One of the key challenges facing the South African government pertains to the provision of adequate water services. Prior to 1994, an estimated 40% of the South Africa population had no adequate water supply services.

Since 1994, South Africa has made remarkable process towards providing its population with access to basic water supply infrastructure equal to or above RDP levels. In 1994 only 61.7% of households had access to basic water services and this figure has increased to 87.2% of households in 2007. As of 2006 there were approximately 3.3 million people with no access to water and a further 4.9 million people with access to water below RDP levels. This indicator is important as it visually indicates population growth within South Africa as well as provides an indication of whether access to basic water has improved within the country. Target 10 of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals requires a halving of the proportion of households without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.