SA Waterbulletin July 1996

Abstract

Stakeholder Forum for Water Resources Assessment Research Applications for membership The continuous and accurate assessment of the dynamic state of South Africa's water resources is of major concern for ensuring equitable, adequate and sustainable provision of water to all users. Assessing the adequacy of our water resources is complicated by: climate variability and change spatial variability of resources population growth and mobility increasing competition among users deteriorating water quality as water use intensifies socio-economic and environmental considerations which affect exploitability of resources, both conventional and non-conventional. Research has a vital role to play in helping to overcome uncertainties regarding available sources of water and their adequacy to meet growing demands. Research must provide and refine the methodologies (tools) needed for the satisfactory performance of all essential water resources assessment tasks, no matter how complex.

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