AS THE demand for water in SA continues to grow, strategies to optimise water use are critical. This applies particularly to industries with a high water demand such as power generation and mining, says Fiona Cessford, principal scientist at SRK Consulting in Johannesburg.
"SA is a water-stressed country, and water has become recognised as a critical component of any environmental management system."
The National Water Act of 1998 recognises the need for sustainable water management to meet present and future needs.
Since the act's implementation five years ago, awareness of water management issues within the private and public sectors has increased, says Cessford.
The act introduced new regulatory requirements with respect to water use, including activities such as storage, waste disposal and alterations to watercourses, she says.
Associated with these uses are proposed charging schemes, which mean that in the future both taking and losing water are likely to have a significant cost implication.
To ensure that losses are minimised, that water is used as efficiently as possible and that critical water resources are not polluted, industry has to develop and implement detailed water management strategies, she says.
"A key component of the new regulatory control is ensuring that where water use is necessary, conditions are based on water resource requirements with respect to quality and quantity, rather than only the user's or source's requirements.
"Historically, permit or licence conditions would have been based on what was reasonably practical for the user," says Cessford.
"However, in line with international practice, the act now requires the regulator to consider the requirements of downstream water users, particularly domestic and ecological users, before determining how much water can be taken, used and disposed of."
For SA industries this means that "a holistic approach to integrated water management is needed, from conceptual design and strategic planning through to construction, operation and management".
Jun 05 2003 07:31:21:000AM Business Day 1st Edition
Publisher: Business Day
Source: Business Day
Industry needs to implement detailed management plans.
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