What Influences the Availability of Water in South Africa
Water is regarded as a limited resource in South Africa. Physical characteristics like climatic conditions and rising water demands serve as the main foundation for this. This report examines whether the observed water shortage in South Africa can be attributed to environmental, economic, or both types of factors.
South Africa receives about 450 mm (per year) of rainfall on average. Our annual rainfall provides a per-person water supply potential of little over 1100 cubic meters (m3/annum).
Johannesburg, located in the North, has rainy summers and dry winters, whilst Cape Town receives the majority of its precipitation during the colder months. The weather in South Africa varies greatly, making the west of the country very desert while the east coast is wetter.
Water Shortage Causes
Climate
Water shortages are caused by high temperatures and low rainfall. There is less water available when there is little rainfall. High temperatures cause water to evaporate, reducing the amount that is available for usage. Where rainfall is heavy and temperatures are low, water surpluses are frequent.
Geology
Rainfall runs off onto the rocks below the surface. Some rocks are porous and permit the passage of water. Less surface water may result from permeable rocks. For instance, rivers in limestone settings are frequently dry; they only flow after it has recently rained. Aquifers are water reservoirs made of permeable rocks. The chalk provides 70% of the water for the south-east of England.the subsurface chalk aquifer Some rocks cannot be penetrated. Water cannot be held by these rocks, but it can be trapped in the layers above.
Pollution
Water is abundant in some areas, however it is dangerous to use due to pollution. Factory waste water and untreated sewage are problematic. Generally speaking, groundwater is cleaner, yet contaminants can seep into the ground. Uranium, arsenic, and sulfuric acid have polluted streams and rivers as a result of gold mining close to Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Over-abstraction
Groundwater levels decrease as aquifers are drained of their water. Over-abstraction occurs when the amount of water collected exceeds the amount of water that rains. Arizona’s Sonoran Desert has been over-abstracted due to water use for irrigation and urbanization. Water is getting harder to come by, and the earth is sinking.
inadequate infrastructure
Pipelines are necessary for the secure transportation of water. The likelihood of leaks and pollution is decreased by sealed pipes. These pipes are not present in all locations.
CONCLUSION
Clearly physical causes account for a sizable portion of the observed water scarcity in South Africa. These are made worse by the effects of global climate change, climate variability, and rising water demand.However, physical conditions are not the only ones that contribute to root causes. Uneven investment in water infrastructure, where geospatial disparities are evident, can be used to explain the observed water scarcity in some areas of the country. Small towns, rural provinces, and rural communities continue to receive subpar services.
