{"id":12636,"date":"2025-03-13T19:58:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T20:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/?p=12636"},"modified":"2025-03-16T12:36:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T12:36:40","slug":"south-africas-water-crisis-smart-technology-could-prevent-national-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/builder\/south-africas-water-crisis-smart-technology-could-prevent-national-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa’s water crisis: smart technology could prevent national crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post<\/a> was originally published on this site<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s water infrastructure is crumbling, and with reservoirs shrinking and demand set to outstrip supply by 17% within five years, the nation faces a looming catastrophe.<\/p>\n

Dr Andrew Dickson, an engineering executive at Johannesburg-based CBi-electric: low voltage, is calling for an urgent pivot to smart technologies to avert disaster, as municipalities like Gauteng and eThekwini grapple with restrictions and curtailments that signal a broader systemic failure.<\/p>\n

The crisis is no longer a distant threat. Earlier this year, IOL reported that \u201cSouth Africa is facing an imminent water crisis that is quickly rearing its ugly head,<\/a>\u201d a sentiment underscored by President Cyril Ramaphosa\u2019s January declaration of a national emergency.<\/p>\n

For nearly two decades, the country has battled not just power cuts but severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate-driven droughts, aging infrastructure, and mismanagement. <\/p>\n

This yearJohannesburg\u2019s economic hub enduring water cuts lasting up to 86 hours, while Cape Town – once teetering on the edge of \u201cDay Zero\u201d seven years ago – continues to ration dwindling reserves with a long hot bath still not on the cards for most due to escalating water prices.<\/p>\n

Dickson, whose company has supplied electrical solutions across South Africa for 75 years, sees a clear path forward.<\/p>\n

“Without clear data, we\u2019re guessing the extent of the problem. Smart tech delivers real-time insights to identify inefficiencies and predict future demand,\u201d Dickson said.<\/p>\n

He advocates for IoT-powered smart meters to track and monitor water usage with precision, a solution he believes could transform a faltering system. \u201cBy leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, municipalities can transform this data into accurate demand forecasts, optimise available supply, and proactively plan for potential shortages.\u201d<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s water woes are starkly illustrated by its consumption habits. The Institute for Security Studies found that South Africans use 234 liters per person daily – 36% above the global average – a figure  Dickson says is unsustainable. Gauteng, the nation\u2019s industrial heartland, loses one in four liters supplied by Rand Water to leaks, a hemorrhage that smart tech could staunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmart meters detect leaks or unusual usage spikes in real time, helping to reduce water wastage,\u201d he said. \u201cSpeedy leak identification and repair safeguards revenue, conserves supply and stabilises the network. Given Gauteng\u2019s high water losses, adopting this technology could be a game-changer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The benefits extend beyond leak detection. \u201cThese technologies also pick up patterns and performance trends, enabling predictive maintenance to prevent equipment failures, costly repairs, and service disruptions,\u201d Dickson explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, proactive interventions extend the lifespan of infrastructure, ensuring long-term efficiency.\u201d He points to Australia, where smart tech slashed monthly peak demand by 10% and deferred A$100 million (R1.15 billion) in infrastructure costs for four years -\u2014a model South Africa could emulate as 29% of its water systems teeter in critical condition.<\/p>\n

Consumer behavior is another target. \u201cSouth Africans consuming an average of 235 litres water per person per day – 36% more than the global average – smart meters can influence consumer behaviour,\u201d Dickson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy providing detailed consumption data for activities like flushing a toilet or running a dishwasher, customers can see the direct impact of their actions.\u201d He cites the Western Cape drought, where smart meters and behavioral shifts cut water use by 15%-26% across 105 schools, saving 380 kiloliters per school.<\/p>\n

Cost remains a hurdle. \u201cWhile the upfront investment is high, the long-term returns ensure water security,\u201d Dickson argues. \u201cThe revenue lost to leaks alone could offset the cost of smart infrastructure in the short term. Minimising losses ensures a more stable financial base, enabling investment in infrastructure and maintenance which is crucial given that 29% of the country\u2019s water systems are in critical condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

With South Africa\u2019s energy crisis complicating matters, he acknowledges the challenge, but maintains that there are solutions at hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cCritical systems, like pump stations, are already equipped with backup power. And while we can live without electricity, we cannot survive without clean water – that must be our priority,\u201d Dickson said.<\/p>\n

Budget 2025 earmarks water infrastructure funding<\/h2>\n

However, a better future could be at hand.<\/p>\n

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the 2025 Budget highlighted the importance of improving the country’s water resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said, tabling the speech, “The water quality regulatory system was reinstated for the first time since 2014. This is the Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop certification that enables effective intervention in supporting failing municipalities to provide clean water to citizens.”<\/p>\n

National Treasury has also allocated R156.3bn to water and sanitation infrastructure.<\/p>\n

In the water sector, the Budget Review stated that the focus remains on improving municipal water services andpromoting private-sector participation.<\/p>\n

Efforts are under way to introduce an independent economic regulator to ensure fair pricing and sustainable management of water services.<\/p>\n

“The municipal turnaround strategy focuses on addressing critical maintenance backlogs, ensuring skilled personnel are in place and fast-tracking infrastructure investments to stabilise service delivery. A recent report on water-sector investment requirements estimated that R256 billion will be required annually between 2023 and 2050, totalling R7.2 trillion, to achieve water security and access for all,” the Budget Review stated.<\/p>\n

The National Water Programme aims to address investment gaps, with initial commitments from the New Development Bank and the City of Cape Town, it said.
BUSINESS REPORT<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

South Africa\u2019s water infrastructure is crumbling, and with reservoirs shrinking and demand set to outstrip supply by 17% within five years, the nation faces a looming catastrophe.Dr Andrew Dickson, an engineering executive at Johannesburg-based CBi-electric: low voltage, is calling for an urgent pivot to smart technologies to avert disaster, as municipalities like Gauteng and eThekwini grapple with restrictions and curtailments that signal a broader systemic failure.The crisis is no longer a distant threat. Earlier this year, IOL reported that \u201cSouth Africa is facing an imminent water crisis that is quickly rearing its ugly head,\u201d a sentiment underscored by President Cyril Ramaphosa\u2019s January declaration of a national emergency.For nearly two decades, the country has battled not just power cuts but severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate-driven droughts, aging infrastructure, and mismanagement.\u00a0This yearJohannesburg\u2019s economic hub enduring water cuts lasting up to 86 hours, while Cape Town – once teetering on the edge of \u201cDay Zero\u201d seven years ago – continues to ration dwindling reserves with a long hot bath still not on the cards for most due to escalating water prices.Dickson, whose company has supplied electrical solutions across South Africa for 75 years, sees a clear path forward.”Without clear data, we\u2019re guessing the extent of the problem. Smart tech delivers real-time insights to identify inefficiencies and predict future demand,\u201d Dickson said.He advocates for IoT-powered smart meters to track and monitor water usage with precision, a solution he believes could transform a faltering system. \u201cBy leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, municipalities can transform this data into accurate demand forecasts, optimise available supply, and proactively plan for potential shortages.\u201dSouth Africa\u2019s water woes are starkly illustrated by its consumption habits. The Institute for Security Studies found that South Africans use 234 liters per person daily – 36% above the global average – a figure\u00a0 Dickson says is unsustainable. Gauteng, the nation\u2019s industrial heartland, loses one in four liters supplied by Rand Water to leaks, a hemorrhage that smart tech could staunch.\u201cSmart meters detect leaks or unusual usage spikes in real time, helping to reduce water wastage,\u201d he said. \u201cSpeedy leak identification and repair safeguards revenue, conserves supply and stabilises the network. Given Gauteng\u2019s high water losses, adopting this technology could be a game-changer.\u201dThe benefits extend beyond leak detection. \u201cThese technologies also pick up patterns and performance trends, enabling predictive maintenance to prevent equipment failures, costly repairs, and service disruptions,\u201d Dickson explained.\u201cAt the same time, proactive interventions extend the lifespan of infrastructure, ensuring long-term efficiency.\u201d He points to Australia, where smart tech slashed monthly peak demand by 10% and deferred A$100 million (R1.15 billion) in infrastructure costs for four years -\u2014a model South Africa could emulate as 29% of its water systems teeter in critical condition.Consumer behavior is another target. \u201cSouth Africans consuming an average of 235 litres water per person per day – 36% more than the global average – smart meters can influence consumer behaviour,\u201d Dickson said.\u201cBy providing detailed consumption data for activities like flushing a toilet or running a dishwasher, customers can see the direct impact of their actions.\u201d He cites the Western Cape drought, where smart meters and behavioral shifts cut water use by 15%-26% across 105 schools, saving 380 kiloliters per school.Cost remains a hurdle. \u201cWhile the upfront investment is high, the long-term returns ensure water security,\u201d Dickson argues. \u201cThe revenue lost to leaks alone could offset the cost of smart infrastructure in the short term. Minimising losses ensures a more stable financial base, enabling investment in infrastructure and maintenance which is crucial given that 29% of the country\u2019s water systems are in critical condition.\u201dWith South Africa\u2019s energy crisis complicating matters, he acknowledges the challenge, but maintains that there are solutions at hand.\u201cCritical systems, like pump stations, are already equipped with backup power. And while we can live without electricity, we cannot survive without clean water – that must be our priority,\u201d Dickson said.Budget 2025 earmarks water infrastructure fundingHowever, a better future could be at hand.Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the 2025 Budget highlighted the importance of improving the country’s water resources.He said, tabling the speech, “The water quality regulatory system was reinstated for the first time since 2014. This is the Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop certification that enables effective intervention in supporting failing municipalities to provide clean water to citizens.”National Treasury has also allocated R156.3bn to water and sanitation infrastructure.In the water sector, the Budget Review stated that the focus remains on improving municipal water services andpromoting private-sector participation.Efforts are under way to introduce an independent economic regulator to ensure fair pricing and sustainable management of water services.”The municipal turnaround strategy focuses on addressing critical maintenance backlogs, ensuring skilled personnel are in place and fast-tracking infrastructure investments to stabilise service delivery. A recent report on water-sector investment requirements estimated that R256 billion will be required annually between 2023 and 2050, totalling R7.2 trillion, to achieve water security and access for all,” the Budget Review stated.The National Water Programme aims to address investment gaps, with initial commitments from the New Development Bank and the City of Cape Town, it said.BUSINESS REPORT<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12638,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-builder"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12636"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12637,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12636\/revisions\/12637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.premium-partners.net\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}