Let’s co-operate to find solutions to our water crisis

THE EXCELLENT piece on water management in the Argus on June 7 is an example of meaningful dialogue. The writer expounds on action taken by cities that have experienced and survived long periods of drought. They have fashioned strategies for coping and formed an alliance of similar cities that are able to be more effective in this crucial area.

We talk around the truth that many water users in the Western Cape are ANC voters who were migrated here as a polling strategy. They remained and partake of the available supply of potable water. I am not demonising these worthy citizens. I am merely pointing out the fragmentation that prevents dialogue to find a solution. The national government should be the first agency in the Western Cape’s plight. We in the Western Cape should look at all the possible solutions that are not spoken about.

It is ironic that the mega-production house for beer straddles an inexhaustible supply of spring water. It would rather produce the beer and justify its profit-mania with mealie-mouthed campaigns on the evils of overindulgence.

And what about the easily identified areas that suffer every winter with predictable flooding. Doesn’t this attest to a high water table and a potential for exploitation?

Couldn’t flood management also be adapted to be a water-siphoning and conserving exercise? This is what ostensibly keeps golf courses and other playing fields green, regardless of dwindling reservoirs and other surface water.

I grew up swimming and fishing in the Black and Liesbeeck rivers. The once-verdant conduits are sludge-choked streams. Surely there is a technology that can rehabilitate the water courses? The state of the rivers, including Elsies and Kuils, is nothing short of neglect.

Never mind global warming and other intellectual discourse. Preserve, conserve and rehabilitate.

Pool owners should also be encouraged to reduce evaporation by fitting covers. So far it was done only as crisis management. But the buy-in from pool owners to fit water-retaining strategies could replicate the rule that requires the pool to be surrounded by a child-safe fence.

I have also been reminded that the Dutch word “-gracht” (as in Heerengracht) alludes to stream. Some researcher has proved that many buildings stand over long-forgotten infinite flows of water from the mountain that is copious enough to power the city’s lights. So, maybe a bore-hole in the middle of Adderley Street? The need is real enough.

We have a very long-coastline stretching from Namibia to Mozambique. We are almost surrounded by water.

Drop the diplomatic spats and accept help from those who know how to desalinate. Cost is not a deterrent. Or despair with the words of the Ancient Mariner: Water. water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.