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The deterioration of water quality is a serious concern for a water scarce‐country like South Africa (SA). This article looks at the risks posed by the common practice of using surface waters to irrigate crops, as these are usually contaminated with harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins which can be bio‐accumulated by plants. In addition to cyanotoxins, SA waters are also heavily impacted by other pollutants such as toxic metals, salts and high electrical conductivity. The consumption of food contaminated with cyanotoxins is a growing human health concern for countries like SA which are faced with surface water eutrophication‐related challenges. The country also lacks research on human exposure to cyanotoxins via irrigated crops and regulations to manage cyanotoxins in irrigation water. Such lack of data and policies thus prompts an urgent need for local evidence‐based research to guide policies and guidelines on cyanotoxins in irrigation water, food plants and water used for livestock.

South Africa is a semi-arid country and has limited water resources. The provision of potable water to rural communities remains a challenge. The current study assesses the provision of water services and community’s perceptions of water supply amid the coronavirus pandemic in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). A sample of 448 households was selected from 14 villages. Findings revealed that communities rely on a variety of water sources with the main water source being boreholes. Households spend a significant amount of time daily to fetch water. Of the 38 boreholes in the villages, only 28% are functional and water tankers are used in times of emergency, most of which are also unreliable. The respondents were not satisfied with the quantity, quality of the water, distance travelled and reliability of the service. Water provision in VDM remains a challenge and thus needs immediate intervention particularly in the light of curbing the spread of the coronavirus. Keywords: Access to Water, Reliable Potable Water, Community’s Perceptions, Rural Communities, Water Service Provision