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August Issue Potable Water Availability - A Time Bomb Ticking?

August Issue Potable Water Availability - A Time Bomb Ticking?

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2021-08-25

The Water contamination recorded in the Umhlanga lagoon and adjacent sedimentary sands, after the devastating fire and destruction at Comubia, emphasizes the urgent need for all levels of administration in South Africa to be regularly addressing the Water Quality in our Rivers, Steams and Dams. Where a Water Resource and Supply is distributed for human consumption and/or Agricultural Usage the Water Quality should be complaint with the Constitution.

When utilizing a Water Resource it is critical to examine the Source and the Water Quality. For example a borehole close to the shoreline may only offer brackish water; too saline to drink and unsuitable for irrigation! Our Coastal Rivers, often with short catchments, were studied and analysed by Dr. George Begg in the 1980's. His documents indicated the river water to be of good quality and supported a wide variety of riverine species and aquatic life forms. Where man has since introduced modem enterprise with discharge of industrial and human waste the aquatic life, birds and reptiles are the victims.

The Crocodile in the Oliphants River in the Kruger Park is an example. A poor reptile of ancient origin was becoming paralysed down to the tail and could not swim or lunge to capture a duiker for dinner. Under-water photography revealed that the crocodile was reliant on catching Barbel. Further laboratory investigation exposed toxins evident in the flesh of the fish. The toxic discharge was traced to an industrial sector above the river. It is likely that where Dam water is used, where the water is not flowing naturally, harmful toxins may collect in the sediment.

The Source of our Rivers is identified from the inland hills and mountains. Water channelling down-stream may suffer contamination with increased use of pesticides and sprays. Along the natural Course, E.coli and waste disposal from informal settlements close to the embankments may occur.

Set-back lines from River banks should be compulsory to ensure Soil Stability and reduce erosion, to apply for all riparian sections of the River to the Mouth and the sea. Riverine vegetation should be well established and maintained as a "Buffer" to flooding and loss of top soil. From the river's edge three main lines should be identified and well hosted with specific indigenous species namely, the "Permanent" Wetland line, the "Temporary" Wetland line and the 1 : 100 year Flood line. Due to "Climate Change" professional monitoring to re-assess these zones bi-annually is suggested, with increased allowance for "Buffer" planting and floodwater attenuation.

Where a River forms a natural boundary between Municipalities, Provinces, or even National Boundaries, a holistic team approach is essential from all Land Resource Owners, appointed "specialists", and the Authorities concerned. The National Environment Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), and the National Water Act (Act 36 Of 1998) to apply where there is evidence of illegal activities or default.

"If all the World were paper, And all the sea were ink;

If all the trees were bread and cheese, How should we do for drink?"