“Poor infrastructure maintenance and unsustainable land use practices have led to the degradation of some of South Africa’s most critical water catchments, resulting in poor water quality. This exacerbates the water crisis in South Africa which is already a water scarce country” said Dr Mao Amis, Manager of the WWF Integrated Catchment Management Programme this week.
© Kevin Schafer Canon
To meet the country’s growing water requirements, water resources are highly stressed in large parts of the country
South Africa is located in a predominantly semi-arid part of the world, with an annual rainfall of ca. 450mm; almost half the global average of 860mm.
To meet the country’s growing water requirements, water resources are highly stressed in large parts of the country. Most river systems have been significantly altered as a result of dams and weirs, the removal of water and return flows to rivers, as well as the impacts of irresponsible land use. In many instances this has resulted in a severe degradation of the quality of water, the integrity of aquatic life in rivers and the well-being of dependent rural communities. Anticipated further industrialisation and urbanisation will result in even greater stress on water resources and increased conflict between different water-use sectors, basic human needs and the needs of a healthy environment.
