The sustainable management of our freshwater resources is critical for the economic development of South Africa. We live in a naturally water scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 464 mm – well below the world average of 860 mm. More that half of all our water comes from 15% of our rivers. In terms of water availability per person, South Africa is classified as a water-stressed country, with 98% of our water supplies already being used. Based on our current water use and population growth, the Department of Water Affairs estimates a 1,7% water shortage by 2025.
To ensure that our water is enough to satisfy the needs of our country in the businesses and residents must reconsider the way they use water. There are 2 major areas which we need your help to positively counteract the problems we face.
To ensure that our water is enough to satisfy the needs of our country in the businesses and residents must reconsider the way they use water. There are 2 major areas which we need your help to positively counteract the problems we face.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is one of Cape Town’s Major sources of income. This results in less concern about environmental repercussions and more concern in maximising profits. While the affect of agriculture on our water table must be limited we need to spare a thought for the jobs and money it generates for the city.
In agriculture, farmers in the mountainous regions of Cape Town who tap into the rivers as a source for irrigation use this water, by and large, irresponsibly.
1. Excessive amounts of water are used to irrigate plants which run off and are wasted.
Through irresponsible farming practices sources of water are exploited and more water is used than needed in cheaper and faster irrigation processes.
2. These farmers also use fertilisers and pesticides when irrigating their plants. Excess fertilisers which runoff cause nutrient enrichment of rivers and eutrophication. Pesticides which run off could cause contamination of our water sources.
3. Plantations are planted to face the sun and not the gradient of the land increasing erosion.
This along with the excess use of water causes sedimentation and silt build up due to erosion encourages reed growth and requires maintenance to ensure the maintenance of the rivers hydraulic capacity and water pressure so that water availability is greater downstream.
In agriculture, farmers in the mountainous regions of Cape Town who tap into the rivers as a source for irrigation use this water, by and large, irresponsibly.
1. Excessive amounts of water are used to irrigate plants which run off and are wasted.
Through irresponsible farming practices sources of water are exploited and more water is used than needed in cheaper and faster irrigation processes.
2. These farmers also use fertilisers and pesticides when irrigating their plants. Excess fertilisers which runoff cause nutrient enrichment of rivers and eutrophication. Pesticides which run off could cause contamination of our water sources.
3. Plantations are planted to face the sun and not the gradient of the land increasing erosion.
This along with the excess use of water causes sedimentation and silt build up due to erosion encourages reed growth and requires maintenance to ensure the maintenance of the rivers hydraulic capacity and water pressure so that water availability is greater downstream.
RESIDENTIAL USAGE
As the water flows down river it eventually becomes part of our urban environment and becomes polluted when we use it. In Cape Town the natural and built environment are linked via the storm water system so what we do in and around our homes directly affects the our water.
The health of river system is vital to maintain our water supplies in terms of quality and availability.
- The first problem surrounding residential usage is water wastage.
Many households are unaware that the amount of water they use is exorbitant. Thus daily practices use small amounts more than what they should and eventually this surplus amounts to large quantities of waste water. Households use as much as 60% of all the water in our city, and any actions we take to use water more efficiently will make a big difference to the sustainability of our water resources. Increasing populations and urbanisation place pressure on our scarce water sources and supply the current demand is growing increasingly complex and costly. - Rivers and wetlands are used to flush out waste and toxic materials of residential properties. Vleis, rivers affected by illegal dumping, flushing of factories, overflow from chlorinated pools, chemicals, pesticides, runoff from informal settlements and polluted storm water.
Many Residential areas in Cape Town are intersected by rivers and wetlands. Wetlands control flow of water and filtration and replenishing groundwater, absorption of greenhouse gases, maintenance of biodiversity, reduces risk of flooding. Wetlands and rivers are threatened and storm waters are polluted by increasing development in urban areas. This contributes to degradation of water quality and in some cases eutrophication of wetlands.
The health of river system is vital to maintain our water supplies in terms of quality and availability.