Water Wheel - Special Edition 2004

Abstract

Message from Dr Rivka Kfir CEO, Water Research Commission Water as an overexploited resource is a universal problem. Time Magazine (Time Magazine, May 7 2001 ) reported that “Water, not oil is the most precious fluid in our life, the substance from which all life on earth has sprung and continues to depend. If we run short of oil and other fossil fuels, we can use alternative energy sources. If we have no clean, drinkable water, we are doomed.” In the developed world, humancentred activities and the increased reuse of water have created an endless source of new problems. These include the emergence of new water-borne diseases (such as protozoan parasites) to biological pollutants (such as green-blue toxic algae) and chemical pollutants (such as endocrine disruptive chemicals: hormone-like structures suspected of harming the human reproductive system). In the developing world (including some rural areas of South Africa), many people do not have access to clean drinkable water.

Authors

Categories