--- title: "Stop the rot: end SA’s water pollution" description: Invest in sustainable water infrastructure and guarantee universal access to clean water for all South Africans image: https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/sa-water-pollution.jpg --- [![Greenpeace](https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/greenpeace_p4_theme/assets/gp-logo.svg)](https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en) Sign petition ![sa-water-pollution](https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/sa-water-pollution.jpg "sa-water-pollution") **Toxic industrial waste, unchecked mining pollution,** untreated **sewage released into our rivers and lakes. A failing infrastructure.** South Africa is in a a full-blown water crisis. The statistics are shocking: - **50,000 litres of raw or partially treated sewage seeps into our rivers every second** - **Only 26 of South Africa’s 958 water supply systems can deliver clean, drinkable water** Sewage flows into rivers throughout the country, turning dams green and killing people who drink the polluted water.  This isn't just an environmental issue. **It's a human rights issue.** Your voice is crucial - tell the government you demand clean, safe water for all South Africans and that our rivers, lakes and oceans should be protected. READ MORE ▲ ## **It’s time to hold authorities accountable** The South African government must**:**  - - Implement and enforce strict environmental regulations to stop industrial pollution, mining discharges and toxic runoff - Invest in sustainable water infrastructure, repair leaks, upgrade sanitation and improve reservoirs - Hold polluters accountable and enforce stricter penalties on industries and water treatment plants polluting water sources - Guarantee water access for all, ensuring every South African has clean, safe water, regardless of location or income - Ring-fence or protect funds collected from water, electricity, sewage, and other service bills to ensure that they are used exclusively for maintaining and improving these essential services, rather than being diverted to unrelated projects supporters needed to reach By clicking to submit on a petition or form, you agree to Greenpeace Africa using the information you provide to keep you updated via email, mail, telephone, WhatsApp, text and social media about our campaigns and the ways you can help and get involved. 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[Yes, I will donate](https://africadonate.greenpeace.org/page/FUNKQGUDVXN?ref=ty-page-sa-water-fr&ctg=button) Not right now, but I can share the petition **The more people who add their voices, the greater our chances are of getting the Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation to do the right thing.** **Will you please share this petition on social media or Whatsapp?** [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/end-SA-water-pollution) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/4iljc7o) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://act.gp/4kFHOcC) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/4iKoFVf) The more people taking action, the more impact we'll have. [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/end-SA-water-pollution) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/4iljc7o) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://act.gp/4kFHOcC) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=South%20Africa%27s%20water%20crisis%20is%20out%20of%20control!%20Toxic%20waste,%20sewage%20spills,%20and%20failing%20infrastructure%20are%20polluting%20our%20rivers%20and%20killing%20people.%20We%20must%20demand%20urgent%20action%20NOW!%20Join%20me%20to%20call%20on%20the%20government%20to%20fix%20this%20crisis%20%3E%3E%20https://act.gp/4iKoFVf) Take more action ![ghana-textile-waste-email-launch](https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/ghana-textile-waste-email-launch.gif) Petition Stop Ghana from becoming Europe's textile waste dumpsite Africa has become Europe’s fashion waste dumping hotspot. 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