News

Citizen science leads the way in water monitoring and protection

South Africa’s next big crisis – this time with water – is here, and it will have a much bigger impact than our energy crisis. But citizen science activism can help turn it around. Dr Ferrial Adam, WaterCAN’s executive manager, explains how.


The state of our water resources affects us all, whether yo...

17.09.2024 19:04:57
Mogale City’s Infrastructure Collapse: A Threat to Public Health and Human Rights

Mismanagement and Neglect Expose Mogale City Residents to Health Risks Amid Sewage Crisis


Reports of wilful and persistent sewage pollution by the City of Mogale reveal more than an environmental disaster; they highlight a human rights violation with the potential to cause a public health crisis. The...

17.09.2024 03:50:16
WaterCAN and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens partner to celebrate World

Water Monitoring Day with nationwide water testing campaign


WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), is proud to announce its 3rd annual water testing month this September, in collaboration with the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. This initiative is part of the ...

04.09.2024 20:03:45
Charge negligent officials over Makhanda and eThekwini water outages

The water supply situation will only improve when municipal managers face charges over failed water supply


WaterCAN is deeply concerned about the ongoing water outages affecting the communities of Makhanda and eThekwini. These disruptions have caused significant inconvenience and hardship for residen...

30.08.2024 21:53:32
WaterCAN calls on municipalities to warn the public about contaminated tap water



The Blue Drop Report released in 2023 highlights the fact that at least 46% of drinking systems don’t comply with microbiological standards. According to the regulations under the Water Services Act, it is mandatory for a municipality to inform users if it repeatedly finds water quality does not mee...


02.07.2024 23:55:14
Communities without water despite Joburg Water's promises


While the maintenance is welcomed and essential, frustrations with Joburg Water are mounting. The utility had promised to deploy 85 water trucks and place 300 JoJo tanks near hospitals, clinics, old age homes, schools, and police stations. 
However, residents still do not know where these can be...

28.06.2024 00:48:03
South Africa needs strong, ethical ministers for water and environmental ministries not destructive power politics


Today, on 5 June, we celebrate World Environment Day, a milestone established during the landmark Earth Summit of 1972, which also led to the formation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). 
This day is dedicated to raising awareness and prompting action for environmental protect...

05.06.2024 17:45:27
Tackling the Root Causes of Sewage Manhole Overflows in Our Municipalities


The sight and stench of sewage overflowing from manholes onto our streets highlights a failure in the very systems designed to protect public health and the environment. 
The recurrence of these incidents in municipalities across South Africa underscores systemic issues that demand urgent attent...

22.05.2024 20:59:28
Foundation laid for the creation of a KwaZulu-Natal Water Forum


WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), together with the Durban-based and world-renowned South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), have – along with various other provincially-based community organisations –laid the groundwork for the creation of a civil s...

15.05.2024 19:14:45
Carolina Eco Green and WaterCAN demand safe drinking water for Carolina


Carolina Eco Green, a leading environmental organisation in Carolina, Mpumalanga, is sounding the alarm on the municipality’s persistent neglect of water safety. Despite repeatedly raising concerns about the poor quality of tap water, the municipality fails to respond effectively. Independent water ...

26.04.2024 22:27:08