World Water Day taking place on 22 March will once again place issues linked to global water security and promoting sustainable practice for fresh water resources’ management firmly in the spotlight.
According to research, 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home. This year the theme of “Leaving no one behind” aptly revisits access to water as a critical human right and places emphasis on previously marginalised groups gaining access to safe water and water services.
Despite South Africa having some of the most sophisticated water infrastructure networks on the continent, there are still vast areas outside of major cities or towns in that are underdeveloped and have limited access to safe water and formal water services.
In addition much of the existing infrastructure was established over a number of decades ago and for the most part hasn’t been maintained to standards that would ensure maximum efficiencies.
Water management interventions needed
Karen King, Senior Associate, WSP, Environment & Energy, Africa, notes that the country’s water infrastructure challenges are further compounded by nuances and complexities in financial and environmental planning to meet the needs of rapid population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation across the country.
“Adding to the pressures; South Africa generally receives a little more than half of the world’s average rainfall per year, however, among warmer temperatures and extreme weather conditions, there have also been sporadic seasonal changes to rainfall patterns across the country,” says King.
“Collectively, this has resulted in less rainfall where we really need it, to replenish our dams and ground water resources. So, while we can’t control the weather; without serious intervention to improve how we measure, monitor management and even restrict use of available water resources, the situation will only worsen.”
The role of technology
Riaan Graham, Sales Director for Ruckus Networks, sub-Saharan Africa, agrees and suggests that there is a myriad of alternative solutions that need to be considered, including the use of technology to better manage the situation and put preventative measures in place to ensure other regions don’t fall into the same pattern as the water stressed Western Cape.
“In fact, technology such as IoT can be a part of the solution – they are readily available and enabled through Wi-Fi – where they can be used to apply water management systems, including monitoring use, pinpointing leaks and curbing excessive use, for example,” he says
“Additionally, sensor technology can go a long way in embracing intelligent irrigation and usage, to connecting and optimising to conserve. These in effect are solutions that are currently available and much needed country-wide to ensure responsible usage and towards zero wastage – a concept very much in line with smart cities thinking and one we should be moving towards,” Graham adds.