Assessing the state of domestic water sources in rural communities in South Africa

Assessing the state of domestic water sources in rural communities in South Africa

Tembakazi Titi- Mbokodi & Motebang D.V. Nakin

Issue: Vol. 7 No.3 2026 Article 6 pp.728 – 736
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026736| Published online 15th April 2026

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ABSTRACT

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity for human health and well-being, yet it remains a challenge in many rural communities. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, one of the 17 global goals set by the United Nations, seeks to ensure universal access to safe drinking water by 2030, recognising its critical role in sustainable development. This study examines the state and categorisation of domestic water sources in rural communities, focusing on their implications for household water security. A quantitative approach was employed in a local municipality in South Africa, targeting 282 households selected through stratified random sampling across 17 wards. Data was collected using structured survey questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. Findings reveal that while piped water infrastructure exists, a significant proportion of households still depend on springs and rivers, raising concerns about reliability, quality, and long-term sustainability. The study concludes that rural water insecurity persists and recommends that local government authorities prioritise the expansion of borehole infrastructure and enhance the reliability of piped water systems to improve household water security in underserved areas.The study is significant in that access to safe and reliable water is a fundamental human right crucial for health, hygiene, and overall well-being. The study provides essential data on the quality and sustainability of rural water sources, enabling policymakers and development agencies to design targeted interventions. The supports better resource allocation, community-based management, and progress towards water security and socio-economic development goals.

Keywords: Domestic water sources, Reliability, Water insecurity, Water security

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Tembakazi Titi-Mbokodi (MSc) is a Lecturer in the Department of Humanities and Creative Arts Education and a doctoral candidate currently pursuing her PhD. She holds a Master of Science in Geography with a specialisation in Water Resources. Her research interests encompass Water Resources Management and Geography Education.

Prof. MDV Nakin (PhD) is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, specialising in Marine Ecology and Water Resources Management. He serves as Managing Director of the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Centre and has an extensive record of publications in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. Prof. Nakin actively supervises postgraduate students in marine ecology and water resources-related disciplines.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Titi-Mbokodi, Tembakazi, and Motebang D.V. Nakin.“ Assessing the state of domestic water sources in rural communities in South Africa ,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.3 (2026): 728 – 736. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026736