Securing drinking water for communities

WATER & WASTEWATER

Securing drinking water for communities South Africa takes the responsibility of clean water seriously and defines this precious resource through the SANS 241 standard. But recent tests by experts warn that the delivery of potable water is not equal, and factors such as river and sewage pollution need Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing attention. By Chetan Mistry manager, Xylem Africa

Technologies and systems

In its new report based on first-round tests, WaterCAN noted a rising presence of bacteria in municipal water sources. Alarmingly, at least one municipality’s contamination levels were high enough that authorities urged residents to boil water before use.

The picture becomes more concerning in rural areas. Though WaterCAN didn’t extensively test rural water sources (this being a focus for a future report), it did spot-check raw water sources such as rivers and dams. Those results are concerning, as at least 76% of the tests indicated high levels of harmful bacteria. In terms of pollution, mining activities count among the oldest sources of contamination. Even slag heaps meant to contain the pollution still routinely leak chemicals into the environment. Rivers in and around Johannesburg, for example, are now practically off-limits to human usage due to over a century of mining contamination.

Industries also frequently dump chemicals into local water supplies, while South Africa’s abundant agricultural activities send even more chemicals and dangerous mineral concentrations into surrounding ecosystems. Earlier this year, CropLife South Africa warned that the country is sitting on a water pollution time bomb.

Then there’s sewage. According to a paper by Maxwell Constantine Chando Musingafi, entitled ‘Fresh Water Sources Pollution’, many of South Africa’s sewage treatment facilities don’t sufficiently treat dangerous water, and many sewage plants are partially or entirely out of order. Disasters like the recent KwaZulu-Natal floods worsen the situation, as broken pipelines lead to sewage pouring into nearby rivers and the coast.

How to fix water pollution

The list goes on. But let’s focus on solutions. There is no magic wand, yet focused efforts in specific areas can turn the tide on local water pollution, as illustrated by the following examples: • Mines can significantly change run-off pollution by recycling on-site water rather than discharging it. • Industries of all types can realise considerable cost savings and curb water pollution by enhancing their water management. • Farms and other agricultural operations can improve water usage and reduce problems through more effective land management and irrigation systems. • Sewage treatment sites can enhance their performance with new, compact systems and improved data visibility.

We can tackle today’s water challenges through various water technologies and systems. For example, proactive mines are using new pumping and membrane systems to clean water for internal uses and nearby mining communities. In turn, industrial sites now increasingly rely on innovative digital water management software that gives them much more control over a crucial operational resource.

Agricultural sites are also starting to deploy improved techniques, such as drip irrigation, to save water and reduce wasteful run-off. More farmers also now focus on creating natural water breaks in their land and improving dam management.

However, sewage treatment has the most exciting prospects: the combination of solutions such as chemical-reducing ozone and UV treatment, anti-clog pumps, integrated aeration, robust data analytics and dashboards are transforming the cost and efficiency of these sites.

Lessons from nature

South Africa has to contend with a range of water challenges, including sporadic rainfall, decades of mining and industrial pollution, poor land management, and ageing sewerage infrastructure. These challenges put our people and society at risk – especially the more vulnerable in rural areas.

But we are not too far up that proverbial creek without a paddle. We have the means to address these problems. If we tackle them systematically through collaboration – with an eye on value, delivery and sustainability – we can change things around and ensure clean water for future generations.