Innovating Out of Johannesburg’s Water Crisis 

Johannesburg, South Africa – Amid the deepening water crisis plaguing Johannesburg risk consultancy Riskonet Africa’s Risk Principal, Volker Von Widdern, says unless there is immediate and innovative action in water management the problem will escalate exponentially. 

Recognising the crisis as an opportunity for systemic change, Von Widdern is urging local authorities, risk managers, and stakeholders to adopt forward-thinking strategies that bridge the gap between current challenges and sustainable water management practices. 

He says the disruption of water supply to a major metropolitan area can have profound social impacts, touching every facet of daily life for its inhabitants. 

“Access to clean water is fundamental to public health, hygiene, and overall quality of life. Without a reliable water source, the risk of waterborne diseases escalates, putting immense pressure on healthcare systems already burdened by various challenges. The social fabric of communities begins to strain as residents grapple with the stress and uncertainty of securing water for basic needs, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts over resources.” 

 Education systems he says may also suffer, as schools struggle to maintain hygienic facilities and ensure the safety and well-being of students, potentially disrupting the educational process and prospects of the younger generation. 

Furthermore, says Von Widdern, the economic consequences of a disrupted water supply are equally dire. Industries that depend heavily on water, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, face significant operational challenges, potentially leading to production halts, job losses, and financial instability. Inadequate water pressure disables fire fighting systems, creating conditions for catastrophic losses, fatalities and injuries. 

This downturn in economic activity can ripple through the economy, reducing income levels and exacerbating poverty. Moreover, the cost of emergency water supply measures, such as trucking in water and repairing infrastructure, places a heavy financial burden on local governments, diverting resources from other critical services and development projects. The cumulative effect of these challenges can stifle economic growth, deter investment, and compromise the metro’s ability to compete on a national and global stage, underscoring the integral role that a stable water supply plays in the socio-economic health of a city. 

Right now, the deterioration of infrastructure is leading to significant water loss in Johannesburg’s supply system, with over forty percent of water being wasted through leaks and illegal connections. Additionally, critical water augmentation projects like the Lesotho Highlands Scheme, aimed at bolstering water supply to Johannesburg and the broader Gauteng area, is severely delayed. Originally projected to help alleviate the region’s water scarcity, these projects are now not expected to be completed until 2028, This delay notes Von Widdern compounds the challenges faced in securing a stable and sufficient water supply for one of South Africa’s most populous regions. 

“The water crises we face today are the result of long-standing issues that require us to think creatively and act decisively. It is not merely about crisis management but about transforming the crisis into a catalyst for sustainable development,” he says. “Innovation in water management, driven by advanced technology and strategic planning, is not just a choice but a necessity for our survival and prosperity.” 

Highlighting the role of technology, Von Widdern is advocating for the rapid adoption of state-of-the-art solutions in detecting and reducing water loss, enhancing the integrity of aging infrastructure, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.  

“Technological interventions, from sophisticated leak detection systems to the rehabilitation of pipelines with protective linings, are essential components in our toolkit against water wastage. These measures can lead to significant improvements in the reliability of water distribution and are instrumental in achieving cost savings and increasing local authorities’ revenue.” 

Von Widdern also underscores the importance of implementing a rigorous gap analysis as a standard practice in water management. “A detailed assessment of the discrepancies in water supply and demand, coupled with an understanding of the infrastructure’s current state, will enable targeted investments and strategic decisions. This approach ensures that we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.”