News from the SA water sector

Abstract

A Water Research Commission funded study has been launched into the costs associated with eutrophication. Eutrophication, or the enrichment of the water environment with plant nutrients, and its accompanying negative effects are some of the intractable symptoms of water pollution associated with modern society. Eutrophication causes excessive growth of phytoplankton (free floating algae) and rooted macrophytes, causing problems such as increased water treatment cost, taste and odour problems in drinking water, potential health risks, interference with recreation and a reduction of the amenity values and conservation status of water resources. This has knock-on cost implications for economic sectors as diverse as providers of potable water, industry, agriculture, real estate, recreation and for ecosystems. The study, which should be com pleted by mid-2007, is aimed at developing a general model to assess the costs associated with eutrophication in South Africa. The model will then be tested in a case study to be performed on the Vaal River.

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