Students choose refillable water over municipal or boiled water

The Blue Drop 2022 report, released in February by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), shows a significant decline in the country’s water quality, with water in 23% of municipalities classified as “critically endangered”. It also states that 40% of South Africa’s water supply systems have achieved microbiological water quality compliance and 23% has achieved chemical water quality compliance.

According to BusinessTech the report measures all areas that contribute to a sustainable water services business and the provision of safe water to South African citizens.

Leanne Khoza (23), bachelor of education in senior and FET phase graduate from the North-West University (NWU), said, “the low levels of water sanitation compliance are a serious problem since they present a health risk to everyone. I am from Morarela, a small town in Limpopo where we struggle to have access to clean water all the time.”

 “I had severe vomiting and diarrhoea a few weeks back. Days before our local municipality had issued a red notice, alerting us to boil our tap water before drinking it,” said Khoza.

Thandiwe Dladla (20), BA in communication student who resides at the Vaal campus, said, “taps here have white and foamy looking water that tastes salty and is not very enjoyable”.

“To make sure I drink fresh and clean water, I buy bottled water at the student centre. For bigger litres I refill my bottles at Oasis Water in Vaal Mall, Vanderbijlpark,” Dladla said. 

Refillable bottled water has become increasingly popular in South Africa, partially because many believe that it is cleaner than tap water.

Oasis Water is one company that provides clean and safe water. REFILL@OASIS is a concept created by Oasis Water that attempts to provide the general public with inexpensive access to clean and safe water while also preserving the environment.

The safe elimination of chlorine from all water, followed by a hint of ozone, is Oasis’ secret to the taste of their products. The Oasis formula generates water that is clear, colourless, and odourless by removing dangerous chemicals and utilising natural disinfectants.

Oasis water is tested monthly by accredited laboratories. Their purification equipment is subjected to daily checks ensuring the highest product quality. Oasis purified and ozonated water is also used to produce a range of juice, ice-teas, sports drinks, and ice.

Themba Hlophe (32), security guard at NWU, said, “I work long shifts and I am frequently thirsty so I need fresh water. Hlophe said that he normally goes to Oasis Water in Vaal Mall to refill his bottles before the start of his shift.”  

“Oasis water is my go to because it charges R1,50 per litre, which is very affordable and convenient to my lifestyle,” Hlophe adds. 

The right to sufficient and safe water is enshrined in South Africa’s constitution, and local governments are responsible for providing water services, provincial and national governments are in charge of oversight and monitoring as stated in the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997).