Groundwater - From 'inferior' to 'superior'

Abstract

Groundwater G roundwater has long ago shed its historical image as a ‘Cinderella’ or hidden resource. Following the promulgation of the National Water Act in 1998, in which groundwater finally gained its rightful place in the national water cycle; much work has been done nationally to both gain knowledge of the resource and its interaction with surface water resources, and elevate its status in the water resource planning and development process. Last year the Department of Water Affairs (DW A) completed the National Groundwater Strategy aimed at capturing the understanding, position and value of groundwater so that it can fulfil its role as equal partner in integrated water resource management and use. Around 2 000 million m3 of groundwater is currently used every year by South African users, with a further minimum of 3 500 million m3/year estimated to be in easy reach for future application. In fact, two thirds of the country’s population depend on groundwater for their daily domestic needs.

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