CHAPTER 17 WATER POLLUTION (original) (raw)

2009, Environmental Management in South Africa

Water pollution is the degradation of water quality as measured by biological, physical or chemical criteria, and this degradation is generally judged in terms of the intended use of the water, its departure from the norm, its effects on public health, or ecological impacts. If the intended use is, for example, recreation and eco-tourism, any deviation from natural background levels (norm) may be deemed pollution. The quality of water can also be influenced by natural phenomena, such as geology, which in some cases, may cause water to be unfit for human use and consumption, but that is not regarded as pollution. Pollution of water is deemed to be a human induced impact, and is defined in the National Water Act 107 of 1998 to mean ‘the direct or indirect alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of a water resource so as to make it - (a) less fit for any beneficial purpose for which it may reasonably be expected to be used; or (b) harmful or potentially harmful - (i) to the welfare, health or safety of human beings; (ii) to any aquatic or non-aquatic organisms; (iii) to the resource quality; or iv) to property. As South Africa is a water scarce country, the removal of pollutants from effluents and wastes before it can enter the water resource, as well as the removal of pollutants from already contaminated water resources, is critical. Such removal obviously has a cost implication, and the higher the level of impurity, the more expensive the treatment of the water for re-use. Thus pollution affects the national economy, as well as the quality of life of the citizens of South Africa. This chapter will briefly discuss the factors influencing water pollution and the main water pollution problems experienced in South Africa, highlighting the biggest pollution challenges currently being faced. The legislative tools and policy options available to manage water pollution, as well as the current challenges towards dealing with water pollution, are also highlighted.