In South Africa, the world’s 14^th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, an estimated 89% of households have access to water in the dwelling, on site, or via a communal source. As a result of rapid population growth, the country will require 17% more water by 2030 than the quantity available today.

CLASP investigated the opportunity to introduce water efficiency policies in South Africa that could conserve water and avoid associated carbon emissions from water heating. Water efficient faucets and showerheads present an opportunity to conserve natural resources and mitigate associated emissions from coal-based electricity generation. CLASP found that water efficiency policies could reduce South African water use by over 1 trillion liters per year, reducing energy consumption by 18 TWh per year and CO₂ emissions by 16 MT per year.