News from the South African water sector July 2004

Abstract

NEWS SNIPPETS Everyone and everything depends on water for life, well being and economic prosperity. Water is so important and is used in so many ways that if it is over-exploited, we risk damaging our very life-source. Over-exploitation of water results mainly from using too much water from our water resources, and then returning too much effluent and water containing waste. The National Water Act recognises that water resources are part of the integrated water cycle. Closely connected to this water cycle is the use that people make of these various sources of water. The Act promotes protection of all of these water resources specifically so that there will be enough good quality water for present and future generations to use. The implementation of the Act is captured in a three-tiered “Environmental Water Quality management” approach. Both ecosystems and water users have specific and individual water requirements. Managing water quality and quantity for ecological and human uses requires more detailed attention both to ecosystem health and the requirements of human water users.

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