One step closer to a battle plan
pollution the department has identified as “priorities for immediate regulatory action”.
Pollution reduces the amount of water available for use as more water must be retained in our river systems to dilute the pollution to acceptable standards.
“Some of these impacts are clearly visible, such as major fish kills, while others are more insidious and long-term. Combined, however, they are having a significant negative impact on socio-economic development.
“South Africa is seeing the deterioration of water quality in rivers, streams, dams, wetlands, estuaries and aquifers due to effluent discharges and run-off from urban and industrial areas, seepage and discharges from areas that support mining, and pollution from intensive agriculture.
“Sewage from urban areas is often not treated properly prior to discharge, due to inadequate or broken sewerage systems, overloaded or poorly managed sewage treatment plants, ageing infrastructure and poor management capacity at municipal level, resulting in poor operation and maintenance of infrastructure.
“Many industrial processes produce waste that contains hazardous or even toxic chemicals that are discharged into sewers, rivers or wetlands.
“Waste products disposed of in landfills or slag heaps may release pollutants that seep into nearby watercourses or groundwater.
“Agricultural practices add to the pollution burden, with pesticides and fertilisers entering water resources.”
Without changes in how water resources are managed, the document warns, “worsening water quality will continue to increase the costs associated with the use of the country’s water resources”.
There should be “stricter regulatory requirements for mines and industries” and “simplification of the licensing processes and integration of water use licences”.
The department is to introduce a “water pollution register” as an incentive to polluters to reduce pollution.
“Enterprises that are meeting best practice standards will be recognised, as well as the recording of non-compliant enterprises.”
Water quality management is not the mandate of the department alone.
“A joint approach between government departments is crucial in tackling the water quality challenges facing the country.”