The Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) is calling for decisive action against polluters as it raises concern over the continued pollution of water sources by communities, municipalities, the agricultural sector and industries such as mining.

The association, supporting the Water Anti-Pollution Forum established by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, said that municipalities must comply with legislated standards for wastewater disposal and employ qualified water professionals to ensure proper sanitation management.

Poor water quality impacts negatively on health, economic development and biodiversity conservation, as well as threatens downstream irrigation areas and food security. It also increases the cost of water purification, leading to high water purification costs and affecting affordability and sustainability.

Good quality water is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation, an area in which South Africa has the capacity to lead the continent.

In line with this, AWSISA urges government agencies to align policies and investments to secure long-term water sustainability, and businesses and communities to adopt water-saving practices and invest in private water storage solutions.

It further calls for municipalities and water boards to commit to transparent, accountable, and sustainable water management practices and enforce bylaws to stop pollution.

In addition, there should be partnerships between citizens and government to develop anti-pollution campaigns, with anti-pollution campaigns led from the top by the President, Premiers, Mayors and community leaders, besides others.

The association further urges the Department of Human Settlement to play an active role in preventing pollution, as a lack of effective planning, migration and illegal land occupations contribute to pollution.

Further, polluters must be prosecuted and there is a need for effectiveness of enforcement and the judiciary.

Community initiatives, like Alexander Water Warriors and others, must be supported financially and with relevant resources by municipalities, the private sector and other government institutions.