Water utility Rand Water’s Water Wise is launching the ‘Drop-by-Drop Water Conservation Outreach’, calling for urgent and united community action as many township communities experience daily water challenges, from burst pipes and sewage spills to unreliable water supply.

South Africa faces a growing water challenge driven by shortages, leakages and infrastructure decay, and for countless families, these issues threaten dignity, health and livelihoods.

The two-day community activation will take place from October 30 to 31 at the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West, in Soweto, marking the start of a rollout in areas identified as high water use areas of several townships in the Rand Water area of supply.

The initiative seeks to transform frustration into solutions and community complaints into coordinated action, while contributing towards reducing unaccounted for water and improving water supply across these areas.

Through collective effort, knowledge-sharing and hands on engagement, Water Wise aims to inspire a radical shift toward responsible water management.

The two-day programme, blending dialogue, demonstration and empowerment, will see community members engaging in open discussions with experts and local leaders to explore practical ways to improve water delivery and accountability.

Residents will receive guidance on identifying and repairing leaks in their own homes, and a special Youth Water Champion Challenge will take place on October 30 to encourage young people to design innovative water-saving solutions and promote sustainable habits among their peers.

Township entrepreneurs will also showcase creative, water-smart business practices, proving that sustainability can drive opportunity and innovation.

Beyond the event, the outreach will directly engage over 250 residents, while broader mobilisation efforts will reach more than 1 000 households across Orland region of Soweto.

The Drop-by-Drop Water Conservation Outreach, building skills, confidence and ownership, aims to equip households with the tools and knowledge to act.

It also aims to assist and encourage youth leaders to become advocates for change, entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable models and schools to integrate water stewardship into daily learning.

The initiative intends to build a long-term framework for township-based water conservation that can be replicated nationwide.

It is envisaged that trained residents and youth will continue to contribute towards the repair and maintenance of private household and industry infrastructure, youth champions will lead by example and communities will take pride in safeguarding a shared resource.