News

WaterCAN citizen tests reveal unsafe drinking water in eight municipalities across South Africa

WaterCAN citizen tests reveal unsafe drinking water in eight municipalities across South Africa

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 t...

11.12.2025 19:50:37
Read more

WaterCAN: Stop the non-payment. Restore water. Protect lives.

WaterCAN: Stop the non-payment. Restore water. Protect lives.
  • Contractor suspension hits informal settlements again, amid alleged nonpayment.
  • Debt crisis fuels stoppages, delays, and extended water cuts citywide.
  • WaterCAN demands timelines, transparency, investigation, and ring-fenced water funds.
09.12.2025 15:56:07
Read more
WaterCAN raises alarm over unsafe tap water in Tulbagh – calls for immediate boil water notice and urgent intervention

WaterCAN raises alarm over unsafe tap water in Tulbagh – calls for immediate boil water notice and urgent intervention

UPDATE 18 December 2025: WaterCAN has been in contact with both the Witzenberg Municipality and the Western Cape Government concerning the crisis in Tulbagh. As soon as we have more details we will provide an updated statement.

07.12.2025 21:54:02
Read more
WaterCAN welcomes Emalahleni ruling – calls for nationwide crackdown, personal accountability for municipal polluters

WaterCAN welcomes Emalahleni ruling – calls for nationwide crackdown, personal accountability for municipal polluters

WaterCAN has welcomed the landmark Mpumalanga High Court ruling that fined the Emalahleni Local Municipality R650 million for years of allowing untreated sewage to flow into rivers and dams – but says this must be the start of a nationwide crackdown on municipal polluters and the individuals who ena...

13.11.2025 20:47:24
Read more
Days before the G20 Summit, Joburg Water’s R1 Billion debt sparks humanitarian crisis – says WaterCAN.

Days before the G20 Summit, Joburg Water’s R1 Billion debt sparks humanitarian crisis – says WaterCAN.

  • Johannesburg Water’s debt has surged past R1 billion, resulting in unpaid contractors thousands without access to water;
  • WaterCAN accuses the city of financial mismanagement and demands urgent action;
  • With the G20 Summit days away, WaterCAN warns that the city’s priorities are misplaced, prioritising ...
    • 11.11.2025 11:16:31
    Read more
    “No Water, No Vote”: Joburg’s united protest demands action

    “No Water, No Vote”: Joburg’s united protest demands action

    The Joburg Crisis Alliance notes that the water crisis protest on 01 November 2025, at the Metro Centre, brought people together from across the city of Johannesburg in a show of unity. The large numbers who attended the protest reflected the unity that can be built from a common struggle across rac...

    05.11.2025 11:51:40
    Read more
    Is the Sewer System of Johannesburg Collapsing?

    Is the Sewer System of Johannesburg Collapsing?

    Written by Dr Teresa Dirsuweit

    In 2024, WaterCAN — an organisation that monitors and reports on water quality — distributed testing kits to volunteers across the Johannesburg area. Dedicated citizen scientists have been regularly testing the city’s streams and monitoring pollution sources. The r...

    04.11.2025 13:45:11
    Read more
    Community-led citizen science a solution to Free State’s water crisis

    Community-led citizen science a solution to Free State’s water crisis

    Communities in the Free State are living through a daily water crisis - dry taps, contaminated rivers, and sewage flowing through neighbourhoods. 
    On 14 October 2025, WaterCAN held a community water training and testing workshop in the Free State to help citizens take back control through scienc...
    28.10.2025 15:58:43
    Read more
    OPINION: Celebrating the value of water through citizen science - Water Testing Week

    OPINION: Celebrating the value of water through citizen science - Water Testing Week

    Op-Ed by Nhlanhla Sibisi - WaterCAN Campaigns Coordinator and Nomsa Daele - WaterCAN Senior Team Leader. 

    WaterCAN, with partner organisations, celebrated its 4th Annual Citizen Science Water Testing Week at the Johannesburg Zoo - covering the week of 15-19 September 2025. The launch was held on...

    16.10.2025 13:16:04
    Read more
    Voices from WaterCAN's Testing Week - KERA

    Voices from WaterCAN's Testing Week - KERA

    The Kirstenhof and Environs Residents’ Association (KERA) took part in WaterCAN’s 4th annual Citizen Science Water Testing Week, contributing vital local data from the Kirstenhof Duckpond, Westlake River, and Keysers River to South Africa’s largest public water-quality database. The national campaig...

    16.10.2025 13:05:00
    Read more