Helen Suzman Foundation

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018)

Reduced water infrastructure backlog by 27.57% (based on population) between 1994 and 2019.

Improved access to water infrastructure since 1994, though disparities remain between urban and rural areas.
Increased household satisfaction with drinking water quality between 2005 and 2018 (according to GHS).

Establishment of a legislative framework for water management and service delivery.
Development of information systems (NIWIS, IRIS) to monitor and disseminate water quality data.

Uneven distribution of water services due to historical inequalities and geospatial planning.
Financial distress and poor governance in many water service authorities (WSAs).
Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of water use licenses.
Climate change impacts on water resources.
Ageing water infrastructure and high water losses.
Water supply interruptions and lack of reliable alternative sources.
Poor water quality in some areas.
Insufficient data collection and reporting on water quality.
Lack of fully functional Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).

Investment in water infrastructure to reduce backlog.
Implementation of indigent support policies.
Development of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles.
Strengthening of water sector institutions and increased fight against corruption.
Improved leak detection and maintenance of infrastructure.
Public awareness programs on safe water storage and vendor regulation.
Accelerated creation of CMAs.
Review of water board configuration.
Annual water balance reporting by WSAs and water boards.
Regular reporting on water quality and operation and maintenance.

Climate Change Data