The Cost of Water Pollution in South Africa

South Africa is classified as a water-stressed country due to its arid to semi-arid climate and below-average annual rainfall of 465mm. Its freshwater resources are under immense pressure with water stress worsening annually, posing a threat to social, environmental, and economic spheres if action is not taken.

The water problems in the country are diverse, including unsustainable water demands and withdrawals, continued and worsening water pollution, increased flooding and prolonged droughts caused by increased climate variability, collapsing aged water infrastructure, unacceptably high physical water losses, and dilapidated wastewater treatment works.

Despite good rains for the past three summers, the country’s water woes still persist. Municipal non-revenue water or water that is lost before it reaches the consumer is at an unacceptable level of 41% or higher; the global best practice is 15%. The load-shedding has also been blamed for damaging water infrastructure, causing unreliable water supply, and sewage spills. The increasing water pollution will decrease the available water supply and lead to possible water shortages due to water becoming unfit for use.

An estimated R90 billion a year of investment is required in the water and sanitation infrastructure sector over the next decade to address the country’s major water pollution problems to ensure reliable water supply and wastewater treatment compliance.