Parched prospects: the emerging water crisis in South Africa

South Africa faces a severe water crisis due to over-exploitation of its freshwater resources, with potential dire effects on development.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The research method involved using the International Futures (IFs) global forecasting system to model and forecast water demand and supply in South Africa until 2035. Data sources included various documents such as the National Water Resource Strategy 2013 (NWRS2), with additional information from IFs.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

This report examines South Africa's impending water crisis, forecasting water demand until 2035 using the International Futures (IFs) system. South Africa is already over-exploiting its water resources, and the gap between water supply and demand is widening. The National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Water Resource Strategy 2013 (NWRS2) recognize the interconnection between water, food, and energy, especially in the context of climate change. Despite this, the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation's current strategies are insufficient to close the gap. The paper suggests aggressive measures to manage demand and increase supply, emphasizing the need for a shift towards a recycling economy where water of varying quality is used for different purposes. The authors propose solutions for each sector of demand and source of water supply, highlighting the importance of groundwater, wastewater reuse, and the potential for desalination, especially in coastal areas.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Categories: 2030 time horizon | 2030s time horizon | English publication language | South Africa geographic scope | agriculture | climate change | development | forecasting | national development plan | resources | south african development | south african future | water | water conservation | water crisis | water demand | water in south africa | water infrastructure | water management | water scarcity | water supply