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A Window Onto Natures World - Our Water Quality, its Supply for All and Capture

A Window Onto Natures World - Our Water Quality, its Supply for All and Capture

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2023-10-26

The sources of the world's precious water are both seen and unseen. Often visible on the surface but also stored beneath like a latticing, radiator of cooling system, designed by "The Maker".

Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen in aqueous liquid and in solid form. When water occurs in liquid form from rain, or fresh underground springs or boreholes, it may then be captured into Reservoirs and Dams, with the "Quality" being tested for composition. Rainfall over any Land Resource or Catchment will swell the 'Wetlands', streams, rivers and inland lakes. The Tugela River rises from the Drakensburg Mountain at Mont-Aux-Sources with a long journey to the Indian Ocean. Many other Natal rivers embrace short catchments but no less turbulent to the Sea.

Depending on the Climatic Conditions and Seasonal Variations in temperature the water may change into ice, or into a rising vapour. In this form the vapor may travel through the atmosphere where it condenses from the oceans inland, it nourishes the Plants and Life. Where the vapor collects pollutants in the atmosphere, these will also be transferred, often with negative impacts.Water appears odourless but on clear days ponds and rivers appear blue because it mirrors the blue sky above. On cloudy days the water will remain grey.In Natal, the early Administrators adopted a professional Team Approach with expertise in Geology, Hydrology, Engineering and Construction which gave rise to our Network of Water Supply from Sterkfontein Dam, then Midmar, Albert Falls and Shongweni to the recent Inanda Dam. Each structure entertains Flood Controls and the Supply Network. Large pipes, water aqueducts and systems are necessary to convey the water to nearby towns and cities with increasing demographic and related cost implications, not merely for additional construction but to cover annual requirements of Maintenance including removal of waste, siltation, deposits of toxins and contaminants such as E. coli. Where sewer systems are inadequate, faulty and lack efficient Management, the Water Quality may be adversely affected. Regular water sampling must be undertaken with transparency of Results, and Compliance with the Health and Safety Act to prevent sickness and disease.In the rural Environment the Communities rely heavily on Dams, Reservoirs and Boreholes. A borehole may form the only supply source for a Farmer or Producer in the Food-Chain. Additionally, the Landowner may bear the expensive costs of drilling, pumps, piping, storage tanks and irrigation in order to raise his crops or maintain poultry and livestock. Without the Farmer and his staff, whether extensive or small holding - South Africa is not sustainable in terms of Fresh Market Supplies.In the Urban Environment the Usage of the water Supply needs definition into Categories:-

1) 'Potable' Water for drinking;

2) Water for Domestic and General Use;

3) 'Grey' Water which may be suitable for Parks and Gardens;

4) Water Supply for Recreational Use; Private and Public Swimming Pools, Beach Shower facilities and Water Parks!

In all categories the water should be tested regularly and the Results Recorded. A Test Kit for a Pool will show if the PH levels are correct. The temperature and volume of swimmers may vary with adjustment needed for Chlorine and Treatments, best advised by a Pool Specialist.

Our Constitution reinforces the 'Rights for ALL', Chapter 2. Section 27 (7) (b) emphasising the urgent need for the Authorities concerned to address inexcusable pollution and Water Conservation priorities.

A Catchment Revolution is needed allowing every home or shack ... a subsidy for a Rainwater gutter complete with down pipe and a storage tank. A dwelling without Rainwater Catchment and storage is incomplete.