The hydrological cycle in Namibia indicates that of the rainfall received, 83% is evaporated, 14% is lost through transpiration, 2% is run off in the rivers and 1% seeps underground; which may later be extracted through boreholes for consumption. Namibia sources of water are: border rivers, dams on ephemeral rivers, ground water, fountains, seawater desalination and recycled water.

The NamWater Laboratory, situated in Windhoek, has qualified expertise and the latest technological equipment to provide a prompt water quality analysis based on requests. Thus, the public is welcome to enquire about the quality of water they use.

Ingestion of water contaminated with Cryptosporidium can lead to some not-so-pleasant symptoms. For healthy individuals, it may cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches, and low-grade fevers, lasting from 1 to 2 weeks. In people who have suppressed immune systems, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, infants, and the elderly, drinking water with Cryptosporidium can be life threatening.