Water shortages in Africa: what’s happening and what you can do
Water shortages are already changing daily life in many African towns and villages. From Cape Town’s near 'Day Zero' scare to repeated droughts in the Horn of Africa, shortages hit homes, farms and businesses. This page collects reporting and practical advice so you can follow the news and act locally.
Why water runs out
Several clear problems add up. Climate change brings longer dry spells and heavier, less reliable rains. Growing cities need more water but often keep old, leaky pipes. Pollution from factories and farms makes sources unsafe. Over-pumping groundwater leaves wells going dry. And when rivers cross borders, politics and weak agreements make it hard to share water fairly.
Those causes play out differently by place. Coastal cities may look at desalination or sea-based options. Rural areas depend on seasonal rains and risk crop loss. In the Sahel and the Horn, repeated failed rainy seasons mean pastoralists and farmers face the same thin supply. You’ll see these patterns in our coverage — local stories that show why the crisis feels personal, not just distant.
Practical steps that actually help
If you want to cut water waste at home, start simple: fix leaks, install low-flow taps or showerheads, and harvest rainwater for gardens. Small businesses can reuse greywater for cleaning and landscaping. Communities should push for basic fixes like metering and timely repairs — those reduce losses fast and cheaply.
At bigger scales, governments and utilities need to invest in treatment plants, leak repair crews, and smart meters. Nature-based solutions work too: restoring wetlands and planting trees help water soak into the ground instead of running off. Where it makes sense, wastewater treatment and safe reuse can free up freshwater for drinking and farming.
Regional cooperation matters. Rivers like the Nile, Zambezi and Niger cross borders — better agreements and data sharing stop disputes and help everyone plan. Private investment can help, but public oversight is crucial to keep services affordable for poor households.
Humanitarian and development groups often fill immediate gaps during drought. If you’re thinking of donating, pick organisations with clear local partners and measurable results — those deliver water fast and sustainably.
We’ll keep this tag updated with news, analysis and first-hand reports on water shortages across Africa. Read our stories to see how shortages affect schools, health clinics and markets, and to find local examples of successful fixes. Want quick tips? Follow practical guides here, sign up for alerts, or share a local water problem so our reporters can investigate.
Water shortages are solvable if communities, utilities and governments act together. You don’t need to wait for big projects to make a difference — start with small, concrete steps, push for repairs and transparency, and stay informed through trusted local reporting.
Rand Water Maintenance Nears Completion Amid Persistent Water Shortages
Rand Water's infrastructure maintenance project, which began on June 22, is nearing completion, but residents continue to struggle with water shortages. The final phase focuses on Palmiet and Mapleton stations, causing a total of 117 hours of water outages. Full recovery is expected to take several days post-maintenance, with alternative supplies provided in affected areas.