South Africa must unite to tackle the current El Niño crisis and protect its water resources. The country faces a summer season that could bring below-normal rainfall and higher temperatures, which means everyone needs to play their part in managing water responsibly.

Government, municipalities, businesses, farmers, communities and individual water users all need to work together. Water remains essential to life, food security, the economy and basic services, but South Africa is a naturally water-scarce country that must manage limited resources amid changing weather patterns, climate change and growing demand.

A water-scarce nation facing El Niño

South Africa ranks among the 30 driest countries in the world. The country’s average annual rainfall sits about 40% below the global average.

The South African Weather Service forecasts show El Niño will likely influence weather conditions during the 2026/27 summer season. This brings the risk of higher temperatures and below-normal rainfall, which could place more pressure on already stretched water resources.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has adopted a risk-based approach to identify, assess and manage the potential impact of El Niño on water resources and services. The department has engaged with the agricultural sector, water boards, catchment management agencies and the National Disaster Management Centre to improve coordination and strengthen preparedness.

Government tackles water challenges

Government continues to address water challenges affecting communities across the country. The National Water Action Plan provides a framework for improving water service reliability through infrastructure investment, completing delayed projects and reforms to address weaknesses in municipal water management.

The National Water Access Acceleration Programme expands access to safe drinking water in underserved communities through interventions such as boreholes and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. These efforts aim to improve water security and help communities withstand periods of drought and water scarcity.

Massive water losses demand action

South Africa loses an estimated 37% to 42% of potable water each year. Water losses through leaks, wastage and illegal connections place additional pressure on an already scarce resource.

Municipalities must prioritise maintenance and protection of water infrastructure and respond promptly to leaks. Communities must report vandalism incidents to police and other relevant authorities. Law enforcement agencies must hold those responsible for damaging or stealing essential infrastructure accountable.

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These collective efforts can reduce water losses, safeguard existing supplies and ensure available resources reach the communities that depend on them.

What residents can do

How residents use water matters, particularly through outdoor activities such as garden irrigation and swimming pool use. Water users can help reduce pressure by limiting unnecessary consumption, reusing water where appropriate and adopting water-wise practices at home, at work and in communities.

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Rainwater harvesting can supplement water needs for gardening, cleaning and other suitable non-drinking purposes. Water conservation must become a consistent practice rather than a temporary response to drought warnings.

“The anticipated El Niño conditions present a challenge, but they also reinforce the importance of treating water security as a national priority throughout the year,” Jacobs says.

Every leak repaired, every unnecessary use avoided and every water-wise practice adopted helps protect this essential resource.

• Jacobs is chief director: cluster communication at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)