Towards a shared understanding of water security risks in the public and private sectors

This article investigates the knowledge and understanding of water risks, and how these are perceived in the private and public sectors. The article is based on a case-study catchment dominated by agricultural activity near Grabouw, in the Western Cape, South Africa. Starting with an overview of the hydrological context, the article follows with a discussion of the current water challenges and water-related risk perceptions of private- and public-sector actors. A conceptual framework is proposed, mapping the different water security risks. The article suggests that water management is improved when different actors acknowledge their shared water risks.