There has been a decline in drinking water quality and an increase in non-revenue water, since 2014. This is according to the Blue and No drop report, released on the 05th December 2023, by Dr Sean Phillips, the Director General of the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation.
The area of assessment was 958 water supply systems in 144 water services authorities (WSA) or Municipalities.
Only 26 WSA have a Blue Drop Certificate, and are more than 95% compliant to the Department’s standards.
About 277 of the total amount of 958 WSA, are in a critical condition.
The Northern Cape has great water quality, with an overall score of 87%, followed by Gauteng (62%) above the Western Cape’s 50%.
Should water tests indicate water quality from the tap is a health risk, the Municipality is obliged by law to inform its citizens.
The report also points out that the average water consumption in South Africa, exceeds the international average. The average national consumption is at 218 litres/ capital/ per day, as compared to the global one of 173 litres/c/day.
About 64% of Wastewater Treatment Works are at high or critical risk, of partially discharging untreated water into rivers and the environment.
Picture: Very well Family