The Ugu District represented the highest water backlog (with 33% of households without water) while Uthungulu represented a 41% sanitation backlog - the highest number of households without sanitation. EThekwini had 18 traditional councils, including a high number of households that lacked adequate sanitation. This would pose a great challenge in years to come if sanitation and water were not adequately and urgently addressed. In addition, some Water Service Authorities lacked the capacity to run their own affairs, including the maintenance of treatment plants.