The Water Wheel March/April 2015

Abstract

Fluid Thoughts South Africa, like many parts of the world, is in the throes of a very difficult electricity shortage. The impact on our daily lives of now regular load shedding and concomitant disruptions of equipment, machinery and appliances that comprise our toolboxes for functionality at home and at work is high, and frequently tests even the most developed sense of humour. At a structural level, the water business and our ability to deliver quality water services is highly energy dependent. This is illustrated in Figure 1. To summarise, energy is the critical enabler at every touch-point in the water delivery chain. This begins with energy driven abstraction, either pumping water for irrigation, domestic or industrial purposes from either surface or groundwater to transporting the water to the point of treatment or direct use. This continues with energy powered water treatment for use, and eventually for wastewater treatment post-use. More recently, and more frequently, energy is being used in freshwater production from brackish or sea water through desalination.

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