Dryland salinity: Threatening water resources in the semi-arid Western Cape

Abstract

The Berg River, which flows between Franschhoek and Velddrif, is an important freshwater resource to the Western Cape. In the 1980s, the Department of Water Affairs (DW A) measured an increase in salt concentrations, particularly in the mid-to lower reaches of the river, thereby impacting on drinking water quality and agriculture. Dryland salinity poses a major threat to water quality, particularly in semi-arid areas. It is usually associated with the mobilisation of inorganic salts from the landscape and the consequent increase in salt concentrations in receiving water bodies. Dyland salinity is not new to this area.

Authors

Categories