Johannesburg, 16 April 2025 — With one in three water supply systems in South Africa at high to critical risk of failure and just 23% achieving chemical compliance, the country’s water infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. Yet, amid widespread service failures, many municipalities are turning to treated wastewater — including water flushed down toilets — to supplement their drinking supply. Experts say it’s already happening but warn that public trust, safety standards, and proper oversight remain alarmingly fragile.
According to WWISE (World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers) — a South African consultancy specialising in quality, environmental and risk management systems for private and public sector entities — the issue is not whether recycled water can be safe but whether it’s managed safely. The firm works extensively with government departments and municipalities to implement ISO standards and improve compliance with international best practices.
“South Africans need to understand that wastewater reuse is not inherently unsafe,” says Herman Stoop, Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist at WWISE. “What makes it unsafe is poor infrastructure, limited treatment capacity, and the lack of transparency that leaves consumers in the dark.”
According to the 2023–24 Auditor-General’s PFMA Report, South Africa’s water and sanitation sector continues to deteriorate:
- Only 40% of water systems met microbiological safety standards.
- Just 4–5% of wastewater is currently recycled, while nearly 90% is released untreated or partially treated into rivers, dams, and the ocean.
- Of 850 wastewater treatment works, 39% are in a poor or critical state and under regulatory surveillance.
- The water sector was cited in 14 material irregularities for financial loss due to mismanagement.
- R10.3 billion was lost through wasteful government spending, with weak procurement and poor project delivery as major drivers.
In this context, concerns about recycled water entering homes without sufficient oversight are growing. “Most people assume the water from their taps is clean and safe,” says Anzette Niemand, ISO Consultant in WWISE’s Cape Town office. “But we know that many systems are not only outdated — they’re failing. And public awareness of what recycled water is, how it’s treated, and whether it’s being consumed, is shockingly low.”
Recent cholera outbreaks, sewage spills, and regular “no drop” scores in government water assessments have amplified public suspicion — especially around so-called “toilet-to-tap” reuse.
“The public perception issue is huge,” adds Gareth Swart, Senior Process Engineer at WWISE. “But the irony is that recycled water — when properly treated — can be cleaner than surface water from polluted rivers or dams. The technology exists. What’s missing is implementation and accountability.”
A 2020 study revealed that only 28% of South Africans knew the meaning of ‘potable water’, and just 35% understood the concept of ‘grey water.’ More recent research confirms that public education correlates directly with acceptance of reclaimed water in household use.
WWISE’s experts argue that international quality standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 24510 (Drinking Water & Wastewater Services) and ISO 14046 (Water Footprint) provide a practical roadmap for fixing what’s broken. These frameworks enable municipalities and utilities to design auditable, transparent and effective processes — even in under-resourced settings.
“Standards alone won’t fix a broken municipality,” says Stoop, “but they offer structure, accountability, and independent verification. That’s a huge step forward in a sector plagued by mistrust and technical failures.”
However, implementing these systems requires more than paperwork. It requires sustained investment in infrastructure, technical skills, and independent monitoring. Many of South Africa’s water recycling projects—such as in Durban, Beaufort West, George, and Mossel Bay—have seen success, often because they involved public-private partnerships and external oversight.
Niemand adds, “We need billions in investment, yes — but we also need decentralised solutions, better-reporting systems, and a commitment to train and retain skilled personnel. ISO systems help embed that kind of institutional culture.”
South Africa isn’t alone. Singapore’s NEWater program now meets 40% of the city-state’s water demand through ultra-clean recycled water. Namibia has also successfully used potable reuse for decades. Cape Town’s Day Zero crisis in 2018 locally highlighted the urgent need for water diversification — but follow-through has been inconsistent.
“Singapore didn’t just build the systems — they built public trust,” says Swart. “South Africa must do the same if recycled water is to be part of our national solution.”
With droughts becoming more frequent and urban demand surging, water reuse is no longer optional — it’s inevitable.
“We can no longer afford to treat wastewater as waste,” says Stoop. “It’s a resource, and if handled properly, one that could ensure long-term water security for South Africa.”