Ecological Reserve - keeping SA's lifeblood pumping

Abstract

I t is well known that without water we cannot survive. Our bodies are up to 60% water, and each day we must drink water to replenish our systems and stay healthy. Just like the human body needs water to survive and function, so rivers and other water resources (wetland, estuaries and underground water) need to retain a certain amount of water. People need water for all sorts of things, not only for drinking, but also for washing, cooking, and growing food. We also need water to power our industries, and create electricity and mine precious metals and minerals. But in the process of using water, people can damage rivers, wetlands, lakes and other watery places. Damaged ecosystems do not work very well and may fail us when we need them most. Because South Africa is a semiarid country (the country is among the 30 driest countries in the world), we have to take care of the little water we have. The South African Bill of Rights states that everyone has the right to sufficient food and water and to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.

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