Water crisis at new depths

19 January 2017 - 09:38 By Tanya Farber
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Cape Town's dam levels are expected to dip to around 20% in the next few months and experts warn that the city has only enough water stored for the next 100 days.

The city consumed 890-million litres a day for the week ending January 15. The following will be the consequences if the dams reach critical levels:

  • Poor-quality water

Professor Bob Scholes, a Wits University climate-change expert, says water quality deteriorates when it reaches such low levels.

"Contaminants are not diluted enough in a situation like that. The water tends to be warmer because it is shallower and that leads to pollution problems," he says.

  • Unemployment

According to the National Drought Mitigation Centre in the US, when dam levels become dangerously low, farmers' crops die. Farmers are then more likely to lay off staff to keep costs down.

  • Health problems

The NDMC also highlights the drought's social impact, saying people could expect "health problems related to low water flows and poor-quality water, health problems related to dust, reduced incomes and fewer recreational activities."

  • Lack of food and rising prices

According to AgriSA, food price hikes must be expected. Produce under severe strain includes wheat, maize, beef, sheep and sugar.

  • Drought refugees

Experts also say that in the wake of a drought, population migration follows as people leave their homes in search of food and water. This puts more pressure on already-affected areas.

  • Boreholes

Chris Jack, a researcher at the Climate System Analysis Group at the University of Cape Town, said groundwater extraction "can have negative impacts such as land sinking, salt water intrusion in coastal areas like Cape Town and a drop in water quality".

Borehole pumps further strain power supplies.

"If current consumption continues, the city expects that dam levels could be at a level of approximately 20% by the start of winter. This leaves a very low margin of safety as it is difficult to extract the last 10% of a dam's volumes," said Xanthea Limberg, mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water and waste services.

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