Israel has water solution

I READ Michael Berkowitz’s article, “An opportunity for Cape Town to rise up and lead” (Cape Argus, June 2), with great interest, but must confess I am none the wiser concerning the solutions he proposes regarding our water crisis.

The facts are known: 90% of potable water is tied up, frozen at the poles.

This means that we must rely on less that 10% that is potable from rain, dams, rivers and lakes.

Fifty-five percent of our potable water from these natural sources is used for agriculture, which, together with 6% used for industry, makes a staggering 61% of clean, sweet water that is not absorbed by humans and animals but mostly eventually finds its way out to sea.

Over the past 30 years, Cape Town’s population has increased from one to four million; by 2050 it is conservatively expected to exceed five million.

With such an increase in population without creating new potable sources, finding water for even basic needs will be daunting, if not impossible. Based on World Bank figures, available water from rain, dams, lakes, rivers and aquifers could supply an estimated 38% of Cape Town’s requirements for human consumption, household use and agriculture.

To augment and secure supply into the future, we have to find ways to “manufacture” water to cover the 62% requirement shortfall.

This must come from the sea, sewerage and other sources.

The technology exists and has been available for years.

When trying to come to terms with South Africa’s water problems, including the desalination by-products of brine and the costs of production, would it not make sense to consult the acknowledged world leader in water management, Israel? RODNEY MAZINTER Camps Bay