Aqua Enduro is a Department of Water and Sanitation initiative to address the skill shortage in the scientific and engineering disciplines within the water sector at grass roots level.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to mobilizing citizens to participate in World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) each year. WWMD is celebrated internationally on September 18, and people around the world are encouraged to find ways to monitor the quality of their water.

AQUA ENDURO seeks to bring together young people from around the country for a week-long event filled with water activities, sport and games. The idea is to engage young people in mental and physical activities that test their intellectual capabilities and stamina while learning about water and having fun. Hence the slogan LEARN WATER THROUGH FUN AND PLAY!

The competition is open to Grade 11 learners with subjects in Mathematics and Science. The competition was communicated through various mediums across the country. As part of the competition entry, learners were expected to submit a poster on the importance of water quality as well as an essay on why he/she is interested in the water field, how to promote WWMD at their schools and a motivation why DWS should consider him/her for AQUA ENDURO 2010 participation.

Activities during the competition include visiting water purification and waste water treatment plants, testing of water resources, physical competition, drinking water quality sampling, participation in a quiz from site visits, treasure hunting on drinking water quality and many more.

Finalists in the competition receive a full scholarship towards a career in Water. These finalists will also be mentored by sector partners through their Grade 12 year and their tertiary studies to ensure that they are utilised fully within the sector. These finalists also participate in the annual Youth Summit in a prestigious event recognizing participation of and contribution made by youth as ambassadors in water-related programmes advanced by the Department. The purpose of the summit is to ensure that the Department delivers in its mandate of youth development with the intention of creating awareness amongst young people about the career opportunities within the Sector.

The Department award 16 learners from all Provinces bursaries to further their studies at the Institution of Higher learning of their choice.