Water is life, so let’s look after it

ACCORDING to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), South Africa is recognised as a water-scarce nation, with the Northern Cape standing as its driest province, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 200 mm. This scarcity is a defining feature of the region's arid environment.

As of January 20, 2025, the Northern Cape's total water storage capacity is 147.3 million cubic meters, with current storage at 67.5 million cubic meters, representing 45.8% of capacity.

In September 2024, the Department of Water and Sanitation reported that the province's water storage levels were at 74.9%, a slight increase from the previous week's 73. However, by January 2025, the storage levels had declined to 45.8%, indicating a significant decrease over the intervening months.

This decline underscores the ongoing challenges the Northern Cape faces in maintaining adequate water reserves, highlighting the importance of continued water conservation efforts and effective resource management.

The Vanderkloof Dam, situated between the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, has declined from 80.2% to 78.5% over the past week.

The Vaal River System and the Orange River System, two major water supply systems in the Northern Cape, are currently at 69.4% and 74%, respectively. The Vaal River System has experienced a slight decline from last week’s level of 74.7%.

The Douglas Storage Weir in the Vaal River is at full capacity (109.3%), while the Vaalharts Storage Weir is at 85.5%. The Spitskop Storage Weir, located in the Harts River, is at 39.7%, and the Boegoeberg Dam in the Orange River is at 106.1%.

In terms of district municipalities, the Namakwa District Municipality's water storage is at 74.3%, Pixley ka Seme District at 107.5%, and Frances Baard District Municipality at 61.1%.

Recent rainfall has significantly improved water storage levels across the country. For instance, the Vaal Dam's levels have surged from a concerning 24.3% to 50.53% in just a week, bringing renewed hope.

Groundwater is a crucial resource for the province, especially for the 316 out of 439 towns and settlements that depend on it. This accounts for approximately 40% of households. However, the quality and quantity of groundwater vary, and some communities are utilising more than the recommended sustainable yield, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability.

Climate change poses additional challenges. The province has experienced persistent extreme heat, with maximum temperatures exceeding 40 °C. The most recent 24-month Standardised Precipitation Index revealed that the Northern Cape (Namakwa District) remains the province mostly affected by moderate to severe drought.

According to Taylor & Francis Online, looking ahead, urban water demand in South Africa is predicted to exceed supply by 2030, making the supply of clean water one of the most significant challenges for cities in the future.

Water wastage exacerbates these challenges. Factors contributing to wastage include ageing infrastructure leading to leaks, inefficient irrigation practices in agriculture, and a lack of public awareness about water conservation, something the Northern Cape is well aware of.

To safeguard water resources for future generations, several measures can be implemented:

Infrastructure Maintenance and Upgrades: Regular maintenance and timely upgrades of water infrastructure can prevent leaks and reduce water loss.

Efficient Agricultural Practices: Adopting water-efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, can significantly reduce water usage in agriculture.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the importance of water conservation and practical steps they can take can lead to more responsible water usage.

Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging the collection and storage of rainwater can provide an alternative water source for non-potable uses.

Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing policies that promote water conservation and penalise wastage can drive systemic change.

The experience of Cape Town between 2015 and 2018, when the city faced a severe drought that nearly led to "Day Zero," underscores the importance of proactive water management. A combination of sustained public communications and innovative engineering solutions helped avert the crisis.

While the Northern Cape faces significant water scarcity challenges, a combination of effective management, technological innovation, and public engagement can help secure water resources for the future.