As South Africa faces its high-demand summer season, the Water Research Commission highlights that the country's water issues stem not only from drought and old infrastructure but also from behaviour and the need for timely action.
The commission says municipalities are scrambling to address leaks, illegal connections, and deteriorating infrastructure, while hot weather and outdoor living are driving water consumption higher.
It is reported that currently, over 37% of treated water is lost daily due to leaks, theft, and waste, with average household consumption at 233 litres per person per day, well above the global average of 173 litres.
It is also explained that if these trends continue, water demand could exceed supply by 17% by 2030.
To address this urgent challenge, the WRC has launched “A WaterWise Nation”, a national campaign aimed at changing South Africans’ water habits, mindsets, and values. The initiative encourages citizens to “Act Today, Sustain Tomorrow.”
“We’re not just running out of water,” says WRC CEO Dr Jennifer Molwantwa.
“We’re running out of time to change how we use it. Every litre we waste this summer is a litre our children may not have tomorrow.”
As part of the campaign, the WRC has introduced a new podcast series, ‘Water is Everyone’s Business’, sharing stories from experts driving water innovation across the country.
“Stories shape habits. We must flood the public mind not only with urgency but also with hope. Our water challenge is not only infrastructural; it’s behavioural. Every time someone irrigates in the afternoon or leaves a tap running, we lose more than litres; we lose lifelines.”
With industry using nearly 30% of South Africa’s water and agriculture consuming over 60%, the WRC emphasises the role of these sectors in building a water-secure future.
“Smart water use is smart business,” says Molwantwa. “Water-saving innovation isn’t a cost; it’s a competitive edge.”
Solutions already in place include data-driven irrigation systems, industrial rinse-water recycling, and circular-water models that reduce waste and increase resilience. She also urges all citizens to treat water like electricity:
“Time your showers. Know your meter. These aren’t symbolic gestures; they’re survival strategies.”
This summer, the WRC calls on households, farmers, businesses, and municipalities to make consistent, small decisions that support a resilient water future:
“Close a tap. Fix a leak. Educate a learner. Innovate at work,” Molwantwa says.
“If we all act now, we can build a water-secure, climate-resilient nation together. This is not just about water. It’s about legacy. It’s about survival. It’s about the future we choose for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.”
Saturday Star