Resilient water and wastewater management in South Africa

Context

In South Africa, municipalities are responsible for providing water and sanitation services. However, most municipalities do not have the financial and human resources necessary to provide these services in the long term. The security of the water supply and the quality of wastewater treatment have therefore been declining for years.

Demand for water is rising due to urbanisation and economic development. In addition, the risk of droughts and flooding is increasing due to climate change. Vulnerable population groups are particularly impacted by these trends.

The water supply and sanitation systems consume roughly one quarter of municipal electricity. However, studies show that there is potential for energy savings in this sector. Because South Africa’s electricity is still largely generated from coal, these energy savings would also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective

Municipalities in South Africa increasingly implement measures that improve the climate resilience of water and sanitation services and reduce the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Approach

The project measures support climate adaptation and improve the country’s energy efficiency. They also contribute to the national climate targets and consider the needs of vulnerable groups.

The project improves the efficiency and resilience of the water supply and sanitation by:

• improving energy efficiency,
• reducing water losses,
• expanding flood protection,
• and promoting climate-resilient sanitation in informal areas.

The project works with the municipalities of uMhlathuze and George using a replicable model and provides assistance with obtaining climate financing.

It also supports the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in implementing the climate strategy for the water and sanitation sector.

Last update: March 2025