WaterCAN Launches Second Annual Water Testing Week Across South Africa
More than 600 citizen scientists are testing water
Image: WaterCAN
WaterCAN’s second annual Water Testing Week is underway this week, running from the 17th to the 24th of September encompassing the World Water Monitoring Day on 18 September and culminating in World Rivers Day on 24 September. WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), is committed to safeguarding South Africa’s water resources.
Last year 80 volunteers from across the country participated in the water testing initiative. This week WaterCAN has distributed more than 1 100 water testing kits to over 600 individuals in all nine provinces. They will play a pivotal role in monitoring and testing the quality of tap water, rivers, reservoirs, and dams.
On 19 September, WaterCAN launched Water Testing Week at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, a fitting backdrop for this important environmental initiative.
“Water testing is our crucial first step in holding polluters accountable and combating water pollution. But it doesn’t end there. We must share the results, rally more supporters, and ignite a water movement. Our water is too vital to leave anyone on the sidelines,” says Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager for WaterCAN.
Water quality is a critical issue that affects the health and well-being of communities nationwide. Water Testing Week is intended to empower citizens to become stewards of their local water sources. By engaging in this hands-on activity, participants not only gain a deeper understanding of their environment but also contribute to the collective efforts to ensure clean and safe water for all.
“Through regular testing conducted by committed WaterCAN supporters, our mission is to achieve a comprehensive overview of the quality of our water across the country. Only by understanding the full scope of the issue can we prevent the deterioration of our precious water resources and ensure their long-term sustainability,” says Adam.
This initiative underscores WaterCAN’s commitment to raising awareness about water quality issues and fostering a culture of responsible water management. WaterCAN believes that collective action is essential to safeguard our most precious resource, and this event exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community engagement.
Stay up to date with the campaign visit watercan.org.za/map where participants will upload their data, or follow it on social media channels with the #WaterCANTestingWeek.
WaterCAN’s water testing week
The week of 17 to 24 September is WaterCAN’s annual water testing week. See more here.
WaterCAN is working with other water champions, organisations and communities to test water, aiming to collect enough data to support calls for authorities to clean up. Water from any source – rivers, dams, taps – can be tested and WaterCAN calls on the public to be citizen scientists and test their water. Testing kits are available through WaterCAN.
