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Water

Water is a critical natural resource and essential input across multiple sectors of the African economy, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing and municipal services. As an industry term, water encompasses the management, treatment, distribution and regulation of freshwater resources for commercial, industrial and domestic use. In South Africa, water is a constitutionally protected resource, with the National Water Act establishing that water belongs to all people and must be managed sustainably for present and future generations. The country faces significant water stress owing to limited rainfall, high evaporation rates, ageing infrastructure and growing demand from urban centres and industry. Major water-consuming sectors include irrigated agriculture, which accounts for about 60% of national water use, and mining, which requires substantial volumes for mineral processing and dust suppression. Water management in South Africa is overseen by the Department of Water and Sanitation, with regulatory functions including licensing, quality monitoring and infrastructure planning. Key challenges include deteriorating water and wastewater treatment works, non-revenue water losses through leaks and illegal connections, and the need for investment in bulk water supply schemes and desalination capacity. Climate variability and recurring drought cycles have heightened focus on water security, demand management and alternative sources such as groundwater, water reuse and rainwater harvesting. The water sector also intersects with energy policy, as water treatment and pumping are energy-intensive, while hydropower and cooling systems for thermal power stations depend on reliable water supply.
Aqua Horizon Technologies

Press Office - Aqua Horizon Technologies

Water News


IFISA's Mohale Rakgate and the IFC's Cláudia Conceição signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen project preparation, improve bankability, and accelerate the delivery of high-impact infrastructure.
New initiative aims to grow pipeline of ‘bankable’ water and sanitation projects
22nd May 2026 By: Terence Creamer

A newly formed government agency set up to mobilise private sector participation in public infrastructure has concluded a cooperation agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in a... 


Rio Tinto mining machinery
Western Australia mining continues to ensure operating surplus for government
7th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) reports that upgraded royalties and North West Shelf Grant payments boosted the Western Australia resources sector’s contribution to... 


South African Human Rights Commission probes Gauteng’s deepening water crisis
1st May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC’s) Gauteng office has launched an inquiry to investigate the water crisis affecting the province. The commission has identified prima facie... 


No room for compromise: Protecting quality in plastic pipes
No room for compromise: Protecting quality in plastic pipes
14th April 2026

In a country where reliable water and sanitation infrastructure remains both a pressing need and a long-term national priority, the role of the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers... 


A generic image of a construction site
Early involvement vital to fix infrastructure – association
3rd April 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Consulting engineers, as key experts, are best positioned to unlock faster, better-quality infrastructure in the water, energy and transport sectors. There is a need for deeper and longer... 


An image of Transnet freight rail locomotives
Infrastructure Indaba underscores importance of rail and water systems
3rd April 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The importance of rail and water for South Africa’s economic growth was emphasised on the second day of industry organisation Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (Cesa’s) Infrastructure Indaba... 


VEGA’s winning formula for reliable process control
VEGA’s winning formula for reliable process control
27th March 2026

For over 60 years, VEGA has been at the forefront of level and pressure measurement technology, supporting industries such as chemicals, food, mining, pharmaceuticals, water, oil and gas. Committed... 


Water-focused anticorruption forum ups ante
20th March 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have stepped up the fight against corruption in the water sector with the official launch of the Water Sector... 


From project intent to investable conversations: reducing the time from ‘interesting’ to ‘bankable’
From project intent to investable conversations: reducing the time from ‘interesting’ to ‘bankable’
17th March 2026

Across power and water, there is no shortage of announcements, memoranda and pipeline lists. Yet investors, DFIs and lenders repeatedly describe the same frustration: a large share of project... 


Collaborative approach needed to solve South Africa’s water challenges
Collaborative approach needed to solve South Africa’s water challenges
12th March 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

South Africa cannot take the same path to resolve its water challenges as it did with the energy sector during the period of loadshedding, as the structure of the water sector is fundamentally... 


Amid infrastructure spending boost, construction firms must tighten project delivery
Amid infrastructure spending boost, construction firms must tighten project delivery
9th March 2026

South Africa’s renewed infrastructure push is creating fresh momentum in the construction sector. More than R1 trillion has been earmarked for public infrastructure over the next three years across... 


Western Australian Premier Roger Cook says the plant will support communities and industries.
Rio Tinto, WA government partner on A$1.1bn Pilbara desalination plant
5th March 2026 By: Mariaan Webb

Mining major Rio Tinto and the Western Australian government have formed a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to complete the Dampier seawater desalination plant in the Pilbara, a project aimed at improving... 


An image of a T piece HDPE pipe
HDPE pipes experiencing growing demand
30th January 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

Growing urbanisation and infrastructure development are driving increased demand for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in water, sewerage and industrial pipeline systems, owing to its... 


AGSA report lays bare a water sector in systemic collapse
23rd January 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Auditor-General South Africa’s (AGSA’s) first consolidated water-sector audit report reveals systemic breakdowns across the water value chain, which poses significant risks to public health,... 


Technology, storytelling to shape 2026 events
16th January 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

South Africa’s business and industry events sector landscape is shifting fast as organisers respond to rising digital and sustainability demands, says event management company Anzomode. This shift... 


An image of John Samuel
Education, training bolster development
14th November 2025 By: Trent Roebeck

It is possible to bridge South Africa’s engineering and construction sector capacity gaps through education and training initiatives that provide a strong foundation for future infrastructure... 


Vega Control Image
VEGA’s winning formula for reliable process control
17th October 2025

For over 60 years, VEGA has been at the forefront of level and pressure measurement technology, supporting industries such as chemicals, food, mining, pharmaceuticals, water, oil and gas. Committed... 


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