Different uses, different struggles: household water insecurity in informal urban settlements in South Africa

Water scarcity is a global challenge with serious impacts on health, livelihoods and inequality, felt most strongly in contexts of poverty and marginalisation. In South Africa, climate variability, inadequate infrastructure and historical inequalities combine to create persistent water insecurity, especially in informal urban settlements. Using a household survey (n = 100), this study explores demographic, socioeconomic and gender-related factors associated with household water use, conservation behaviours and coping strategies in two informal settlements in Gauteng, South Africa. The survey provides an exploratory, quantitative overview of patterns of water access and adaptation, offering a first step towards more detailed, mixed-methods research on water insecurity in these contexts. Findings indicate heavy reliance on insecure sources such as dams (52%) and rainwater (21%), with 58% of households lacking sufficient water at least once a week and 19% experiencing shortages for multiple days. Gender differences are evident: female-led households are more reliant on rainwater (25% vs. 5.3% of male-led households) and less likely to propose strategies for improving water access. Coping mechanisms include rationing water (54%) and collecting rainwater (49%), with many households prioritising water for drinking and cooking, yet 25% report reducing drinking water during shortages. These patterns suggest that household water insecurity in informal settlements is closely linked to economic hardship, large household sizes, gendered roles and reliance on insecure sources. The study highlights the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions, including infrastructure expansion, diversified water supply systems and inclusive educational initiatives, to reduce vulnerability and support resilience in similar informal urban settlements.