Gauteng’s water crisis trickles down to individual households

Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, is facing an alarming water crisis that threatens both residents and the industries that drive its economy. The province is losing an estimated 1.6 billion litres of water per day – about 48% of its total supply – due to a combination of aging infrastructure, theft, and poor management. The impact of this wastage is felt most acutely during periods of drought or when water levels in reservoirs drop, leaving the population vulnerable to severe water shortages.

One of the biggest threats to Gauteng’s water security is the decline in water levels in the Vaal River, which supplies water to most of the province. Despite recent rains, the Vaal River system has struggled to recover fully due to increased demand and water losses from infrastructure failures. Water levels in the Vaal have reached concerning lows, which has directly affected Johannesburg’s water supply. The Vaal River system is often at the centre of discussions around sustainable water management for the province, with fears that continued depletion could result in stricter water-usage measures in the future.

The challenge is compounded by Gauteng’s rapid urbanisation and population growth, which continuously demands more water. Increased industrialisation and residential development have placed tremendous pressure on an already fragile system. Municipalities are struggling to maintain the infrastructure required to meet this escalating demand, while severe maintenance backlogs and rising costs continue to worsen the situation.

As the government works to implement long-term solutions, residents can take immediate action to reduce their reliance on the overstretched municipal water system and ensure their homes have access to a more secure water supply.

One of the most effective is rainwater harvesting. By installing rainwater tanks, households can collect water for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, cleaning, and flushing toilets. This not only reduces reliance on municipal water, it conserves water in times of scarcity.

In addition, investing in water storage tanks can help ensure a reserve supply during periods of water shortages. Having a water storage solution in place allows households to maintain access to water when restrictions or outages occur, providing much-needed security.

Another measure is greywater recycling, where repurposing water from baths, showers, or washing machines for irrigation can greatly reduce the need for fresh water in the garden or for non-essential uses. With the right filtration systems, greywater can also be used for washing cars or cleaning outdoor areas, further reducing dependency on municipal sources.

Residents can also upgrade to water-efficient appliances and fixtures. Installing low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient washing machines can significantly lower household water consumption. Many of these upgrades are simple to implement and result in long-term savings on water bills.

It’s also important to maintain plumbing systems and promptly fix leaks. Even minor leaks can waste large quantities of water over time. Regularly checking pipes and fixtures for leaks and making repairs as needed ensures that water isn’t being wasted unnecessarily.

For those looking for more independence, alternative water sources, such as private boreholes, may be an option. While expensive and requiring careful consideration due to regulatory concerns, boreholes can provide a more consistent supply of water in emergencies.

Residents can further save water by implementing smart watering practices for their gardens. Watering plants during cooler parts of the day, using mulch, and selecting drought-resistant plants can reduce the need for frequent irrigation, thus saving water and energy.

Lastly, community collaboration can also play a key role in reducing overall water usage. By working together, residents can share tips, resources, and bulk purchases of water-saving technology, making it easier for everyone to adopt more sustainable practices and collectively improve water security.

Gauteng should also take inspiration from Cape Town’s approach during its own water crisis in 2018, when the city averted “Day Zero” through concerted water-saving campaigns, investment in alternative water sources, and broad public involvement. The strategy not only involved cutting down on consumption, but also improving water reuse, repairing infrastructure, and creating long-term sustainability. Gauteng must follow suit, prioritising water conservation, expanding its recycling and reuse initiatives, and encouraging a cultural shift towards responsible water usage.

Moreover, lessons can be learned from the Vaal River crisis, which highlights the need for robust infrastructure management and climate resilience planning. The recent fluctuations in water levels of the Vaal River are a stark reminder of how vulnerable the system is to changes in weather patterns, over-extraction, and poor management. Long-term solutions should include improving the health of the Vaal River system, investing in water-infrastructure upgrades, and promoting greater community engagement in conservation efforts.

Though it will take time to address Gauteng’s water crisis through large-scale infrastructure improvements, residents can take meaningful steps today to ensure more secure access to water in their homes. Rainwater harvesting, efficient plumbing, water storage, and greywater systems can give households more control over their supply and contribute to a collective reduction in demand on the municipal system. By adopting smarter water-saving strategies, Gauteng’s residents can help secure a future where water independence becomes the norm.

As Gauteng moves forward, it’s clear that individuals and the government must work together to address the crisis. Through collective action, responsible water management, and sustainable practices, Gauteng can safeguard its water future.

• Erin Berman-Levy is an entrepreneur and engineer at the forefront of Africa’s renewable energy transition. With expertise in hydrogen energy, waste vulcanisation, and solar technologies, he is dedicated to driving sustainable energy solutions across the continent.