South Africa’s annual National Water Quality Index (NWQI) report, released by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with DWS, shows measurable improvement in drinking water quality compliance across seven of nine provinces for the period 2025–2026.
Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo recorded their highest compliance scores in a decade, driven by targeted investment in water treatment infrastructure and an expanded monitoring programme covering 1,847 supply points nationally.
However, the Free State and Eastern Cape continue to face compliance challenges, with blue-drop scores declining for the third consecutive year in several district municipalities. The WRC report recommends urgent capital injection and technical capacity support for affected water services authorities.
AWSISA has submitted a formal response to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, calling for an emergency technical assistance programme for the 14 worst-performing municipalities.