Skip to searchSkip to main content
watercan.org.za

  • Citizen Science in Action

    WaterCAN stands for equity, accountability, citizen empowerment, collaboration, evidence-based action, sustainability, and integrity — uniting communities to demand safe, just, and sustainable water for all through collective, science-driven action.

Citizen Science Water Health Report
2025

The Annual WaterCAN Citizen Science Water Testing Week held in September has confirmed that unsafe water is not an isolated rural problem but a widespread national risk affecting communities across all nine provinces.

The most alarming results come from drinking-water sources that should be safe at the point of use.

Read our Statement
Read our Report
WATER PROTEST
WATER PROTEST

Want to know more about the protest on 1 November? 

United by frustration and a shared demand for justice, residents, community organisations, and civil society groups across Johannesburg came together to demand urgent action to end the city’s worsening water crisis – a crisis they describe as a “human rights and economic emergency.” 

See our video below. 

Need a Water Testing Kit? 

Thanks to our donors we are able to provide a limited amount of FREE WaterCAN Citizen Science Water Testing Kits. Our current focus is on the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape. However, if you want to jump the queue, you can buy a single testing kit directly from us for just R250, including delivery. 

Buy a Kit

Citizen Science

WaterCAN empowers communities to collect and share credible water data, turning ordinary citizens into informed guardians of South Africa’s water resources.

 Advocacy 

We demand transparent governance, challenge poor water management, and advocate for policies ensuring every South African’s right to clean, safe water.

Builidng Partnerships

We collaborates with communities, researchers, and civic groups to strengthen water monitoring, share expertise, and achieve lasting water security nationwide.

5000+

Citizen Science Test Kits Distributed

100+

Schools reached and offered training 

30+ 

Community groups we actively work with

100+

Municipalities where our activists are based

We Map Water

WaterCAN’s Citizen Science Map

WaterCAN’s Citizen Science Map empowers communities to report leaks, shortages, and pollution, creating a real-time snapshot of South Africa’s water health. Each report strengthens accountability, exposes problem areas, and drives action. By joining, you help transform citizen science into lasting change for water security nationwide.



Go to Map Options

Our Partners 

We work with multiple organisations across the country. Each one is rooted in grassroots activism, fueled by passion and manned by dedicated staff and an suported by an volunteers.