Environmental Scientist Turns Water Equity into Action

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Dr Carla Higgs has graduated with a PhD in Environmental Science, presenting a thesis titled: ‘Developing an Equity and Equality Assessment Method for Water Resources Allocation in South Africa’.

Her research tackled one of the country’s most pressing and complex challenges: equitable access to water, and was funded by the uMngeni-uThukela Water Chair in Water Resources Research and Innovation. Two papers have been published from her doctoral research.

Higgs completed all her studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) from undergraduate level through to her PhD. “Some of the best years of my life have been spent here,” she said. “The University also has an excellent reputation for its research output. UKZN felt like the only natural choice.”

Her work sought to answer a simple but powerful set of questions: “Who gets water, who is left out and how can we track and improve this over time?”

She focused on developing a clear and practical understanding of ‘water equity’ and translating this concept into measurable indicators. These indicators functioned as a scorecard, enabling stakeholders to assess whether water resources are shared and managed fairly.

Higgs did not confine her research to theory but tested her indicators in three river catchments in South Africa, evaluating how effectively they performed in real-world conditions. This applied approach strengthened the relevance of her work, particularly in a country where policy frameworks often outpace implementation.

Her supervisor, Professor Trevor Hill, noted: “Water is a critical resource that underpins socio-economic development, sustainability, resilience, prosperity and equity. Carla examined South Africa’s paradox of progressive water law alongside entrenched inequities, addressing a crisis of inequitable access rather than availability.

“Her research defined ‘water equity’ and developed an indicator-based monitoring tool, tested across three catchments, to assess and advance equity in water resources management. It transformed a complex, aspirational idea into a practical, measurable framework for stakeholders.”

Higgs’s interest in this field was personal. “As a South African, I have witnessed first-hand how water stress and deep inequalities shape people’s daily lives and opportunities,” she said. These lived experiences motivated her to focus on governance frameworks that could strengthen social equity and ensure more equitable access to this essential resource, helping to improve people’s everyday lives.

Reflecting on the broader significance of her research, Higgs highlighted its potential to influence not only local but global water management practices. Her work contributes to how water management can become more participatory and context-specific and holds relevance for other water-stressed regions aiming to meet equity goals.

Following the completion of her PhD, Higgs is pursuing a career in environmental and sustainability consulting in London, where she focuses on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy and corporate water stewardship. Her ambition is to further her career in water stewardship at a global level.

She paid tribute to Hill, who guided her through both her master’s and doctoral studies. “It is difficult to express fully the depth of my gratitude for the profound impact his guidance has had on my life and career,” she said. She also thanked her co-supervisor, Professor Richard Meissner, as well as her husband, whose encouragement remained constant throughout her studies.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Higgs enjoys exploring nature trails and engaging in community environmental events when possible.

“I feel deeply honoured to have completed my PhD at UKZN and remain grateful for the supportive academic community that provided an inspiring environment for research and growth,” she said.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied