Promoting sustainable economic development in water-constrained catchments

Abstract

Water resource management Promoting sustainable economic development in water-constrained catchments There is increasing recognition that the combined effects of climate change, population growth and continued urbanisation are exerting pressure on limited water resources. By 2012, approximately half of the major South African supply schemes were already in a water balance deficit, requiring new water resources interventions to meet projected future demands. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), 55% of smaller schemes supplying settlement areas or towns are currently or will be in a water balance deficit within the next ten years. At the same time, economic growth remains vital for alleviating poverty, hence the large national drive to stimulate growth. Therefore, growth is required in spite of significant water resource constraints. However, the DWS has been careful to point out that whilst water is essential to development, its availability is not a driver to, nor constraint on, development.

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