The WaterCAN civil society organisation, who recently became independent after being incubated within the Organisation for Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), monitors the safety of water sources across the country with the goal of furthering water justice in South Africa. By implementing training initiatives and providing access to water testing kits, WaterCAN enables citizen scientists to promote water safety accountability within their communities.
...WaterCAN enables citizen scientists to promote water safety accountability within their communities.
WaterCAN has worked with OpenUp to ensure that their data is credible and easily accessible to South African citizens. Digital tools like their Map My Water Dashboard and their annual Citizen Science Water Health Report allow users to upload and access water sample data reflecting the safety of key water sources across all nine provinces.
WaterCAN dashboard launch
OpenUp is pleased to announce a host of new upgrades in 2026, including a complete overhaul of the WaterCAN application. This rebuild was informed by extensive user research, incorporating improved map usability, enhanced data-capturing capabilities, and new admin features – while still maintaining all the old user data in the new system.
This rebuild was informed by extensive user research, incorporating improved map usability, enhanced data-capturing capabilities, and new admin features...
The new app coincides with WaterCAN becoming an independent organisation, with staff now being able to gain more insights regarding research and reporting via the app.
2025 Water Health Report
In their 2025 report, WaterCAN found a concerning number of unsafe water samples, concluding that unsafe water should be considered a national crisis, rather than a problem localised to rural areas.
How to start testing
Any South African citizen can become a citizen monitor through WaterCAN, with water testing kits available for purchase for R250 to R300 from the WaterCAN website. However, if you are unable to afford a kit, accommodations can be made to receive testing kits free of charge. Become a citizen scientist now to help promote water safety justice, and accountability in your community today!
