Reducing Water Pollution In South Africa: Strategies And Solutions

South Africa is facing a water crisis

Reduce plastic waste

South Africa is facing a water crisis, with unreliable rainfall and a lack of access to safe drinking water. Water pollution is a significant issue, with human activities such as coal mining, agriculture, and plastic waste contributing to the problem. To reduce water pollution in South Africa, it is essential to address the issue of plastic waste. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste and mitigate water pollution:

• Ban plastic packaging imports: South Africa should join the over 70 other African countries that support the Global Plastic Treaty and ban the import of plastic packaging. This will reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the country and decrease the pollution of fragile river and dam ecosystems.
• Improve waste management: Invest in infrastructure and technologies for proper waste management, including recycling and disposal of plastic waste. Support initiatives like the BanQu App, which connects waste pickers and buyback centres to major recycling companies, promoting transparency and traceability in the recycling process.
• Encourage recycling: Promote a culture of recycling among South Africans by providing accessible recycling services and education on recyclable materials. Ensure that recycling services are standardized and easily available to all, including residential areas.
• Reduce plastic use: Focus on reducing plastic consumption in the first place. Individuals can make conscious choices to minimize their plastic usage, such as using reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Businesses can also offer eco-friendly alternatives, like Ecobox's reusable plastic moving boxes.
• Educate about soft plastics: Soft plastics, such as cling wrap, are often not recyclable. Educate the public about the types of plastics that cannot be recycled and provide alternatives or proper disposal methods for such materials.
• Support anti-plastic campaigns: Support campaigns like the #breakfreefromplastic campaign, which aims to audit the sources of plastic waste harming communities and economies.
• Promote reusable alternatives: Encourage the use of reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as metal or glass water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and biodegradable materials.
• Implement extended producer responsibility (EPR): Hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their plastic products, including financing the collection, recycling, and responsible end-of-life disposal. This will incentivize companies to reduce plastic usage and improve recycling practices.

Improve wastewater treatment works

South Africa's water treatment infrastructure is in dire need of improvement, with a recent report by the Department of Water and Sanitation revealing that more than two-thirds (67.6%) of wastewater treatment works are close to failure. This is contributing to the country's water crisis, where almost half (46%) of water supply systems pose acute human health risks due to bacterial or pathogen contamination.

To address this, South Africa should prioritise investing in the necessary upgrades, extensions, and refurbishments of its wastewater treatment facilities. This includes allocating funds to address issues such as defective infrastructure, inadequate chemical purification, and a lack of monitoring equipment and skilled personnel.

The country should also focus on reducing water loss through leaks, which currently stands at over 47% of all clean and treated water. This can be achieved by repairing and replacing ageing pipes and infrastructure, as well as implementing regular maintenance programmes to identify and fix leaks promptly.

Additionally, South Africa should aim to improve the technical and management capacity of its water treatment plants. This includes hiring more qualified staff, such as the 203 technical staff and 197 scientists identified as needed in the Blue Drop Report, and providing comprehensive training programmes for existing staff.

By prioritising these improvements, South Africa can significantly reduce water pollution, ensuring safer and more reliable access to clean water for its citizens.

Reduce pollution from mining and agriculture

Water pollution from mining and agriculture is a pressing issue in South Africa, threatening both human health and the environment. Here are some measures that can be implemented to reduce pollution from these sectors:

Mining

• Treatment of acid mine drainage: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant issue in South Africa, particularly from gold and coal mines. AMD occurs when water comes into contact with sulphur-bearing minerals, such as pyrite, resulting in the formation of highly acidic water. This acidic water can contaminate nearby water sources and ecosystems. Treatment methods such as lime neutralisation, ion exchange, and carbonate neutralisation can be employed to neutralise the acidity and remove heavy metals.
• Improved wastewater management: Mining operations should implement better wastewater management practices. This includes the treatment and safe disposal of wastewater to prevent it from contaminating water sources.
• Water recycling and reuse: Mines can reduce their water consumption and minimise pollution by recycling and reusing water wherever possible. This can be achieved through processes such as waterless mining, closed-loop systems, and the use of alternative water sources, such as saline water for dust suppression.
• Environmental impact assessments: Comprehensive environmental impact assessments should be conducted before approving any new mining projects. These assessments should identify potential risks to water sources and ecosystems and propose mitigation measures to minimise pollution.
• Stringent regulations and enforcement: The government should implement and enforce stringent regulations on the mining industry to minimise water pollution. This includes setting limits on the discharge of pollutants, regular monitoring, and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
• Rehabilitation and closure plans: Mining companies should be required to set aside funds for rehabilitation and environmental restoration after the completion of mining operations. This includes the proper sealing of wells and the treatment of contaminated sites to prevent further pollution.

Agriculture

• Reduced use of agrochemicals: Farmers should be encouraged to reduce their reliance on agrochemicals, such as pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, organic farming methods, and precision agriculture technologies can help minimise the use of chemicals and reduce the risk of water pollution.
• Adoption of sustainable practices: Sustainable farming practices, such as contour and furrow trenches, can help prevent the runoff of agrochemicals and sediment into nearby water bodies. Conservation tillage, buffer strips, and riparian buffers can also minimise erosion and sedimentation, reducing the risk of water pollution.
• Education and extension services: The government and agricultural organisations should provide education and extension services to farmers, promoting sustainable practices that minimise water pollution. This includes training on the proper use and disposal of agrochemicals, as well as alternative farming methods that are environmentally friendly.
• Waste management: Proper waste management practices should be implemented on farms to prevent pollution. This includes the safe disposal of agricultural waste, such as manure and crop residues, as well as the responsible use and disposal of plastic products to prevent plastic pollution.
• Precision agriculture technologies: Farmers can adopt precision agriculture technologies, such as variable rate technology and site-specific crop management, to optimise the use of agrochemicals and reduce their environmental impact. By applying chemicals only where they are needed and in the required amounts, the risk of water pollution can be minimised.

Improve water infrastructure

South Africa's water infrastructure is in need of investment and improvement. The country's water infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of its growing population, and this is having a negative impact on water quality and contributing to water scarcity.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has a mandate to ensure the country's water resources are protected, managed, used, developed, conserved, and controlled. Over the medium term, the department plans to continue focusing on improving the regulation of water quality and implementing an integrated water resource management approach.

To improve water services, the DWS plans to oversee large and small regional infrastructure projects. The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) will guide the water sector with investment planning and is intended to address present challenges, estimate required investments, and facilitate effective integrated investment planning.

The National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) is expected to leverage large-scale investments in national water resource infrastructure to ensure sufficient bulk water supply. Augmentation projects and interventions aim to ensure that challenges with municipal water and sanitation service delivery are not exacerbated by a shortage of bulk water.

Water boards were established to provide support to municipalities by providing bulk water treatment and water distribution infrastructure. Some water boards provide retail water and sanitation services on behalf of municipalities, while others operate largely in rural areas.

To improve equitable access to water resources, the DWS planned to finalise 80% of water use authorisation applications within 90 days of application. South Africa has expanded access to water to more than 89% of all South Africans, and 84% have access to sanitation services. However, there are still disparities in access, with a sizeable proportion of households in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape with no access to piped water.

To address sanitation issues, the DWS has developed a National Sanitation Framework, which includes revised norms and standards for sanitation services that will make it clear that it is unacceptable for municipalities to implement the bucket system.

By mid-2023, Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) was being implemented, which will augment water supply to Gauteng and some areas of the Free State, Northern Cape, and North West. This project will increase water security in the Integrated Vaal River System, which is the primary water resource for the Gauteng economy.

These infrastructure improvements and initiatives are crucial steps towards ensuring access to clean water and sanitation services for all citizens and addressing the water crisis in South Africa.

Reduce deforestation and wetland destruction

Deforestation is a major driver of water pollution in Africa. Forests act as natural filters, trapping pollutants and sediments before they reach water bodies. They also help to regulate water flow and prevent soil erosion, reducing the amount of sediment and pollutants that end up in rivers, lakes, and other water sources. With deforestation, these benefits are lost, leading to increased water pollution.

In South Africa, invasive alien plant species are a significant contributor to deforestation and, consequently, water pollution. These species consume more water than indigenous vegetation, threatening water security and biodiversity. The Working for Water Programme, established in 1995, aims to address this issue by clearing invasive species and restoring indigenous vegetation. The programme has had positive impacts on water supply and provided employment opportunities for local communities. However, there are concerns about its long-term sustainability and potential environmental impacts, such as increased erosion and siltation.

To reduce deforestation and wetland destruction in South Africa, the following measures can be implemented:

• Invasion Control: Early detection and rapid response are crucial for controlling the spread of invasive alien plant species. Regular monitoring and early warning systems can help identify and manage invasions before they become established. This includes controlling the introduction and spread of invasive species through effective quarantine and biosecurity measures.
• Reforestation and Habitat Restoration: Reforestation efforts should focus on restoring indigenous vegetation and promoting biodiversity. This includes planting native tree species and implementing erosion control measures, such as contour trenching and mulching, to stabilise soils and prevent siltation of water bodies.
• Sustainable Land Management: Promoting sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and sustainable forestry, can help reduce deforestation and protect water sources. Agroforestry, for example, integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, providing multiple benefits, including improved soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration.
• Community Engagement and Education: Local communities play a vital role in protecting and restoring forests. Educating communities about the importance of forests for water security and involving them in reforestation and conservation efforts can foster a sense of stewardship and encourage sustainable practices.
• Policy and Legal Frameworks: Strengthening policies and legal frameworks related to deforestation and wetland protection is essential. This includes enforcing regulations on logging, mining, and agricultural activities that contribute to deforestation. Additionally, implementing payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes can provide incentives for landowners to protect and restore forests, recognising the value of forests in regulating water flow and quality.
• Alternative Livelihoods: Providing alternative livelihood options for communities dependent on deforestation activities, such as charcoal production and illegal logging, is crucial. This can include promoting sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and non-timber forest product businesses.
• International Cooperation: Deforestation in South Africa is often driven by global demand for commodities such as timber, palm oil, and cocoa. International cooperation is necessary to address these drivers, including sustainable supply chain management and consumer awareness.

By implementing these measures, South Africa can reduce deforestation and wetland destruction, contributing to improved water quality and environmental sustainability.

Frequently asked questions