Conclusions
At the present population growth and economic development rates,
it is unlikely that the projected use of water resources in South
Africa will be sustainable. Water supply will become a major
restriction to the future economic development of the country, in
terms of both the amount available and the water quality, as well as improving the quality of life.
Water resources are already almost fully-utilised, and already
South Africa is looking towards other southern African countries to
assist in providing sufficient water (e.g. Lesotho and Namibia). The
risks of international dependency are high as has been proven by the
conflicts in Israel, the Congo, Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda. Other
possible supplies of water, such as desalinisation of seawater and
water from icebergs, may be sustainable options in the long-term,
although currently they are too expensive. It is imperative that
South Africa develop both a water-efficient economy together with a
social ethic of water conservation and ultimately a culture of
sustainability of resource use.
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There is also information about Freshwater Systems and Resources in the following reports:
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Metropolitan reports:
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Affairs and Tourism. All Rights Reserved.
Site maintained by the Directorate Environmental Information and Reporting
Last update: October 1999
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