OPINION | Water: We all have to preserve the precious resource

For many residents of Gauteng, water insecurity is no longer an abstract policy discussion; it’s a lived reality.Dry taps, low reservoir levels, emergency repairs, and urgent government briefings have become part of the public conversation. But beyond frustrations and inconvenience lies a deeper truth: this moment is a wake-up call for all of us. The province’s water system is under severe pressure.

Gauteng is SA’s economic engine, home to more than 15-million people and a growing urban population. Its water system is largely supplied through the integrated network managed byRand Water. The system was designed decades ago for a smaller, less densely populated province.

Today, the strain is visible. Ageing infrastructure, leaks in municipal networks, rapid urbanisation, high consumption levels, and delayed maintenance have combined to create recurring supply instability. Whilewater storagelevels may improve after rainfall, distribution challenges and demand spikes continue to place enormous pressure on the system.

[paywall]

The government at the national, provincial, and municipal levels has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Coordinated interventions, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance programmes are underway. However, infrastructure alone will not solve the problem.

The bigger lesson that we all need to learn throughout these water challenges in Gauteng is that water security is a shared responsibility. Too often, water crises are framed solely as service delivery failures. Certainly, accountability and efficient management are critical.

However, Gauteng’s situation also exposes something uncomfortable to all of us: consumption patterns matter. In many suburbs, daily household usage exceeds recommended levels. Leaking household plumbing goes unrepaired for months.

Municipal leaks run for days before being reported. In a water-scarce country like SA, this is no longer sustainable. Water security is not just a government responsibility.

It is a collective one. All of us have a role to play in preserving this precious resource. Using water wisely every day, make a conscious decision to take shorter showers, be mindful of garden watering, and fix leaks immediately.

These may seem like small acts, but they can reduce strain on already pressured reservoirs. Equally important is the financial sustainability of municipalities. Paying for water services on time enables local governments to maintain infrastructure, repair leaks, and invest in upgrades.

Without revenue, even the most well-designed systems will deteriorate. Responsible citizenship includes contributing to the upkeep of shared resources.

[/paywall]