South Africa is currently over exploiting its renewable water resources. Moreover, withdrawals are forecast to increase in all three sectors (agricultural, industrial and municipal). Meanwhile, much of the country’s water infrastructure is in disrepair and dam levels are dangerously low. This report presents a national-level forecast of water supply and withdrawals until 2035, before exploring alternative scenarios. It is possible to restore stability to South Africa’s water system, but it will take significant financial investment and political will.
