South Africa is a water stressed country, with an impending water crisis. The national utility Eskom is building new coal-fired power stations (Medupi and Kusile). These mines are being approved without a clear view of where the mines will find the water they need. This means that local communities, already struggling for access to water, may lose their water rights to make way for mines. South Africa’s continued reliance on coal begs the question: Are the right decisions being taken around water in the country?