Water

• Water- South Africa- Causes

  • Drought: 400-500mm of rainfall annually. 2017 was the driest year in 84 years.
  • Supply and demand: Cape towns population has grown significantly and is now over 4.5 million.
  • Energy: 77% of Cape towns energy is coal which needs high amounts of water.
• Water- South Africa- Impacts

  • Economic: Decrease in tourists in 2017. Agricultural yields reduced by 20%. 30,000 people made unemployed due to agriculture
  • Social: Health concerns such as malnutrition and airborne diseases. Personal hygiene concerns due to lack of water for regular washing. Increased cost for water
  • Environmental: Increased fire risk in surrounding forests. Dam storage reduced to 20% of total capacity. 41% of Theewaterskloof's water capacity is given to cape town, it is located in the south west of the country.
• Water- South Africa- Solutions

  • Strict restrictions:-Fines up to £700 for those who consumed high amounts of water. Hosepipe and irrigation systems were banned. 50 litres per person a day (10 litres to flush a toilet).
  • Tariffs: Water had previously been free but was now chargeable except in the very poorest communities.
  • Education: Education on the topic of water consumption and use was increased. Websites, radio broadcasts and social media played an important role.