How the availability of water is being threatened in South Africa?

How the availability of water is being threatened in South Africa?

In South Africa the scarce fresh water is decreasing in quality because of an increase in pollution and the destruction of river catchments, caused by urbanisation, deforestation, damming of rivers, destruction of wetlands, industry, mining, agriculture, energy use and accidental water pollution.

Where does South Africa get most of its water from?

South Africa’s water resource base is dominated, in volume, by surface water from our river systems. Yet only 8% of South Africa’s land area produces the runoff (water that drains from the surface of an area of land into the river systems) that generates 50% of the volume of water in our river systems.

Why South Africa is a water scarce country?

South Africa is a water scarce country where the demand for water is in excess of natural water availability in several river basins. As groundwater availability is limited by predominantly hard rock geology in South Africa, surface water is the more significant resource.

How many people in South Africa do not have access to water?

More than three million South Africans lack “access to a basic water supply” and more than 14 million South Africans lack “access to safe sanitation.” To address these concerns, the South African government is working to conserve wetlands and inform the public on the importance of water conservation for the future.

What is availability water?

Water availability is the quantity of water that can be used for human purposes without significant harm to ecosystems or other users. Surface waters receive water from both runoff and discharges from ground water. Ground water, in turn, relies on water recharge from the land surface.

How do physical factors influence water availability?

Low levels of rainfall and high temperatures lead to water deficits . When rainfall is low, there is less water available. When temperatures are high, water evaporates and so there is less available to use. Water surpluses are common where rainfall is high and temperatures are lower.

Who provides water in South Africa?

Rand Water was established in terms of the Water Services Act of 1997 and is categorised as a national government business enterprise in terms of schedule 3B of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999. The water board serves about 19 million people, with the Vaal River system supplying 98% of its bulk water.

What factors affect water availability?

Access to a fresh water supply is affected by the following factors.

• Climate. Low levels of rainfall and high temperatures lead to water deficits .
• Geology. Rainfall flows down to the rocks beneath the ground.
• Pollution.
• Over-abstraction.
• Limited infrastructures.
• Poverty.
• Politics.
• Impacts on water insecurity.

Why is the availability of water important?

Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. Improved water supply and sanitation, and better management of water resources, can boost countries’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction.

What are the factors influencing the availability of water in South Africa?

These are caused by urbanisation, deforestation, destruction of wetlands, industry, mining, agriculture, energy use, and accidental water pollution. These factors lead to the major reduction of available water resources.

What affects water availability?

There is a range of factors that affect the availability of water including climate, geology, pollution of supply, over-abstraction, limited infrastructure and poverty.

What is the current water situation in South Africa?

Background: South Africa’s Current Water Situation. South Africa has a population of 51 million people with 60 percent of the population living in urban environments and 40 percent living in rural settlements. Currently, South Africa has access to surface water (77 percent of total use), groundwater (9 percent of total use),

How much of South Africa’s water is actually usable?

Currently, South Africa has access to surface water (77 percent of total use), groundwater (9 percent of total use), and recycled water (14 percent of total use) [1]. However, the population’s dependence on water is not evenly distributed. Due to a lack of water infrastructure in rural settlements,…

How much of South Africa’s GDP is dependent on water?

Despite the apparent lack of water in South Africa, a large portion of South Africa’s GDP is directly dependent upon water. For example, over 15 percent of its GDP comes from agriculture, which uses 60 percent of South Africa’s water supply [1]. Another major use of South Africa’s water is energy production (2 percent of national supply).

How is the water stored in South Africa?

Presently there are a large number of dams all over South Africa that store this precious water. There are also a number of water transfer schemes that move water from one catchment via pumps, pipes and canals into another catchment.