Benchmarking, perception study and wastewater technology guide

A recently completed study by South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Water Research Commission (WRC) found that 88% of urban South Africans perceived their tap water to be safe to drink. This is 7% higher than a similar study undertaken in 2011, showing increased confidence. The finding concurs with international studies, which found that most people in countries with a reliable potable water supply, perceive tap water as having a low risk.

But there are a number of challenges that still persists. One such challenge is reliability of infrastructure, contributing to high water losses. Some of municipal infrastructure In South Africa require major renewal (rehabilitation and replacement) to keep pace with ever increasing consumer demands. The municipal benchmarking initiative has been a valuable tool in assisting municipalities’ improve their performance. The initiative aims to:

1. Support improved efficiency and effectiveness in water services delivery through comparative performance benchmarking, peer- to-peer knowledge sharing and iterative performance improvements;
2. Strengthened performance measurement, monitoring and management in municipal water services provision, Build communities of practice within and between municipalities through water services the concept of master classes;
3. Forge relationships of mutual respect and trust between municipalities and thereby strengthen the development of performance tracking, reporting and comparative assessment systems.