Water rant

Drought

I grew up in South Africa, a region plagued by drought. In 1983, the southern African region suffered a devastating drought, and we faced severe water restrictions for about six months. These restrictions affected the entire country, not just those areas traditionally associated with dry conditions. Even on the tropical south east coast, the draconian restrictions limited each household to just 400 litres of water a day. Limiters were installed on mains water pipes. The toilet was flushed with water collected from the shower. We had to stand in a bucket to shower. When the bucket was full, your shower was over. And that meant just four flushes a day in our house. Swimming pools dried up and cracked. Animals died. I can't remember being more inconvenienced, ever. The country was on its knees. 

Tropical storm, cyclone Demoina, 1984

And then, early in 1984, we were hit by tropical cyclone Demoina. It hurtled up the Mozambique channel, destroying everything in its path, and causing the worst flooding ever recorded on the South African coast.

The Sterkfontein Dam* was built in 1977 on the escarpment between Natal (KwaZulu-Natal) and the Transvaal (Gauteng) provinces, to enhance the catchment area from the Tugela River and increase capacity of the Woodstock Dam. But all the water from this system drained down the escarpment and into the sea. 

Sterkfontein Dam

Following the drought, an innovative pumping scheme was engineered to drive water over the escarpment and into the shallow Vaal Dam, the main reservoir water supply for Gauteng. This meant that water resources could be better managed across the country, improving storage capacity and efficiency. Evaporation, though, continues to be a leading cause of water loss, and this is counter-acted by a programme of cloud-seeding to ensure moisture is returned to the ground. It's complex and a never-ending battle against nature, but so many people, animals and crops depend on a constant water supply, that it is a cost that South Africa will have to bear.

Desalination programmes are being used, in coastal manufacturing processes, but in spite of South Africa having such a large coast line, this is still not a main stream water resource. And it will need to be, to cope with Africa's increasing water needs.

And here is my rant. I have lived in the south of England for seventeen years, and I can remember at least three years where water restrictions have been threatened, the last in 2006. We installed water butts at that time. We restructured the garden to be less 'thirsty'. We changed our practices with respect to water usage, sharing a bath, being careful when running the dishwasher and washing machine. Installing a low flush loo. We have a water meter installed, and we are generally very respectful of this precious resource. What more can we do? 


What are the water companies doing? Fixing leaks in London, yes, good. But really investing in a long-term water solution. No, bad. Why? Because it requires not just a financial effort but man-power too. We need to train scientists and engineers who have a vision for working in water resource. Our country needs to invest in geologists, engineers, and biologists to provide our future water needs. Come on Government, it's not all about a half-flush. It goes much deeper than that, and is far more important.

Veggie patch jobs to do

My veggie patch is nearly ready for planting and I am really concerned that I will not be able to keep my veggies going if we have a hot spring and summer. The water butts will run out quickly, and my crops will fail. I am feeling sad, before I even begin.

I'd love to hear what allotment owners, garden veg growers will be doing differently this year.

* This is a beautiful part of South Africa to visit as tourist.

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