Groundwater – the key to solving SA’s water problem
MORE than 60 million litres of water per year are to be provided to needy communities by the end of 2021.
As we enter Water Month in South Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages SA (CCBSA) is on the path to delivering millions of litres of groundwater to distressed communities around the country.
In its Coke Ville Groundwater Harvesting Project, CCBSA has already handed over one community-based groundwater project and five additional sites are planned for deployment this month, coinciding with National Water Week from March 15 to 22.
These self-sustaining groundwater projects will be implemented in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.
“South Africa is a water scarce country and continues to face major water challenges, the impacts of which are felt across all industries,” said Nozicelo Ngcobo, public affairs, communication and sustainability director at CCBSA.
“Water quality issues, ageing infrastructure, increasing water scarcity, climate volatility, drought, and rising water pollution all pose significant risks, particularly to poorer, remote communities. Despite recent rains, there remains concerns about the ongoing drought in the Eastern Cape, parts of Limpopo and the North West.
“Water is a human right, and it requires collaboration between stakeholders in the private and public sector, supported by the effectiveness of water policies across all government levels,” she said.
This month CCBSA plans to launch modern off-grid, solar-powered groundwater harvesting and treatment projects in the Mzinyathi area in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, Bholotwa and Dala area in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape and Makhushaneng in the Capricorn District, Limpopo.
Last year, CCBSA successfully unveiled fully operational Coke Ville in Tshikota Village, in the Vhembe municipality in Limpopo.
Further projects are planned for Butterworth in Amathole District and Polokwane in the Capricorn District.
South Africa still relies largely on surface water for its water needs, a resource that is overstretched and prone to pollution, drought and other challenges.
The country is expected to reach physical water scarcity by 2025, accelerating to 17% water scarcity by 2030, based on current usage, Ngcobo said.
The government’s long-term water resource plan, currently under way, involves moving the country to alternative sources, including reusing and recycling grey water, rainwater harvesting and groundwater.
CCBSA is poised to work with government to deliver on this mandate.
Of the available resources, groundwater has the best potential to support a fast-growing population.
It is estimated that South Africa has the same amount of groundwater as surface water.
While groundwater use has increased by an average of 0.6% per year during the past four years, only about 40% (or 3 billion cubic metres per year) of available groundwater is used.
“The fact that groundwater isn’t exposed to the elements means it can be safely used for general purposes, as well as potable uses such as cleaning, taps, toilets, showers and gardens,” said Ngcobo.