Freshwater. In MEPA, Malawi National State of the Environment and Outlook Report: Attaining sustainable development through environmental stewardship

Water availability for safe drinking and adequate sanitation is a significant challenge for Malawi, especially in rural areas (well established). A large section of the population lacks access to safe and clean water for domestic use, particularly in rural areas due to long distances to water sources, variations in rainfall distribution, and high equipment failure rates (approximately 40 per cent) of water supply infrastructure.
Per capita water availability declined from 1,400 m3/ person/year in 2013 to 928 m3/person/year in 2017 and is projected to decline to 403 m3/person/year by 2050, placing Malawi into the water stress category. The increase in population is leading to increased demands for industry and agriculture, and this often outcompetes access to water for domestic use. The country’s water situation is further compounded by unregulated water abstraction. Water in rivers, lakes, and shallow wells is of poor quality and generally does not meet the World Health Organization and Malawi Standards for potable water. While some progress continues to be made in improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), about US$97 million is needed for universal basic coverage and US$258 million for safely managed services by 2030 {4.2.1.2, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.3.3, 4.4.7}.
Droughts, floods and cyclones are increasing in frequency, negatively impacting Malawi’s water resources (established but incomplete). Damage caused by floods, mudslides, and flash floods is evident in some areas in Malawi. Other multiple factors affecting Malawi’s freshwater resources include human activities such as mining, agriculture, and industry which lead to pollution and sedimentation of water bodies, impacting both groundwater and surface water quality. Deforestation and sedimentation from human actions have been noted to influence lake and river levels. {4.1, 4.3.4}.
Malawi’s large rivers and lakes are facing heightened sediment load from land degradation, damaging freshwater ecosystems and reducing reservoir capacity (established but incomplete). High population densities, deforestation, high agricultural development, poor land use practices, and topography worsen conditions for soil erosion and sediment deposits into water bodies.
Catchment management systems are vital for sustainable water resources management, especially as climate change increases pressure on supply and demand. The country supports basin planning, catchment rehabilitation, and management through public works and committees to support sustainable water practices. Safeguarding watersheds is crucial for water resource preservation. Integrated water resources management efforts such as the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project aim to restore at least 50 per cent of degraded areas in major river basins such as Shire, Linthipe, Bua, Dwangwa, North Rukuru, and Lufilya {4.2.1.2, 4.4.8}.
Transboundary waters, shared by at least two countries, account for the bulk of Malawi’s freshwater inflows, including into Lake Malawi and Shire River (well established). The effective use and management of Malawi’s shared water resources requires coordination, information and data sharing, and policy harmonisation with its neighbours. {4.4.1, 4.4.2}.