaung
activity, and supply approximately 70% of irrigation water.
points) and KwaZulu-Natal (+11,6 percentage points). Despite these (92,0%) and Ethekwini (97,7%) recorded the lowest access amongst
Agriculture is the largest water use at 61%, followed by municipal
notable improvements, access to water actually declined in six metros. The number and percentage of households with access
use at 27% (including industrial and commercial users provided from
provinces between 2002 and 2021. The largest decline was observed to piped water had increased since 2006, showing that 14,8 million
municipal systems), with power generation, mining and bulk industrial
in Limpopo (-4,4 percentage points), Mpumalanga (-4,3 percentage households had access to piped water in 2021 compared to 9,3 million
use, livestock and conservation and afforestation jointly making up
points) and North West (-2,2 percentage points). in 2006.
the remaining 12%. The assurance level at which agricultural water is
The declines, however, belie the fact that more households had Households in North West (56,7%), Limpopo (56,0%) and
supplied is lower than for other sectors at 90%.
access to piped water in 2021 than two decades earlier. Through the Mpumalanga (55,8%) reported the most interruptions, while households
Water for power generation is seen as strategically important and
provision and the efforts of government, support agencies and existing in Western Cape (4,9%) and Gauteng (11,3%) experienced the
is provided with the highest assurance of supply at 99.5%; which
stakeholders, the percentage of households with access to improved least interruptions. Approximately one-third (30,8%) of South African
translates to 1:200 year risk of failure. Agricultural consumption
sanitation increased by 22,4 percentage points between 2002 and households reported some dysfunctional water supply service in 2021.
is largely unmetered, and there are concerns about unauthorised
2021, growing from 61,7% to 84,1%. Compared to households nationally, a much smaller percentage of
abstraction and water wastage in the sector.
The most improvement was noted in Eastern Cape where the households in metropolitan areas reported water interruptions (14,2%
In addition, agricultural users pay a much lower tariff than other users
percentage of households with access to improved sanitation increased compared to 30,8%). Water interruptions were most common in Nelson
of untreated water and the relatively cheap water has not incentivised
by 58,3 percentage points to 91,7%, and Limpopo in which access Mandela Bay (37,6%), eThekwini (28,1%), and Buffalo City (20,0%)
the adoption of water efficient irrigation practices. However, the
increased by 31,6 percentage points to 58,5%. The installation of pit and least common in Cape Town (4,8%) and Ekurhuleni (6,2%).
sector is important in terms of jobs and contribution to the GDP. The
domestic sector has high water use partly due to municipal non- toilets with ventilation pipes played an important part in achieving the

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Sanitation ensure the delivery of safe water and the effective management all people;
Environmental hygiene plays an essential role in the prevention of of wastewater through enforcing various regulatory measures and • Water Services Act of 1997, which prescribes the legislative duty of
many diseases. It also impacts on the natural environment and the strengthening its oversight functions. To this end, the blue drop, green municipalities as water-service authorities to provide water supply
preservation of important natural assets, such as water resources. drop and no drop regulatory standards are in place to improve asset and sanitation according to national standards and norms. It also
Proper sanitation is one of the key elements in improving environmental management practices in municipalities. regulates water boards as important water service providers and gives
hygiene. Over the MTEF period, the department expects to support 32 district the executive authority and responsibility to the Minister of Human
According to Stats SA’s GHS of 2021, nationally, the percentage of municipalities with developing water and sanitation reliability plans Settlements, Water and Sanitation to support and strengthen the
households with access to improved sanitation increased from 61,7% and monitoring the compliance of all water services authorities with capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, exercise their
in 2002 to 84,1% in 2021. Households’ access to improved sanitation regulatory standards. powers and perform their functions;
was highest in Western Cape (94,8%) Gauteng (91,8%) and Eastern Over the same period, the department aims to ensure that 80% of • Water Research Act, 1971 (Act 34 of 1971), which provides for the
Cape (91,7%), and most limited in Limpopo (58,5%) and Mpumalanga applications to authorise water-use are finalised within 90 days and that promotion of water-related research through the Water Research
(63,2%). In the Eastern Cape, households’ access to improved 963 wastewater systems are assessed for compliance against green Commission (WRC) and the Water Research Fund; and
sanitation facilities increased by 58,3 percentage points between 2002 drop regulatory requirements. • National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act 107 of
and 2021, growing from 33,4% to 91,7%. For activities related to water resources, R270.7 million over the 1998), which provides for cooperative environmental governance by
Nationally, almost two-thirds (64,8%) of households used flush toilets MTEF period is allocated for regulatory compliance in the Water establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the
that were either connected to a public sewerage system or a septic Resources Regulation subprogramme in the Water Resources environment, institutions that promote cooperative governance and
or conservancy tanks, while another 19,3% used pit toilets that are Management programme; and R220.9 million is allocated for oversight procedures for coordinating environmental functions exercised by
connected to ventilation pipes. Households that did not have access in the Water Resources Institutional Oversight subprogramme in the organs of state.
to improved sanitation facilities largely depended on pit toilets without Water Resources Management programme.
ventilation pipes (13,4%). For activities related to water services, R323.9 million over the Budget
The use of flush toilets was most common in Western Cape (94,8%), MTEF period is allocated for regulatory compliance and R71 million is The DWS was allocated R17.735 billion for the 2021/22 financial year.
Gauteng (87,5%) and Free State (75,2%). About one-quarter (25,6%) allocated for oversight in the Water Services Regulation subprogramme The department’s total budget over the medium term is R59.6 billion.
of households in Limpopo used improve sources of sanitation. The in the Water Services Management programme. Transfers and subsidies to departmental agencies, public corporations
largest percentage of pit toilets with ventilation pipes were observed in and municipalities comprise the largest share of the budget, amounting
Eastern Cape (43,9%), KwaZulu-Natal (34,0%) and Limpopo (32,9%). Protecting and restoring infrastructure to R34.9 billion over the MTEF period.
In the absence of flush toilets, 74,0% of households in Limpopo used The department will continue to invest in water resources and implement Total expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual
pit latrines, most (41,1%) without ventilation pipes. projects such as the phase 2D of the Olifants River water resource rate of 5.6%, from R17.7 billion in 2021/22 to R20.9 billion in 2024/25,
More than one-third (36,7%) of households in Mpumalanga and development project, the Mokolo‐Crocodile water augmentation mainly due to additional allocations of R5.3 billion over the medium
20,5% of households in North West used pit toilets without ventilation project, the raising of the Tzaneen and Hazelmere dams, and the term for capital projects involving water resource and regional bulk
pipes. Umdloti River development project. infrastructure.
Households’ access to improved sanitation was highest in Buffalo Accordingly, spending in the Water Resources Management As a result of the expected decrease in the number of personnel
City (99,2%) and Nelson Mandela Bay (98,4%) and least common in programme is expected to increase at an average annual rate of from 3 787 in 2021/22 to 3 520 in 2024/25 due to natural attrition,
eThekwini (83,7%) and Tshwane (83,5%). 10.7%, from R3.6 billion in 2021/22 to R4.9 billion in 2024/25. This expenditure on compensation of employees is expected to decrease
includes spending of R2.1 billion over the medium term to raise the at an average annual rate of 0.6%, from R1.9 billion in 2021/22 to R1.8
Enhancing regulatory measures Clanwilliam Dam wall. billion in 2024/25.
Strong regulation is critical to achieve water security in South Africa,
in terms of water quality (in rivers and taps) balancing demand and Ensuring that infrastructure is protected and restored Challenges in Water and Sanitation
supply, ensuring the safety of dams, and being resilient to climate Over the medium term, two mega, 24 large and 28 small regional bulk A number external and internal environment matters affect the DWS’s
change impacts. Authorisation for water abstraction, waste discharge, infrastructure projects are expected to be implemented and finalised. ability to deliver on its mandate. Some of these present various
and dam safety, and setting the charges for the use of raw water and These projects and related activities are carried out in the Water challenges and opportunities impacting on its operations, influencing
the discharge of effluent are some of the tools used by the DWS to Services Management programme, spending in which is expected planning decisions and the required trade-offs. This results in the
regulate the water and sanitation sector. to increase at an average annual rate of 4.6%, from R12.2 billion in prioritisation of certain interventions and programmes over others,
Standards for water and sanitation services provision and associated 2021/22 to R13.9 billion in 2024/25. taking into consideration the required resourcing and associated risks.
tariffs are also governed by the Municipal Systems Act, 2011 (Act 7 Included in this spending is an additional allocation of R3.6 billion
of 2011) and the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 over the medium term for the Olifants‐Ebenezer water supply scheme, Deteriorating water ecosystems
of 2003). There are significant challenges in ensuring that the water the lower Umkhomazi bulk water scheme, and the bulk potable water South Africa’s aquatic ecosystems include seven of the world’s
and sanitation authority sets appropriate tariffs that cover costs, and remedial works programme in George local municipality. freshwater Eco regions, and are characterised by a wide range of
including operation and maintenance costs, and that promote water river, wetland and estuarine ecosystem types. Many of these aquatic
use efficiency. Legislation ecosystems make up the country’s ecological infrastructure – nature’s
In addition to the national water and sanitation policies and legislation, The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 enshrines the equivalent of built infrastructure that generates and delivers benefits in
water and sanitation authorites are responsible for developing by-laws basic human right to have access to sufficient water, as well as a safe the water value chain.
that, amongst others, enable regulation of water supply and sanitation and healthy environment. Government fulfils these rights through the Ecological infrastructure is currently an under-realised asset that
provision and use within its area of jurisdiction. The South African DWS, assisted by specific legislation, including the: can play a significant role in enhancing returns-on-investment in built
Bureau of Standards also sets several water quality standards for the • National Water Act of 1998, which ensures that South Africa’s water infrastructure (e.g. dams) , especially if its maintenance is explicitly
water sector, including drinking water standards and other relevant resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and incorporated into the planning and construction of built infrastructure.
guidelines. Over the period ahead, the department will continue to controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner, for the benefit of Many of the high value aquatic ecological infrastructure assets are

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poorly protected, and in some areas of the country are under severe water schemes are currently planned and developed, South Africa applications. This is essential in the effective implementation of the
pressure, from intensive agriculture, mining and urban sprawl that is approaching full utilisation of available surface water yields and is various projects particularly emerging farming enterprises in the
results in loss or degradation of ecosystems. Like built infrastructure, running out of suitable sites for developing large dams. agricultural sector. The aim of setting of waste discharge standards is
ecological infrastructure needs to be maintained, and in some cases The water re-use could guarantee availability of water supply to ensure that the aquatic ecosystem will not be compromised.
restored, in order for its socio-economic benefits to be realised. (particularly for non-potable water uses); substantially lower water bill; It also seeks to ensure that the quality will always comply with the
It is estimated that South Africa has lost over 50% of its wetlands, and supplement industry’s profitability by harvesting valuable resources requirements for basic human needs and other economic uses, bearing
of the remaining 3.2 million ha, a third are already in a poor condition contained in wastewater; and practice more environmentally sound in mind that at least some basic treatment process will be applied
limiting their ability to inter alia regulate water flow and purify water. water usage operations. Although the NWSMP indicates a planned before the water is used. It, therefore, supports the pricing strategy in
The loss and degradation of ecological infrastructure negatively affects reduction in the reliance of surface water, there will be a development differentiating between different types of water uses and water users as
system yield and increases water-related risks. of strategic water resources infrastructure projects – Lesotho Highlands it affects the charges for different uses and users. It is one mechanism
Degraded wetlands, for example, lose their ability to release water Water Project Phase 2, uMkhomazi Water Project, Mokolo Crocodile that the pricing strategy achieves equity.
in times of drought, or to recharge groundwater supplies. Degraded (West) Water Augmentation project and many more. Compliance, monitoring and enforcement is one of the priority focus
ecological infrastructure increases the vulnerability of people and built The recent water-related disasters have shown that water security areas identified in the second edition of the National Water Resources
infrastructure to floods and increases maintenance and repair costs is significantly impacted owing to the delays in implementing certain Strategy. It is essential to support water allocation and water allocation
on built infrastructure. It is often more cost effective to rehabilitate infrastructure projects as well as water demand management. Although reform to ensure that water is used according to authorisation
ecological infrastructure than to be faced with an ongoing need to many scholars suggest the diversification of the water mix as a way conditions, and by legally authorised water users.
repair or replace built infrastructure. to respond to water insecurity; this would not be sufficient to balance The National Water Act of 1998 provides for the establishment
supply and demand if water demand management is not implemented. and transformation of institutions to assist in giving effect to DWS’s
Programmes Climate change is projected to increase the variability of rainfall mandate. The enactment of the National Water Act of 1998 provided
Water resources management throughout the country, and to reduce average rainfall. However, the for the establishment of the institutional framework for water resource
The purpose of the programme is to ensure the protection, use, total water supply requirements in the country will increase due to management. To manage water resources at the catchment level,
development, conservation, management and control of water population and associated economic growth. the National Water Act of 1998 provides for the establishment of
resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all people and the There is a need to optimise the water mix which is currently strongly catchment management agencies that must ensure that all interested
environment. It provides for the development of a knowledge base for dominated by surface water, with some groundwater and return flows. and affected stakeholders, including poor communities that have been
proper planning and informed decision making. It also provides for the The delayed reaction of groundwater to climate change impacts and disadvantaged and marginalized, participate in the decisions of the
development of effective policies and procedures as well as oversight other stresses such as land-use change is one of the motivating factors agencies. It also provides for the transformation of existing irrigation
of all water resource management institutions. for its increased use. In the face of climate change, groundwater, boards into water user associations that include emerging farmers.
South Africa as a water scarce country is faced with the challenge of which will not experience the increased evaporation that will impact
protecting water resources (quantity and quality) and the need to utilise on surface water as temperatures increase, will become increasingly Water Services Management
water for social and economic development. Some of the country’s important. Artificial recharge of aquifers will be an important element of The programme addresses the water and sanitation services provision
water resources are overused (polluted, the available water is already water management. across water and sanitation value chain in support to water service
allocated and the surrounding environment is in a poor state). Other The National Water Act of 1998 requires the establishment of authorities. The integration of bulk and retail water services to improve
water resources are hardly used and the dependent environment is still national monitoring and information systems, for all aspects of water the coherence of the sector and to realise economies of scale and
in a natural state. However, South Africa has very few water resources resources. There is a well-established network of monitoring points efficient use of water. It also provides for the development of effective
that are still in a natural state and hence the requirement for different that provide for the collection of data and information to assess among policies, strategies, guidelines and procedures and plans as well as
levels of protection. other things water quantity and quality as well as water use. It further oversight and regulation of all water service management institutions.
The National Water Act of 1998 provides decision-making tools to includes information on the ecological properties of water resources, The Municipal Strategic Self-Assessment is an annual review on
achieve a balance between protecting and utilising water resources to both surface and groundwater. The development, maintenance and the effectiveness of water services management within water and
ensure that water is available for current and future human use. The refurbishment of gauging weirs seeks to improve the coverage of sanitation authorites. The authorities, which may be a district, local,
classification system and the determination of the resource quality rainfall and runoff gauging that has deteriorated and in some instances or metropolitan municipality undertake a structured self-evaluation of
objectives are two mechanisms that are used to balance protection and no longer functional. their current and expected future performance in providing water and
development. The classification system states the acceptable impacts Strong regulation is critical to achieve water security in South sanitation services.
on the water resource and the unacceptable impacts in order to protect Africa, in terms of water quality (in rivers and taps) . An incentive- The review is based on five “essence questions” for 18 “business
the resource. based regulation initiative pursuing excellence in wastewater service health attributes” related to service delivery in general and water
It also states the amount of water that can be used from the management was introduced to create a paradigm shift from minimum and sanitation services in particular. The Municipal Strategic Self-
water resource. The classes, therefore, allow for a grouping of water requirement compliance towards continued risk management. The Assessment reports for each water and sanitation authority provide an
resources of those that are in a very good state and those that are in Green Drop Report reviews the water and sanitation authorites insight particularly on the strengths and vulnerabilities in terms of water
a very poor state. The resource quality objectives are an indication of compliance with the requirements for wastewater service management and sanitation service delivery.
the required level of protection for each water resource. The objectives, One of the main mechanisms of ensuring access to sufficient water, Water conservation and water demand management targets will be
therefore, state the desired water quantity and quality, condition of the protection of the environment, and reallocation of water to advance set for all water use sectors (namely agriculture, industries, mining,
instream and riparian (river bank) habitat, as well as the condition of the the previously disadvantaged communities is to control water use. power generation, municipal and domestic water supply to reduce total
aquatic animal and plant life. Water use registration regulates the manner in which water can be the water requirements from existing inf astructure. In addition, through
The NWSMP indicates that by 2040, treated acid mine drainage used. Regulations indicate that process of water use applications is the existing grant mechanisms, water conservation and water demand
and desalinated seawater will make a significant contribution to South undertaken within a period of 300 days of submitting such application. “strategies would be implemented by supporting projects that will
Africa’s water mix, ground water usage will increase, and the over- However, the Framework Agreement for the Jobs Summit requires directly impact on bulk infrastructure requirements. Domestic rainwater
reliance on surface water will reduce. Although some large surface a review of the turnaround time for considering water use license harvesting should be encouraged as a way of improving household

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food security, income savings and improved reliability of water supply, Inkomati‐Usuthu Catchment Management Agency project, while revenue is expected to increase at an average annual
especially in rural areas. Although mostly only suitable as augmentation, The agency plays a major role in the use, protection and development rate of 27.3%, from R8.4 billion in 2021/22 to R17.4 billion in 2024/25,
it has been proven that, with good management, rainwater harvesting of water resources in the Inkomati‐Usuthu water management area. mainly due to funding for construction received from the Water Trading
can yield more economical water than formal municipal water supply. The agency’s water resource management functions include resource Entity.
An incentive based regulation initiative pursuing excellence in allocation, protection, use, conservation, monitoring, planning,
drinking water quality was introduced to create a paradigm shift from development and operation. Umgeni Water
minimum requirement compliance towards continued risk management. Over the medium term, the agency will continue focusing on Umgeni Water was established in terms of the Water Services Act of
The Blue Drop report reviews the water and sanitation authorites monitoring, planning and developing activities to manage water 1997 to provide water and sanitation services in its service area, which
compliance with the requirements for drinking water quality resources, and ensuring that all authorisations and recommendations comprises mostly rural areas in KwaZulu‐ Natal and the eThekwini
management. The review is based on five “essence questions” for 18 related to water quality are forwarded to the department. metropolitan area.
“business health attributes” related to service delivery in general and Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of The water board supplies water to approximately six million
water and sanitation services in particular. 11.8%, from R139.7 million in 2021/22 to R195.4 million in 2024/25. consumers. Its ongoing objective is to support socio-economic
The National Water Act of 1998 provides for the establishment and Transfers from the department account for an estimated 66.5% development through water infrastructure investment in its area of
transformation of institutions to assist in giving effect to the DWS’s (R373.4 million) of the agency’s revenue over the period ahead, with operation. Accordingly, over the medium term, the water board will
mandate. The enactment of the Water Services Act of 1997, provided the remainder generated through licence fees for water use. Revenue construct Phase 1 of the Greater Mpofana Regional Water Scheme, the
for the establishment of the institutional framework for water services. is expected to increase in line with expenditure. Impendle Bulk Water Supply Scheme, and Phase 3 of the Maphumulo
The NDP indicates that while local government will retain Bulk Water Supply Scheme, targeting largely indigent municipal areas.
responsibility for ensuring adequate service provision in its areas, Rand Water It also plans to implement the Umkhomazi‐Mgeni transfer scheme to
regional water utilities will provide services where municipalities have Rand Water is mandated to supply quality bulk potable water within provide bulk potable water in the area.
inadequate technical and financial capacities. its area of supply. The water board’s distribution network includes Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of
more than 3 056 kilometres (km) of large diameter pipelines, feeding 5.1%, from R4.3 billion in 2021/22 to R5 billion in 2024/25. Revenue is
Entities 58 strategically located service reservoirs, with customers including expected to increase at an average annual rate of 10.5%, from R5.2
Breede‐Gouritz Catchment Management Agency metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, and mines and billion in 2021/22 to R7 billion in 2024/25, mainly due to an expected
The agency plays an important role in protecting, using, developing, industries in and around Gauteng, supplying, on average, 3.7 million increase in bulk water sales.
conserving, managing and controlling water resources in a cooperative litres of water daily.
manner within the boundaries of the Breede‐Gouritz catchment area. To meet projected demand and sell 1.7 million megalitres of water The Water Trading Entity
Over the medium term, the agency plans to continue engaging with in 2024/25, the water board will invest in infrastructure refurbishment The Water Trading Entity’s primary role is to manage water infrastructure
users within its area of operation as part of its Public Participation projects while maintaining an average loss of non‐revenue water at and resources, and the sale of raw water. Over the medium term, the
programme, while monitoring and authorising their water usage. At a 4.6% over the medium term. Expenditure is expected to increase at entity will continue to focus on maintaining existing water resource
cost of R176 million over the MTEF period, the agency plans to finalise an average annual rate of 9.8%, from R14.4 billion in 2021/22 to R19 infrastructure and supplying bulk water to strategic users, such as large
85% of user registrations as part of its authorisation project. billion in 2024/25, driven mainly by water purification and pumping industrial companies, to stimulate and support economic development.
Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate costs. By 2024/25, the entity will merge with the Trans‐Caledon Tunnel
of 7.8%, from R75.1 million in 2021/22 to R94.2 million in 2024/25. Revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 10.8%, Authority to form the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency.
The agency’s main cost driver is compensation of employees, which from R17.8 billion in 2021/22 to R24.2 billion in 2024/25, mainly driven In supporting the long‐term sustainability of water resources, the entity
accounts for an estimated 64.1%(R168.9 million) of its total expenditure by projected tariff increases and increased sales. will implement 16 dam safety rehabilitation projects over the MTEF
over the period ahead. The agency derives all its revenue through period. Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate
transfers from the department. Revenue is expected to increase in line Trans‐Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) of 4.9%, from R15.6 billion in 2021/22 to R18 billion in 2024/25. An
with expenditure. The TCTA was established in 1986 as a specialised liability management additional R2.1 billion is allocated over period ahead to finalise the
entity. It is responsible for financing and implementing the development Olifants‐Doorn River water resources project.
Consolidated water boards of bulk raw water infrastructure and providing treasury management The entity expects to generate 82.8% (R50.8 billion) of its revenue
The water boards are primarily mandated to provide bulk industrial services to the DWS. through the sale of raw water. Total revenue is expected to be R60.8
and potable water services to municipalities and industries within their The authority plays an important role in providing financial advisory billion over the MTEF period.
areas of operation, as mandated by the Water Services Act of 1997. services, such as structuring and raising project finance, managing
The water boards vary in size, activities, customer mix, revenue base debt and setting tariffs; project implementation services; and other Water Research Commission
and capacity. Rand Water and Umgeni Water are the two largest water technical support to the department and water boards. The WRC’s mandate is to conduct research on water by determining
boards, whose combined bulk sales accounted for an estimated 81.5% By 2024/25, the authority will merge with the Water Trading Entity needs and priorities for research, stimulating and funding water
of total sales in 2021/22. to form the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency. Over the research, promoting the effective transfer of information and technology,
Consolidated expenditure is expected to increase at an average medium term, the authority will continue with the implementation of the and enhancing knowledge and capacity building in the water sector.
annual rate of 8.8%, from R24.6 billion in 2021/22 to R31.7 billion in Berg River‐Voëlvlei augmentation scheme, the Mzimvubu water project Over the medium term, the commission plans to bridge knowledge
2024/25. The water boards’ main cost drivers include the purchasing and phase 2 of Mokolo‐Crocodile water augmentation project. gaps in the sector by prioritising research informed by government
of raw water, pumping and chemicals, accounting for an estimated In support of water demand management in the Mgeni system, the policies, needs and international trends. Accordingly, the commission’s
76.4% (R68.5 billion) of total expenditure over the period ahead. Their authority plans to build an 81m2 dam and conveyance infrastructure. research will focus on the desalination of seawater, climate change
consolidated revenue is set to increase at an average annual rate of Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of modelling and water availability.
11.1%, from R29.1 billion in 2021/22 to R39.3 billion in 2024/25, as the 24.2%, from R7.9 billion in 2021/22 to R15.1 billion in 2024/25. The Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5%,
sale of bulk water is expected to increase from R26.9 billion in 2021/22 authority projects a surplus of R5.6 billion over the period ahead mainly from R337 million in 2021/22 to R390.7 million in 2024/25. Spending on
to R37.1 billion 2024/25. due to delays in the delivery tunnel for the Lesotho Highlands water

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Research and Development, and Innovation and Impact programmes until 2030. It provides a critical overview of the present state in the is to redress past imbalances in the manner in which water
account for an estimated 51% (R557.9 million) of the commission’s sector and the key challenges it is currently facing, together with a was allocated, ensuring that water contributes to the economy
total expenditure over the period ahead. consolidated plan of actions required to enable the achievement of and job creation.
Compensation of employees is the commission’s main cost driver, the set targets. The plan of actions will include a detailed schedule • Water is protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and
increasing at an average annual rate of 8.6%, from R113.6 million of consolidated and prioritised interventions, actions, investments, controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner.
in 2021/22 to R145.5 million in 2024/25. The commission expects projects and initiatives. For each action, the plan defines specific The NWRS2 also focuses on water conservation and the management
to derive 80.6% (R889 million) of its revenue over the MTEF period intermediate and final targets, the parties responsible for their of water demand as key priorities.
through the water research levy. Revenue is expected to increase in achievement, the deadlines for delivery and the estimated costs
line with expenditure. or other required resources. The achievements are monitored and Raw Water Pricing Strategy
evaluated annually and the plan is updated bi-annually to reflect the Since 1994, there have been continued efforts to reform and realign
Policies and strategies dynamics in the sector. the water value chain so that it can achieve government’s objectives.
• Mine Water Management Policy: the policy seeks to balance the These include ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation, the
mining sector’s economic development with the protection and National Water Policy sustainable use of water for social and economic benefit and ensuring
ensuring sustainable use of water resources in a manner that The National Water Policy is underpinned by three fundamental the sustainability of water resources and water services delivery.
is beneficial to all. It will provide a coherent and integrated South principles for managing water resources: equity, (environmental) As part of this process, the DWS is looking at pricing, financing and
African approach for sustainable mine water management by sustainability and efficiency. All water users who do not receive their economic regulation reforms in the water sector. This project reviews
building on existing strengths; addressing gaps and weaknesses water from a service provider, local authority, water board, irrigation the Raw Water Pricing Strategy, develops infrastructure funding models
and seizing identified opportunities relating to mine water board, government water scheme or other bulk supplier, and who use and recommends an appropriate model and institutional arrangements
management, including acid mine drainage. water for irrigation, mining purposes, industrial use, feedlots or in terms for an economic regulator for water.
• Sustainable Hydropower Generation Policy: the policy aims of general authorisation, have a statutory obligation to register. This It is generally agreed that pricing and economic regulations play
to support the long-term energy master plan that pursues includes the use of surface and groundwater. a key role in the provisioning of infrastructure by assuring necessary
hydropower as part of the energy mix. In addition, it will provide Other uses that must be registered are: investments to support socio-economic growth and ensuring that
policy positions on the establishment and development • diversion of rivers and streams; services are widely available and accessible and priced at levels that
of hydropower from infrastructure owned by the DWS as part of • discharge of waste or water containing waste; support current and future needs.
interventions that support and contribute towards sustainable • storage, which includes any person or body storing water for any The project will contribute to the following:
power supply in South Africa. purpose from surface run-off, groundwater or fountain flow in • the revision of the Raw Water Pricing Strategy to ensure equitable
• Integrated Water Quality Management Policy: the policy seeks excess of 10 000 cubic m³ or where the water area at full and appropriate raw water tariffs that will enable sustainable
to develop an intergovernmental water quality management supply level exceeds one ha in total on land owned or occupied operation and management of raw water infrastructure, and will
approach that will facilitate an integrated response to address by that person or body, and who is not in possession of a permit fund catchment management funding models for water resources
water quality management challenges in the country. The policy or permission; infrastructure; and
will also strengthen the existing integrated water quality • local authorities and other bulk suppliers with their own water • the establishment of an economic regulator for the entire water
management strategy that identified priority programmes sources and purification works; and value chain.
to be implemented country-wide. • controlled activities such as irrigating with waste, power generation The project is strategic in nature and will enable the DWS to have sound
• National Water and Sanitation Bill: this is a consolidation of the with water, atmospheric modification or recharging of aquifers. water-pricing policies, cost-reflective tariffs for the entire water value
National Water Act of 1998 and the Water Services Act of 1997 An assessment of the environmental requirements of the rivers and chain in South Africa and a good funding framework for infrastructure.
to a single legislation. It will clarify the legislative framework streams concerned is conducted before a licence can be issued.
regarding water management across the water and sanitation To promote sustainable and equitable water resource management, National Groundwater Strategy
value chain. It will further obviate the need for cross reading the DWS has developed and continues to update a range of strategies Groundwater is a strategic resource in many parts of South Africa,
between the two Acts. for water management. especially in rural areas. It also plays an important role in the supply of
• National Water Resource Strategy 3 (NWRS-3): the strategy water to small towns and villages in the drier parts of the country. There
provides a framework for the protection, use, development, National Water Resource Strategy 2 (NWRS2) is considerable potential for additional development of groundwater
conservation, management and control of water resources for The NWRS2 sets out the vision and strategic actions for effective water resources to augment existing resources.
the country as a whole. The National Water Act of 1998 management, including the security of water supply, environmental The need for improved groundwater management to ensure
requires the review of the NWRS at intervals of not more than degradation, and pollution of resources. sustainable and efficient use of the resource was recognised in the
five years and this is the third edition the strategy. The NWRS2 outlines key challenges, constraints and opportunities NWRS1 and led to the formulation of a National Groundwater Strategy
• Review of The Water Pricing Strategy: the strategy review seeks in water resource management and proposes new approaches that through which strategic actions were undertaken.
to improve the financial viability of government’s bulk raw water ensure a collective and adequate response for the benefit of all people
business to ensure that this scarce resource is valued by in South Africa. Reuse Strategy
all citizens. One of the major changes of the review is to replace The strategy also responds to the priorities set by government in the The DWS has developed a Water Reuse Strategy to encourage
the return on asset to future infrastructure-built charge over a NDP and the National Water Act of 1998 imperatives that support informed decisions relating to water reuse. Reuse could be increased
10-year rolling period. sustainable development. significantly with return flows in coastal cities, where it would otherwise
• National water and Sanitation Master Plan (NWSMP): the plan It is centred on these key objectives: drain into the sea. In coastal cities, water reuse and desalination
operationalises the NWRS and aims at mobilising commitments and • Water supports development and the elimination of poverty and compete as two options for water conservation. Reuse is becoming
efforts of all role players and stakeholders in the water and sanitation inequality. The strategy recognises that the manner in which increasingly acceptable and feasible owing to increasing shortages,
sector towards collectively achieving the desired future state of water was allocated in the past was unequal and favoured improved purification technology and decreasing treatment costs.
the sector, as defined by government’s vision, goals and targets certain sections of the population. The intention, therefore,

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Membrane technologies, also used for desalination of seawater, have option (due to prevailing economic conditions) and advance the short timeframe. Rainwater Harvesting gives people who live in areas
become more affordable and have improved. The reuse of treated conventional options. This entails one site at Oxbow on Malibamatšo where reticulation has not as yet been implemented access to water.
wastewater would be managed to ensure public health safety. River and two sites on the Senqu River. The programme targets rural communities through the installation of
The topography of the region allows for the possibility of developing tanks and awareness campaigns.
Infrastructure upgrades and bilateral agreements hydro-power generation in Lesotho in conjunction with the provision of A resource guideline has been developed to assist municipalities
The DWS has made good progress with the preparatory work of the water supplies to South Africa. For South Africa, construction of this that are providing Rainwater Harvesting systems to communities as
Lesotho Highlands Water Project, with Phase 2 underway. The project dam and related infrastructure will guarantee the desired level of water an interim service or to reduce demand on their water supply systems
comprises the construction of Polihali Dam, which will provide an availability in Gauteng and the Vaal River system in the most cost- with best practices. In some areas Rainwater Harvesting systems are
additional 465 million m3 of water per year, bringing the total to about 1 effective manner. provided as drought relief but the DWS is using the programme to
245 million m3 of water per year into the Integrated Vaal River System In parallel with water conservation measures in the Vaal River, it will advise municipalities to plan for alternative water sources or water mix,
from Lesotho. also influence the improvement of water quality amongst many benefits. since municipalities seem to rely on surface water for water services
South Africa currently receives approximately 780 million m3 of Phase 2 water delivery and hydropower generation are expected to be and a lot of water schemes are failing because of dependency on a
water per year from Lesotho into its Integrated Vaal River System which commissioned at the same time – early 2026, and the project close out single source.
supplies water to Gauteng and the surrounding areas. The Integrated is forecast for December 2028. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Vaal River System needs to be urgently augmented in order for it to has two main goals: Desalination Strategy
cope with the increasing water requirements. to contribute to South Africa’s economic development by providing The DWS has developed a supporting desalination strategy, which
Phase 1 of the Mokolo and Crocodile River West Water Augmentation South Africa with a supply of low-cost, high-quality water to meet also includes desalination as a technology for treating water other than
Project, which will transfer water through a 46-km pipeline and pump the household and industrial water needs of Gauteng, the industrial seawater for water reuse. Desalination of seawater could potentially
station from the Mokolo Dam to the Lephalale area, is complete. heartland of South Africa; and provide an unlimited resource of fresh water. However, the rising cost
A second pipeline will be constructed as Phase 2A of the project to to contribute to Lesotho’s economic development by using the water of energy may be a deterrent.
transfer water from the Crocodile River (west) to the Lephalale area. transfer system to increase the country’s capacity for generation of As with other infrastructure projects with potential environmental
The raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall will incorporate a Piano electricity that will meet its requirements and earn it revenue in the form impacts, the planning for a desalination plant will have to undergo
Key Weir, which is cutting-edge technology in dam-building. The of royalties on the water transferred to South Africa. an environmental impact assessment in compliance with the NEMA
additional water that will become available from this project is aimed Each country has the opportunity to undertake ancillary developments of 1998. The DWS will ensure that desalination is considered as an
at ensuring the supply of water and supporting the development of within its borders. These developments include the provision of water option for meeting future water requirements, in particular in coastal
human settlements, King Shaka Airport and the Dube TradePort. The for irrigation, potable water supply, the development of tourism, fisheries cities where there is sufficient electricity for desalination.
construction of the dam wall is completed and the capacity of dam can and other projects for economic and social development. The target is not only to implement desalination in several locations
be increased to 120% on impoundment of the previous dam level which in South Africa, but also to become an international knowledge centre
shall be beneficial to water users. Rainwater harvesting in this particular field.
The DWS is proceeding with the planning of the Mzimvubu Water The National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy is an adaptation to
Project, which entails the development of a multipurpose dam (the climate change. Climate change poses significant social, economic Resources
Ntabelanga) to supply new irrigation development, and the Laleni Dam and environmental risks, especially in developing countries. This South Africa’s water resources are, in global terms, scarce and
for hydropower generation. It has initiated the raising of the Tzaneen then necessitates the implementation of high impact climate change extremely limited. The precipitation per year for Africa is 22 300 km3, of
Dam and construction of the new N’wamitwa Dam for the Groot Letaba response measures that will realise considerable mitigation, adaptation which the evaporation rate is 80% and the runoff rate is 20%. Southern
River Water Development Project in Limpopo. and broader socio-economic benefits. Africa only has 12.25% of the total water in Africa, making it a highly
The first phase of the multi-phase Lesotho Highlands Water Project It is in this context that the DWS, in partnership with the Department arid region.
entailed the construction of Katse Dam, Mohale Dam, Matsoku of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), is developing Rainfall is, however, relatively higher in the northern and eastern
Diversion Tunnel and the Muela hydropower station. Lesotho benefits the National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy to provide a roadmap parts of southern Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
from a sustainable, independent energy supply that will meet the for enhanced planning, development and scaled-up implementation Zambia and Mozambique) with the drier parts of the region including
country’s electricity requirements and royalty revenue from the project, of Rainwater Harvesting as a key component of South Africa’s water Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
while South Africa benefits from the security of supply of high quality resources and efforts to enhance climate resilience. South Africa has a mean annual rainfall of approximately 500 mm,
water that is transferred into the Vaal River system for domestic and The strategy will provide guidance for the implementation of a compared to the world’s average of 860 mm. It is characterised by low,
industrial use in Gauteng. series of action programmes towards the mainstreaming of Rainwater variably distributed rainfall as well as high evaporation rates, resulting
As per the provisions of the Phase 2 agreement between Harvesting in South Africa. This National Rainwater Harvesting in the uneven distribution of run-off across the country.
governments of Lesotho and South Africa, the implementation of Strategy will also help serve as the guiding tool for district and local The country experiences severe and prolonged hydrological
the Kobong Pump Storage Scheme or any other hydro scheme was municipalities to effectively and economically put Rainwater Harvesting droughts, which may last as long as 10 years at a time. The quality
subject to the outcome of a joint feasibility study. The technical and into practice. of water in South Africa is also negatively impacted by dissolved salts
the economic feasibility studies for the Kobong Pump Storage Scheme The DWS also supports a national Rainwater Harvesting programme, from host rocks in certain areas such as Namaqualand in the Northern
were completed in 2013. However, the outcome was that further which has a narrow but important focus on the construction of above Cape.
studies should be undertaken. These included, a market study, an and below-ground rainwater storage tanks by rural households for food The surface water potential of the major drainage systems in South
integration study, geotechnical investigations and legal and commercial gardens and other productive water uses. Africa are dominated by the Orange and the Limpopo river basins, which
arrangements. Several municipalities now use roof rainwater tanks for domestic are shared with neighbouring countries. Over 60% of the country’s river
Lesotho secured funding from the World Bank to undertake the purposes. These have been found to be particularly effective when flow comes from 20% of the land area.To overcome the uneven spread
above studies, including convectional hydropower options. The further used in conjunction with other water supply options. Though there are of water resources and to manage floods and drought, more than two
feasibility studies have looked at pumped storage and conventional no hard figures yet on how many cubic millimetres per year Rainwater thirds of the country’s mean annual rainfall is currently stored in dams.
hydropower options. The decision was taken to defer the pump storage Harvesting can contribute, it is an option that can be implemented in a The country’s water security is mainly reliant on fresh surface water,

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with groundwater and return flows underused. However, the freshwater Groundwater also contributes considerably to river flow. This requires Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs)
available for use is currently at its limit, and alternative sources, such reserving a significant share of groundwater resources to protect SIP 18, which was approved by the Presidential Infrastructure
as groundwater need to be further exploited. aquatic ecosystems in terms of the National Water Act of 1998. The Coordinating Commission (PICC), aims to address water supply and
In addition, the country shares four major rivers with six neighbouring maximum quantity of groundwater that can be developed economically sanitation backlogs to millions of households.
states, namely Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho is about 6 000 million m3 a year, while some 4 000 million m3 of The PICC’s 18 SIPs are divided into geographic, energy, spatial and
and Namibia. Therefore, international agreements on water sharing are groundwater (mainly in the dry season) contributes to surface water social infrastructure development projects. These projects – headed
in place on all of these river basins. flow annually. by different departments – cover more than 150 specific infrastructure
There is well-developed infrastructure, with more than 4 395 Southern Africa also has large hidden underground water reserves, interventions in rail, road and ports, dams, irrigation systems, sanitation
registered dams in South Africa, including 350 dams belonging to the with 12 to 15 aquifer systems, of which three are considered very and electricity.
DWS, and a number of large-scale, inter-basin water transfer schemes. important for the future. In South Africa, a substantial resource lies in This 10-year plan will address the estimated backlog of adequate
Water services infrastructure covers more than 35 000 km of bulk a massive dolomite aquifer system that covers a vast area, extending water to 1.4 million households and that of basic sanitation to 2.1
pipelines and 200 000 km of reticulation systems that are managed by from Springs and Brakpan, east of Johannesburg, to Lenasia, south of million households. SIP 18 is expected to fast-track the issuing of water
152 water service authorities and providers. the city; Zuurbekom, Carltonville and Magaliesberg on the West Rand; licences, expand the capacity of the water system, speed up build
However, this existing infrastructure needs maintenance and the Kuruman in the Northern Cape, and even as far as parts of Botswana. programmes, address backlog projects and rehabilitate and upgrade
country is already experiencing challenges with lack of focus on The Witwatersrand mining basin’s aquifer storage capacity is about the existing water and sanitation infrastructure.
sustainable asset management. The schemes also require efficient size of Lake Kariba. The project, which focuses on priority small towns and rural areas
and effective operations, for which specialised skills and capabilities at where water service delivery is a problem, is also expected to create
all levels are needed. Managing and developing water resources jobs, raise the quality of service delivery of water around the country
Major challenges are experienced regarding the capabilities of To facilitate the management of water resources, the country has and extend water supply to areas that are either underserviced or
water services authorities to effectively manage the schemes on a been divided into 19 catchment-based water management areas, of unserviced.
sustainable basis. This issue needs to be dealt with decisively through which 11 share international rivers. Sufficient water resources have The DWS identified several projects that will be used to drive SIP 18,
a review of the mandates and policies in relation to the management of been developed and are available to ensure that all requirements for including the Sedibeng Regional Sewer Scheme – a R5-billion project
water infrastructure, and available capacity. water can reasonably be met, without impairing the socio-economic to be implemented in the area. Rand Water’s BG3 pipeline, which is
Work is also required in terms of rolling-out the establishment development of the country. sub-Saharan Africa’s largest water pipeline, running from the Vaal Dam
of appropriate institutions, such as regional water utilities, as the Where feasible, special management techniques may be applied to to its Zoekfontein Plant, 8.6 km away, will increase water distribution in
development of tourism, fisheries and other projects for economic and improve water quality to appropriate standards for particular uses. The this district and surrounding areas.
social development. quality of groundwater varies according to hydrogeological conditions The BG3 pipeline runs adjacent to Rand Water’s existing BG1
and anthropogenic impact. However, most major aquifer systems and BG2 pipelines that supply water to Gauteng and parts of the
Groundwater resources contain potable water. neighbouring Free State, Mpumalanga and North West.
An estimated 80 000 to 100 000 boreholes are being drilled annually. To underscore its commitment to the pursuit of universal access to The Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project was designed to
The National Groundwater Archive is a web-enabled database system water, the DWS is investing in new infrastructure and maintaining and resolve the water supply problems to Eskom’s Duvha and Matla power
that allows capturing, viewing, modifying and extraction (dissemination) rehabilitating dysfunctional systems to ensure operational efficiency. stations in Mpumalanga.
of groundwater-related data. This is particularly relevant to developing water infrastructure to meet The Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project supplements
The DWS has a legal obligation to ensure that water resources the specific needs of different rural communities. Closely related to rural the Komati Water Scheme from the Vaal Eastern Subsystem to help
(including groundwater) are protected, used, developed, conserved, development is the need for mainstream support to local government Eskom overcome its water supply challenges. The interaction of the
managed and controlled in a sustainable and equitable manner. The to sustain the infrastructure underpinning efficient service delivery to water resources of the Komati, Usutu and Vaal River systems provides
National Water Act of 1998 requires the establishment of national communities. a higher assurance of water supply to all Eskom’s thermal power
monitoring and information systems as the availability of information stations and other water users in Mpumalanga. The Komati Water
about water resources is regarded as critical to the main purpose of Managing water quality and wastewater Scheme Augmentation Project will deliver an additional 57 million m3
the Act. To ensure compliance with minimum water quality norms and standards, of water a year to the Komati Water Scheme.
The need for groundwater data and information continues to increase the DWS started the annual Blue Drop and Green Drop assessments to
to assist in planning to provide water to people, monitoring, drought guarantee that water and wastewater systems are managed according Water Allocation Reform Programme
relief and climate change. to set norms and standards. The department has set a target of 99% The Water Allocation Reform Programme’s objectives are to ensure
Groundwater, despite its relatively small contribution to bulk water compliance with drinking water quality standards, and 80% compliance equitable access to water, eradicate poverty and promote social
supply, represents an important and strategic water resource in South with wastewater effluent standards. and economic development. The programme’s priorities are to meet
Africa – it services between 52% and 82% of community water-supply This incentive-based regulation system aims to improve the quality the water needs of historically disadvantaged people, ensure their
schemes in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West of municipal drinking water and management of wastewater. Because participation in water resources management and promote the
and KwaZulu-Natal. of the scale and magnitude of resources needed for the National beneficial and efficient use of water in the public interest.
The lack of perennial streams in the semi-desert to desert parts Certification Programme, the Green Drop and Blue Drop programmes Licences are required for storage and use of water, among other
means that two thirds of South Africa’s surface area depend largely on take place every second year, alternating with each other. things. To facilitate the availability of water for historically disadvantaged
groundwater. Although irrigation is the largest user, the supply to more In a programme’s “gap” year, progress in the wastewater sector is people, attention is also given to the allocation of water following
than 300 towns and smaller settlements is very important. tracked and reported via the assessment of the cumulative risk status principles of equity and sustainability.
Through government’s commitment towards meeting the basic water of treatment systems.
needs of communities, groundwater has become a strategic resource
for village water supply in the wetter parts of the country, because of
its cost-effectiveness in a widely scattered, small-scale user situation.

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Women in Water • integrating groundwater and surface water use in the future; rainwater quality. The importance of qualitative information on South
The Women in Water Project aims to strengthen the active participation • desalination at a large scale; Africa’s water resources has led to an increased drive towards creating
of rural women in water resource management. Women identify water- • investing in innovative water-saving solutions, such as the a national water-quality monitoring network.
related challenges in their communities and conceptualise ideas to Drop-the-Block Campaign; The formal protection, restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands
address them. They are registered for Women in Water awards. The • incorporating all municipal and privately-owned dams into the is strengthened through improved land-use planning, land and
national winners receive cash prizes which are used for further project management system or the future; development management policies, as well as operational and
development and implementation. • implementing further transfer schemes to improve drought regulatory means at national, provincial and local level.
resilience; Adopting of ecosystem-based approaches and implementing the
• building additional storage capacity; and open-space planning and management programmes adds impetus to
Learning Academy • rolling out large-scale reuse of water (recycling of effluent, focus the protection of these systems and associated services, especially
There is a shortage of skills in the water and sanitation sector. The
on coastal towns where treated effluent is disposed of via at local government level. It requires integrated approaches and the
DWS, through its Learning Academy External Bursary Scheme,
sea outfalls and not taken into account in return flows). involvement of multiple sectors, particularly those dealing with human
provides bursaries yearly to aid in closing this gap. Applications are
settlements, development and planning.
open to people who would like to pursue careers that are in line with the
department’s core business. Enhanced local government support approach The DWS is also designing programmes to assess and report on
A rapid response unit in the DWS addresses poor performance of water the radiological (radioactivity) and toxicological quality status of the
The department scheme boasts an all-inclusive package recognised
and wastewater systems, which has resulted in community protests in country’s water resources.
in South Africa as being highly competitive. The DWS External Bursary
Scheme aims to attract exceptional young and innovative talent to the some cases.
department. The unit deals with proactive and reactive non-compliance cases of National Chemical Monitoring Programme
Students pursuing the following fields of study are eligible to apply: municipal service delivery. The unit’s specialists enable the department The programme assesses and reports on the chemical status of
analytic chemistry, aquatic sciences, biochemistry, biological sciences, to intervene directly in high-risk operational situations, where the lives water resources in South Africa. The main water-quality challenges
water and sanitation, geographical information systems, civil/electrical/ of citizens and the environment are under threat because of water and for domestic water users are high levels of dissolved salts and, in
mechanical engineering, water resource management, environmental wastewater treatment failures. some places, high fluoride concentration. The other challenges facing
law/ management/science, water utilisation, cartography, geo- irrigated agriculture are the high sodium-absorption ratio, high electrical
chemistry, geo-hydrology, geology, hydrology, limnology, microbiology, Freshwater Programme conductivity, high pH and high levels of chloride.
surveying and water care. Recognising the value and threatened status of South Africa’s freshwater Another global challenge affecting South Africa is eutrophication or
The purpose of the learning academy is to: biodiversity, and the need to build competence and leadership in this excessive plant (including algae) growth in dams. This is because of
• investigate technical and scarce skills development needs within area, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has high levels of nutrient input from point sources of pollution and diffuse
the department; established a programme focusing on freshwater biodiversity. sources of pollution from catchments.
• address technical and scarce skills gaps in the overall water The programme aims to grow and consolidate freshwater activities Annual reports indicate that 50% of dams in South Africa are seriously
supply value chain; within SANBI. The Freshwater Programme focuses on supporting affected (hypertrophic), while the rest range in quality from good
• address scarce skills gaps in specific technical areas of the collaborative freshwater initiatives. These include Working for Wetlands, (oligotrophic) to poor (mesotrophic). Another problem is the sporadic
department; the National Wetland Inventory, National Freshwater Ecosystems outbreak of cholera and other water-borne diseases, mainly because
• plan and build capacity for medium- and long-term needs of the Priority Areas Project, a wetlands mitigation banking scheme with the of poor sanitation and hygiene at household level. The Eastern Cape
department and the water and sanitation sector; Grasslands Programme and coal-mining industry, and water-related and KwaZulu-Natal are prone to cholera outbreaks.
• develop and implement structured training for engineering and payments for ecosystem services pilot projects.
scientific graduate trainees; Key to the programme’s operation will be the further development of Integrated Water Quality Management Strategy
• develop and propose interventions (regarding mentoring, skills, strategic relationships with other organisations with shared objectives. The pollution of South Africa’s water resources, both surface and
knowledge transfer and professional registration processes) with It includes managing the Working for Wetlands Programme on behalf underground water, not only adversely affects human and environmental
the Engineering Council of South Africa, the South African Council of the departments of Water and Sanitation, Forestry, Fisheries and the health but has severe consequences for the economy and social well-
for Natural and Scientific Professions and the Surveying Council Environment, and Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. being. In response to the country’s need to take an improved integrated
of South Africa in line with the Occupations Specific Dispensation. Working for Wetlands champions the protection, rehabilitation approach to Water Quality Management, the DWS recently developed
and sustainable use of South Africa’s wetlands through cooperative the Integrated Water Quality Management Strategy.
Management of water conservation and demand governance and partnerships. This strategy sets forth a number of objectives, each supported
Although South Africa has been classified as a water-scarce country, by key actions, which collectively aim to ensure that government, in
water from the source to the consumer is often lost as a result of Monitoring programmes partnership with private sector and civil society, secures water that
inappropriate and inadequate asset management. River flow is monitored at 1 200 flow-gauging stations and some 260 is fit for use for all. These actions range from the need to strengthen
Lack of education on the part of the consumer also leads to inefficiency major reservoirs. The evaporation and rainfall station network has 360 institutions, to the need to improve monitoring and information
in the day-to-day use of water. The loss of water depletes the country’s stations. management, and to strengthen regulation of activities that degrade
resources and reduces revenue to water services authorities. The oldest flow-gauging station still operating in South Africa is water quality.
Water leaks account for nearly 36% of the nation’s unaccounted for on the Mooi River near Potchefstroom in North West.There are 21
water and costs the country about R7 billion annually. The DWS is also operational rainfall stations in the mountains of the Western Cape and Managing water resources under a changing climate
putting in place medium to long-term interventions that are intended to five in the Mpumalanga escarpment. Observations are relayed through With climate change, water resources that are already under pressure
reduce the risks for water scarcity in the future. a cellular short message system. due to increasing water demand will be under even greater stress in
These include: Water levels are monitored at some 1 000 observation boreholes the future. Already, physical evidence suggests that there are changes
• rainwater Harvesting (drinking water, water for livestock, water for across South Africa. Particular attention is given to monitoring in in historical rain patterns and intensities, as observed in the increasing
irrigation); dolomitic areas. In addition, a small network of rain gauges monitors temperature and drought trends.

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Water distribution in South Africa is spatially skewed, with decreasing biological attributes of a river that serve as indicators of its ecological National Toxicity Monitoring Programme
rainfall and increasing evaporation from east to west. Even though health. The NAEHMP’s main objectives are to: The National Toxicity Monitoring Programme reports on the status of
rainfall trends cannot be clearly defined, it can be said with high • generate a national perspective of the health of aquatic ecosystems dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and other persistent organic
confidence that potential impacts of climate change in South Africa on in South Africa; pollutants. This information is reported internationally to the Stockholm
water availability will be negative. Just with increasing temperatures • develop the capacity and information base required to enable the Convention through the DFFE. The National Toxicity Monitoring
alone, without considering other climatic and non-climatic factors, DWS, and other role players, to report on the status of and trends in Programme was designed to assess the status of water resources
evaporation rates will increase and that will affect water availability. the ecological health of South Africa’s river systems, in an objective through measuring the concentration of a selection of priority pollutants
Climate change impacts on the water sector will thus, amplify the and scientifically sound manner; and at a number of hot spots, and also assessing the toxicity of the water to
current existing conditions. • generate information products and audit-management strategies that some aquatic organisms through direct measurement of effect.
The DWS has made good progress in trying to understand the could assist in distinguishing between aquatic ecosystems exposed The priority pollutant selection is aligned to the extent possible
impacts of climate change on the different water management areas to sustainable use, and those experiencing ecological deterioration. with South Africa’s responsibility for reporting under the Stockholm
through conducting Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Studies, and The NAEHMP comprises three separate monitoring programmes, Convention. The geographic distribution of monitoring points is still
accordingly suggesting adaptation strategies as appropriate. namely: largely determined by fiscal and operational constraints. It currently
These studies reveal that catchments in the eastern side of the • The River Eco-status Monitoring Programme (REMP): This is the focuses on the upper reaches of the Crocodile (West)-Marico
country, for example, the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma water management oldest component of the NAEHMP. It focuses on the monitoring of and Olifants River catchments. The combination of chemical and
area, rainfall has shown an increasing trend, and the area is also ecological conditions of river ecosystems as it is reflected by the biotic assessment in conjunction with the other national monitoring
projected to experience increasing rain days both in the intermediate system drivers and biological responses. The basis of the REMP is programmes also supports strategic and operational decision making
and distant futures. This, however, comes with other challenges such the establishment of a reference condition derived from best available by identifying areas of impairment of fitness for use.
as severe erosion and siltation. information. Present conditions (ecological category) for the different The first five years of monitoring indicated that the persistent priority
Evaporation rates, in most cases, have been shown to exceed indicators are determined as a change from reference. The REMP pollutant concentrations were generally low but that mild seasonal
precipitation, becoming relatively higher in areas where it rains less, is built upon the use of particular models incorporating existing toxicity occurs, possibly in conjunction with agricultural activity. It also
for example, in the Lower Vaal and Lower Orange catchments. What approved Eco-status models. The assessment can be done on a sub- tends to confirm that the major human exposure route of DDT (used
needs to be considered even further is not only the direct impacts of quaternary or site level and includes the use of the Index of Habitat in malaria vector control) is unlikely to be through the water. Future
climate change on the water sector, but secondary impacts on other Integrity, Fish Response Assessment Index, Macroinvertebrate development includes extending analyses to riverine sediments.
water dependent sectors, such as agriculture, mining and energy. As Response Assessment Index, Vegetation Response Assessment
such, any adverse impacts of climate change, may negatively affect Index and Integrated Eco-status. Monitoring is conducted on a
progress towards development in a number of economic sectors in the quarterly basis and technical reports produced annually. Currently
Education and awareness
country. a number of provinces are only partially implementing the REMP, Youth development and National Water Week
focussing mostly on the macroinvertebrates and habitat components The subdirectorate Youth Development, within the DWS, is responsible
for the coordination of youth development programmes within the
National Water and Sanitation Master Plan but the programme is fully implemented in the Inkomati-Usuthu as
department, and the water and sanitation sector. Activities conducted
The development of the NWSMP aims at mobilising the commitment well as the Breede-Gouritz, Berg-Olifants and Pongola- Mtamvuna
water management areas. Information obtained through the REMP by the unit are guided by the Youth Accord and National Youth Policy
and efforts of all role players and stakeholders in the water and
is also used in monitoring the biological and habitat components of Vision 2020, which concentrate on the integrated approach towards
sanitation sector towards collectively achieving the desired future state
the Resource Quality Objectives. job creation, skills development and entrepreneurship. A youth
of the sector, as defined by government’s vision, goals and targets until
• The National Estuaries Monitoring Programme (NEsMP): The development strategy has been developed as a guiding document
2030 (NDP, Sustainable Development Goals, MTSFs and other key
purpose of this programme is the monitoring of water quality, towards meeting the commitments made in the African Ministers
drivers).
physic-chemical and biological aspects for determining long-term Council on Water Youth Development Strategy.
It will provide a critical overview of the present state in the sector and
trends and changes in the condition of South African estuaries. The National Water Week is an awareness campaign by the DWS. It
the key challenges it is currently facing, together with a consolidated
NEsMP coordinates national monitoring efforts and provides support serves as a powerful campaign mechanism reiterating the value of
plan of actions required to enable the achievement of the set targets
in the form of sampling equipment, training, data management and water, the need for sustainable management of this scarce resource
The plan of actions includes a detailed schedule of consolidated and
information dissemination, while collaborating institutions collect and the role water plays in eradicating poverty and underdevelopment
prioritised interventions, actions, investments, projects and initiatives.
physic-chemical data and water samples. in South Africa.
For each action, the plan defines specific intermediate and final targets,
• The National Wetland Monitoring Programme: The programme’s The campaign seeks to continue building on ongoing awareness
the parties responsible for their achievement, the deadlines for delivery
design is based on minimising duplication of effort, while maximising creation within the broader South African community. This awareness
and the estimated costs or other required resources.
the value of outputs of wetland assessment and monitoring, finding creation is coupled with the responsibility that every citizen must take in
The achievements will be monitored and evaluated annually by a
suitable methods for prioritising wetlands to be assessed and ensuring the integrity of South Africa’s water resources and its efficient
dedicated project management unit managed by the DWS. The master
monitored, adaptive management and maximum engagement and use. The National Water Week campaign for 2021 took place from 15
plan will be updated bi-annually to reflect the dynamics in the sector.
participation by stakeholders. It has not been implemented yet, to 22 March.
It will act as the implementation tool for the Water and Sanitation
but aims to assess and monitor the extent of wetlands, the threats The event focused on educating the public about their responsibility
Resources and Services Strategy, and the two documents will be
to, and the change in, the present ecological state and ecosystem in water conservation initiatives, raising awareness around the need to
aligned.
services provided by wetlands in South Africa. It is a state-of-wetland protect and conserve the country’s water resources. World Water Day
reporting programme, designed to demonstrate trends in the state was celebrated on 22 March 2021.
National Aquatic Ecosystem Health Monitoring Programme (NAEHMP) The day raises awareness of the global water crisis and focuses on
The NAEHMP is a national programme managed by Resource Quality or integrity (biological, physical and chemical components of its
ecosystem and their interactions) of wetlands over time. the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water
Services with support from the WRC, the Council for Scientific and and Sanitation for all by 2030. The DWS launched the #SaveWater
Industrial Research and various regional and provincial authorities. campaign to remind all South Africans that every drop counts.
It is responsible for managing aquatic ecosystems. It focuses on the Despite good rainfall, South Africa remains a water-scarce country

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and, as such, is susceptible to sustained droughts exacerbated by

climate change.

Regional and international cooperation and initiatives

In line with the DWS’s regional and international responsibilities in the
water sector, the department entered into collaborative relationships
with countries, such as:
• Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, the DRC and Eswatini
in the region.
• Mozambique and Eswatini on the Inkomati and Maputo rivers.
• Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia on the establishment of the
Orange Senqu River Commission.
• Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique on the establishment of
the Limpopo Watercourse Commission.
• Lesotho on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
• Eswatini on the Komati River Development Project.
• These agreements improve South Africa’s bilateral and multilateral
relations in the African Union. All the countries involved benefit,
while sharing development costs. South Africa shares four of its
major river systems with six immediate neighbouring countries,
namely Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and
Zimbabwe.
In the area of shared river basins, South Africa continued participating in
joint water commissions to form part of Africa bilaterals with Botswana
on Joint Permanent Cooperation, and with Mozambique regarding the
breach of the Usuthu River, where a feasibility study was completed.
South Africa also has global relations with countries such as Iran,
China, Denmark, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Australia, Germany,
the Netherlands and Japan.

Acid Mine Drainage

The DWS launched the Eastern Acid Mine Drainage Treatment
Plant, which ensures that the rising water levels in the abandoned
Grootvlei mine do not contaminate groundwater. The Eastern Basin
Plant in Springs is one of the largest of its kind in the world, treating
approximately 110 ML per day.
The plant is among the three main basins in the Witwatersrand
Goldfields. These include the Western Basin in the Krugersdorp area,
Central Basin in the Germiston area and the Eastern Basin in the
Springs area. Both western and central basins have been launched
and are running smoothly.
The first long-term solution to acid mine drainage was launched at
the Central Basin Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Plant in Germiston
in 2016. This was the commencement of several integrated projects
aimed at providing a long-term solution to acid mine drainage as well
as a water-secure future for the economic hub of Gauteng.
The Eastern Basin Plant in Springs is one of the largest of its kind in
the world, treating approximately 110 ML per day. The Eastern Basin
Plant is located in one of the three main basins in the Witwatersrand
Goldfields. These include the Western Basin in the Krugersdorp area,
Central Basin in the Germiston area and the Eastern Basin in the
Springs to Nigel areas. Both the Western and Central Basins were
commissioned previously and are running smoothly.

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