In 2025, water scarcity has become one of the most urgent issues facing South Africans across provinces. From Johannesburg to parts of KwaZulu-Natal, residents are reporting days – sometimes even weeks – without running water. This crisis is not new, but in 2025, it has reached a point where the everyday lives of millions are disrupted.
Access to clean, reliable water is not just a convenience – it’s a basic human right. So why is South Africa, a country that has invested in infrastructure and public service systems, now struggling to provide this fundamental resource to its citizens?
The answer is complex, involving a mix of aging infrastructure, poor governance, climate pressure, and rising demand. Here’s a breakdown of the crisis and practical steps you can take to manage during these difficult times.
What’s Causing the Water Crisis?
1. Infrastructure Failures
One of the leading causes of the ongoing water shortages is the collapse of basic infrastructure. Many municipalities are operating with outdated water systems that have not been maintained or upgraded for decades. Old pipes are leaking, pumps are failing, and storage reservoirs are either mismanaged or left unrepaired.
When power cuts occur due to load shedding, water pumping stations often stop working, halting the delivery of water to homes. Backup systems, where they exist, are insufficient to meet the demands of densely populated urban areas.
2. Municipal Mismanagement
Local governance has played a significant role in the crisis. Budget misallocations, slow response to repairs, and lack of transparency have all contributed to service delivery failures. Some municipalities face internal corruption issues or simply lack the technical expertise to handle large-scale water distribution systems.
As a result, even when there is water available in the dams and reservoirs, the systems in place to treat and deliver that water are failing at critical points.
3. Climate and Environmental Pressure
South Africa is a water-scarce country by geography. The situation has worsened with increasingly erratic rainfall, longer dry spells, and a growing number of heatwaves. Climate change has reduced the predictability of seasonal rains and led to declining dam levels in several regions.
Environmental degradation, such as deforestation and urban sprawl, also affects how water is stored and absorbed into natural underground sources. The result is less groundwater and a heavier reliance on surface water that is already under pressure.
4. Urban Growth and Demand
Rapid urbanisation has led to more people moving into cities, increasing the pressure on already strained water systems. Townships and informal settlements have expanded faster than municipal planning could keep up with, creating gaps in access and infrastructure coverage.
Industrial activity and commercial developments also consume large volumes of water, further squeezing supply for residential use.
How the Water Shortage Affects Everyday Life
The impact of water scarcity is not limited to dry taps. Without reliable access to water, sanitation suffers. Schools, hospitals, and businesses are disrupted. In some communities, people are forced to queue at water tankers or travel long distances to fetch water from boreholes or rivers.
It also has long-term health implications, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks due to poor hygiene conditions. Mental stress and frustration among residents are growing, with some areas seeing protests over the lack of service delivery.
What You Can Do to Cope and Conserve
While large-scale change must come from government and policy, individuals and households can take meaningful steps to manage and conserve water more effectively.
At Home
- Fix leaking taps, toilets, and pipes immediately
- Install water-saving showerheads and low-flush toilets
- Harvest rainwater using buckets or tanks for garden or toilet use
- Limit lawn watering and opt for drought-resistant plants
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
During Shortages
- Store clean water in sealed containers in advance
- Use greywater from baths or basins to flush toilets
- Keep hand sanitiser for hygiene during dry days
- Reduce baths and long showers to conserve stored water
In Your Community
- Report leaks, broken pipes, or illegal connections to the municipality
- Join or support local water forums and community awareness drives
- Encourage neighbours and family members to adopt water-saving habits
- Support calls for transparent governance and maintenance funding
The Road Ahead
Solving the water crisis will require political will, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration between national and local governments. But change can also begin with informed and responsible communities.
If every household, business, and institution plays its part, and holds authorities accountable, it is possible to weather the storm and create a more sustainable water future.
While South Africans continue to face daily challenges due to unreliable water supply, awareness and action – both small and large – can make a lasting difference.