WaterCAN has distributed over 500 citizen science water testing kits across South Africa for its fifth consecutive annual Water Testing Week, taking place from 14 to 18 September 2026.
Community leaders, school learners, university undergraduates and water activists are testing water sources across the country from rivers to taps, JoJo tanks to dams.
The campaign gives people tools to observe their water, record evidence and strengthen public accountability.
Participants use the kits to assess indicators including pH, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, hardness, alkalinity and metals. They record each source’s location and condition, helping map water quality nationwide.
WaterCAN Citizen Science and Training Coordinator Nomsa Daele said the campaign placed credible information in the hands of communities.
“People have a right to know what is happening with the water they drink and the rivers, streams and dams they depend on. By testing, recording and sharing results, citizens are not only observing their water — they are creating evidence that can be used to demand answers and action,” Daele said.
Results are being uploaded to WaterCAN’s MapMyWater platform where the public can view the findings. Users can explore test locations, water sources and results, creating a public record of water conditions.
Through MapMyWater, WaterCAN is building South Africa’s largest independent, citizen-led water database. Each uploaded result strengthens the picture and helps communities identify patterns, raise concerns and engage authorities responsible for providing safe water and protecting water resources.
WaterCAN will analyse the findings after Testing Week and use the evidence to support community advocacy and calls for transparent, responsive water governance.
Citizen science cannot replace official testing, but it gives communities an early-warning and accountability tool. WaterCAN calls on municipalities and water authorities to take community findings seriously, investigate concerning results and communicate directly with residents.
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Across South Africa, WaterCAN’s volunteers and citizen scientists are monitoring drinking water and sanitation failures, uncovering risks, and demanding action from those responsible. We challenge polluters, call out government negligence, and stand with communities whose rights to safe water and sanitation are routinely violated. Your support keeps this watchdog work alive and powerful.
For Media Enquiries please contact WaterCAN Communications Manager on Jonathan Erasmus 073 227 6075 or email media@watercan.org.za
