The “Refinement of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas (SWSA-gw) in South Africa” project builds upon the foundational studies conducted by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in 2013 and 2018, which established the importance of strategic water source areas for the nation’s water security (see Figure 1).
Umvoto, appointed as the Professional Service Provider (PSP), aims to refine the delineation of SWSA-gw using updated methodologies and the latest groundwater datasets. The project’s primary objectives include developing a scientifically robust methodology for identifying and delineating SWSA-gw for both national and transboundary aquifers, and incorporating considerations for groundwater quality.
The project spans 36 months, starting from April 2024, and involves multiple phases including project inception, information gathering, refinement of methodologies, and the final delineation and management of SWSA-gw. Key deliverables include comprehensive reports on the status quo of SWSA, refined methodologies, and updated management and protection plans. This initiative is crucial for guiding the implementation of protective measures and ensuring the sustainable management of South Africa’s groundwater resources.
Motivation
South Africa’s water resources are under increasing pressure due to growing demand, climate variability, and pollution. Groundwater, a vital component of the nation’s water supply, plays a crucial role in sustaining communities, agriculture, and ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Recognizing the importance of protecting and managing these resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has initiated the “Refinement of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas of South Africa” project.
The motivation for this project stems from the need to enhance the delineation and management of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas (SWSA-gw). These areas are critical for maintaining water security, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the resilience of water supply systems. The current delineations of SWSA-gw lack the spatial precision and comprehensive groundwater data integration required for effective on-the-ground resource management. By refining these areas using an updated methodology and incorporating the latest available datasets, the project aims to improve decision-making processes geared towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s groundwater resources (see Figure 2).
This initiative aligns with national water policies and international best practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water resource management. Through collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement, the project seeks to build a robust framework for groundwater protection that supports the country’s development goals and enhances the resilience of its water systems.
Study area
The study area for the encompasses the entire country, extending to transboundary aquifer systems shared with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho (see Figure 3). The project focuses on four main types of aquifers based on geological and hydrogeological attributes: Intergranular, Fractured, Intergranular/Fractured (weathered), and Karst aquifers.
South Africa’s climate varies significantly, with drier conditions in the northwest and more humid conditions along the eastern and southern coasts. This variability influences the replenishment of water sources across different regions, contributing to water scarcity issues due to the country’s arid to semi-arid climate. Recent severe droughts, notably from 2002 to 2005 and 2015 to 2018, have particularly impacted the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
The study aims to enhance the spatial precision of SWSA-gw, crucial for managing and protecting groundwater resources in these diverse climatic and geological conditions. The identification of SWSA-gw considers high groundwater availability, significant contributions to river baseflow, and areas critical for national water supply and economic activities. Collaboration with neighbouring countries is essential for the sustainable management of the transboundary aquifers, ensuring comprehensive protection of these vital water resources.
