Water
Nkandla villagers share river water with livestock
Communal water tanks installed in 2024 frequently run dry for weeks or months
Brief | 4 February 2026
Cape Town’s water use remains too high despite Day Zero lessons
The city consumes over a billion litres per day, equating to over 210 litres per person, well above the world average of 120 to 160 litres
By Kevin Winter
Analysis | 3 February 2026
Touring Cape Town’s secret underground tunnels
The water flows all year round in the historic canals under the city’s streets
Text by Liezl Human. Photos by Ashraf Hendricks.
Photo Essay | 30 January 2026
Failing water systems will cost R400-billion to fix, says minister
73% of water authorities in South Africa have “poor” or “critical” water systems
Chart by The Outlier. Text by GroundUp Staff.
Charts | 23 January 2026
The generator broke, leaving this village without water — 17 years ago
Residents who can’t afford to buy water have to get it from a distant river
News | 19 January 2026
What the latest tests say about beach water quality
Most recent samples show a mixed picture of water safety
Chart by The Outlier. Text by GroundUp Staff.
Charts | 19 December 2025
Claremont could be Johannesburg Water’s big blind spot
Suburb is among several expecting a very dry Christmas
News | 19 December 2025
After years of sewage flooding their land, Joburg residents start rates revolt
Collapsing sewer line in Carlswald Valley has soaked properties with sewage for 20 years
News | 17 December 2025
Free State residents without water while municipal officials bicker
Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality will close down its failing water supply entity
By Tladi Moloi and Sean Christie
News | 16 December 2025