When taps are flowing, no one seems to have a care in the world. Water does not even come up as a topic of discussion until the pressure drops from the taps or they run dry. The Department of Water and Sanitation continues encouraging the public to use water wisely, which was re-emphasised during the National Water Month observed during March. This had an objective of inviting citizens to pause and appreciate this vital source water. We use water to sustain a healthy and hygienic lifestyle, and we prepare and cook with water.

History of water preservation

In 1993, the United Nations (UN) designated 22 March as World Water Day to highlight the importance of water and raise awareness of people who live without access to clean and safe water. National Water Month builds on this foundation, highlighting the value of freshwater and advocating for sustainable management of water.

This year’s theme is “Water and gender,” with the slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” It focuses on women and girls, ensuring their voices, leadership, and agency are fully recognised in water decision-making. The theme also highlights a transformative, rights-based approach to solving the water challenges.

As we have wrapped up Water Month commemorations with a series of activities across the country, it is important that we keep the conversation about water going. Water has become a thorny issue in most communities. It has become very scarce due to inconsistent supply, or it is not available at all. The department will continue to make interventions and work with different stakeholders to ensure that there is a sustainable water supply to our communities.

Proper and dignified sanitation cannot be excluded because it is also as important as water supply to our communities. It is for this reason that the minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, commemorated World Water Day at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom, Free State. She handed over 21 completed wastewater treatment works and pump stations to the municipality.

This demonstrates ongoing efforts by the department to support municipalities to improve access to clean and reliable water services. It also aims to provide dignified sanitation to communities.

Community’s involvement

During Water Month activities across the province, communities were reminded to protect their water and sanitation infrastructure and keep it safe from vandalism. It is important for communities to always remember that the infrastructure does not belong to the department, but it belongs to them. Therefore, they need to protect it at all costs.

The department, through its campaigns, will continue to spread the message of water conservation and of fixing leaks in their households. If your tap is leaking and you observe a drop falling every second, water is lost. Water goes to waste if a leak is not attended to. So, if you experience it in your home, fix it.

We also reminded our communities that South Africa is a water-scarce country. It only receives half of the global average rainfall. This scarcity intensifies due to rising water demands caused by population growth, urbanisation, and unsustainable water use practices.

It is therefore critical to keep the topic of water supply and conservation topical throughout the year, as it leads to behavioural change towards water usage – be it from a household, industrial, and agricultural perspective.

• Larry Crisp is the communications manager at the Department of Water and Sanitation