Shoprite And Checkers Now Offer Purified Water Refills In South Africa

South Africans can now get purified water refills at a majority of Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets countrywide, the Shoprite Group announced on Wednesday 26 February.

In recent months, various parts of the country have experienced water shortages . There have also been concerns about unsafe water in some areas.

As a water-scarce country, South Africa faces ongoing water shortages driven by shifting weather patterns, infrastructure challenges and persistent droughts, the group said in a statement.

In response, Shoprite and Checkers have stepped up to support customers by offering purified water at just R1 per litre in the majority of its supermarkets.

It added that most of its stores have installed large backup water tanks to ensure sustained trade and service to customers. These tanks can provide water for three to six days if normal water supply is disrupted.

When necessary, water is purchased in bulk to replenish supplies. Water is purified through a reverse osmosis process and regularly tested onsite, as well as subjected to independent laboratory analysis, to ensure its safety for consumption, Shoprite said.

Its refill price of R1 per litre is on par with most offerings in the market currently. However, some brands charge as low as 75 cents per litre, but others sell a minimum of 5 litres per refill.

The proximity of Shoprite and Checkers stores to residents of many areas may work in their favour.

"We are aware that our customers and communities face tremendous difficulties during water supply outages, so we have equipped our stores to make water available at the lowest prices," the groups Chief Sustainability Officer Sanjeev Raghubir said.