The DWS has partnered with Rand Water and Brandscapers Africa to promote water conservation in Orlando West, Soweto, as part of the Drop-by-Drop Outreach Programme held at Uncle Tom’s Community Centre last Thursday, October 30.

The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to working with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of saving water and reporting leaks – a critical step towards ensuring a sustainable water supply for all.

Soweto, one of Johannesburg’s hardest-hit areas when it comes to water shortages, has experienced frequent supply challenges that have sometimes sparked service delivery protests.

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“Bringing the outreach programme to Soweto is a proactive effort to engage with residents directly on issues of water conservation, infrastructure maintenance, and leak reporting – empowering communities to be part of the solution to the city’s water challenges,” the DWS said in a statement.

The campaign continued on Friday with a river clean-up along the Klip River, aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and protecting local water resources.

In addition, teams conducted a door-to-door awareness drive in Orlando West, educating residents about responsible water use and gathering insights into water-related challenges through a short questionnaire.

The department said the information collected will help the Rand Water Water-Wise team design targeted interventions and strengthen future community support programmes.

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Addressing residents, Gauteng Provincial Head of the DWS, Justice Maluleke, stressed the urgent need to report leaks and use water wisely.

“South Africa does not have enough water – in fact, it is one of the driest countries in the world.

“Our rainfall patterns differ significantly from other regions, and climate change is worsening the situation. It calls on all of us to rethink how we use water,” Maluleke said.

He highlighted that South Africans use around 300 litres of water per person daily, compared to the global average of 173 litres. Much of this excess use, he noted, is due to leaks and irresponsible consumption.

“DWS will always support initiatives like this because if we implement what we are discussing here, we can prevent future problems and ensure a sustainable water supply.

“Managing our water use – especially by fixing leaks – not only saves water but also lowers water bills,” he added.

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Maluleke also raised concerns about residents receiving free water or living in informal settlements, urging them to use water sparingly. He warned against illegal connections and meter bypassing, which undermine conservation efforts.

“The department, together with its entities, pleads with residents to be responsible water users,” he said.