Study unveils water danger in S-African schools
(MENAFN)
A recent investigation by a South African environmental group has revealed that 43% of schools participating in a national water testing project found dangerous bacteria in their water samples. The results were published on Wednesday.
A recent investigation by a South African environmental group has revealed that 43% of schools participating in a national water testing project found dangerous bacteria in their water samples. The results were published on Wednesday.
The Water Community Action Network (WaterCAN), launched in March, engaged teachers and students from 95 schools across eight provinces to test local water using citizen science kits developed by iLAB. Of the 54 schools that submitted data, 23 found their water sources contaminated.
Tank water emerged as the most unsafe, with 73% testing positive for harmful bacteria such as coliforms and E. coli. River water also posed risks, with contamination reported in 66% of samples, while 23% of tap water samples failed safety checks.
“This is more than just a water problem,” said WaterCAN executive director Dr. Ferrial Adam. “Without clean water, children are at risk of illness, making it harder for them to learn or stay safe at school.”
Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga acknowledged the urgency of the findings, stating the nation must ensure learners have access to safe drinking water.
The issue highlights broader water access challenges across Africa. While 70% of Africans reportedly have access to basic water services, millions still rely on unsafe sources. In rural South Africa, only 36.7% of residents have access to clean drinking water, compared to 71.8% in cities, according to a 2024 government report.
Infrastructure is another major hurdle—nearly 30% of South Africa’s water systems were classified as critical in the 2023 Blue Drop report.
Poor water access remains deadly in other parts of Africa. In 2019, contaminated water was linked to 10% of all deaths in Chad and nearly as many in the Central African Republic, Niger, South Sudan, and Nigeria.
Unsafe water continues to drive outbreaks of diseases like cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis A across the continent.
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