Water Resource Management In South Africa

The global population explosion and subsequent elevated levels of agricultural and industrial production are putting increasing pressure on existing water supplies.

- Dr WA Lombard

According to estimates by the Water Resources Group, global water demand is on track to outpace supply by 40% within the next two decades.

And with the potential effects of climate change compounding this water crisis, the stakes are raised even higher. Complicating this challenge, even more, is the reality that there is no singular water crisis as every country faces problems unique to their area and makeup.

In India, the growing population is moving towards a middle-class diet that relies more heavily on wheat and sugar, the production of which requires more water. China’s large agricultural sector and fast-growing economy are driving rapid industrial growth and urbanization, leading to a much higher demand for water.

A complex situation

In South Africa, the challenge of water resource management is complex. Our semi-arid country is characterized by low rainfall, limited underground aquifers, and reliance on significant water transfers from neighboring nations. Soon the South African government will face difficult economic and social decisions relating to the division of water among the agricultural sector, key industrial activities, such as mining and power generation, and growing urban centers.

The estimated demand for water in South Africa will reach 17,7 billion cubic meters in 2030. The current supply will equal only 15 billion cubic meters. South Africa purchases almost 25% of its total water supply from Lesotho. Furthermore, the effects of climate change could exacerbate the problem significantly. Even a small decrease in rainfall (and a corresponding increase in irrigation requirements) could result in a gap as large as 3,8 billion cubic meters.

Increased water demand