Water security remains a significant challenge in the Bojanala District, North West Province, South Africa, where inconsistent access to reliable and clean water impacts community well-being and socio-economic development. Guided by the Social Ecological Model, the article aims to explore local community experiences and perceptions of water security. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through purposively selected Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews and were analyzed thematically with Atlas.ti. Thematic analysis revealed five core challenges: inadequate infrastructure, poor water quality, weak governance, inequitable access, and gendered burdens of water collection, all of which severely impact health and hinder economic development. Findings highlight the disconnect between community realities and institutional responses. The article advocates for inclusive, participatory governance, integration of local knowledge, inclusive decision-making, and gender-responsive policies. It concludes that achieving equitable and sustainable water security in South Africa requires targeted infrastructure investment and stronger governance frameworks.