Water is life — but in South Africa, that life source is under serious threat. Across the country, communities, schools, and businesses are waking up to a harsh truth: many of our water sources are no longer safe to drink.

Recent findings from citizen-led projects and the Department of Water and Sanitation have revealed widespread contamination and declining water quality. These discoveries have sparked one of the most heated debates around water testing South Africa has seen in years.

The Shocking Reality: Unsafe Water in Our Schools

In July 2025, the WaterCAN and WESSA Water Warrior School Water Quality Testing Project found that 43% of water samples collected from South African schools were unsafe to drink, mostly due to bacterial contamination such as E. coli.
This alarming report has prompted national concern over how schools store and manage their water — particularly when using JoJo tanks or borehole systems.

Read more here: IOL – 43% of school water unsafe for drinking

Parents and teachers are now demanding regular water testing from accredited labs to ensure children’s safety. This is where SANS 241 water testing plays a critical role — providing scientifically backed benchmarks for safe, compliant water.

To learn more about how you can test school or borehole water, visit SANS Water.

Municipal Water Decline: When Tap Water Isn’t Trustworthy

It’s not just schools at risk. Government data shows a steady drop in municipal water quality compliance, with over half of South Africa’s municipalities failing to meet the SANS 241 drinking water standards.
(TimesLIVE report)

This deterioration is largely due to aging infrastructure, neglected treatment plants, and lack of maintenance — problems that affect even urban areas once considered safe. Officials have admitted that the country is facing a “water crisis” due to these systemic issues.
(SowetanLIVE – SA in a water crisis)

For businesses and households alike, this means routine water testing is no longer optional. Regular SANS 241 water tests can detect contamination early and protect plumbing, health, and compliance standards.
You can schedule a professional water test at www.sanswater.co.za.

Citizen Science vs. Municipal Data: A Growing Trust Gap

Interestingly, a tug-of-war has emerged between government and independent water testers. In some areas, results from citizen science projects differ sharply from official municipal data, creating confusion and mistrust.

For example, the City of Cape Town recently disputed findings in the Project Blue Report, arguing that independent tests painted an unfairly negative picture.
(IOL – City disputes water quality discrepancies)

However, such debate only highlights how transparent, accredited, and consistent testing — like that performed under SANS 241 — is vital to restoring public confidence. Trusted providers such as SANS Water work directly with SANAS-accredited laboratories to ensure results meet the highest national standards.

Why Testing Matters for Health, Education, and Rights

Unsafe water doesn’t only cause illness. It affects school attendance, learning outcomes, and even gender equality — as girls often miss school when sanitation and hygiene are inadequate. The human rights implications are profound, and every unsafe tap is a barrier to opportunity.

There’s growing pressure for legal accountability too. Municipalities that fail to provide safe water could face criminal charges under the Water Services Act.
(IOL – Criminal charges laid over unsafe water)

Taking Action: How to Protect Your Water Source

The good news? Solutions are available. Whether your water comes from a borehole, JoJo tank, or municipal supply, regular SANS 241 water testing is your best defense against contamination.

Start by scheduling a professional water test today through SANS Water. They offer comprehensive testing for:

• Drinking and household water
• Borehole and groundwater
• Storage and tank systems
• Effluent and discharge compliance

Don’t wait for a crisis — act now to ensure your water meets the safety standards South Africa depends on.

www.sanswater.co.za

Email Mike@sanswater.co.za