An African citizen stares into the murky depths of the once-clear Msunduzi River. She remembers a childhood playing in sparkling, fresh water, and reminisces about the past.
South Africa is considered to be a “water-stressed” country. Because of the water’s relative scarcity, pollution of the water poses as a major issue in South Africa. The tainted water has already induced 265 deaths, and is currently consummating more than 117,000 citizens, in five different South African provinces. (Morgan). South Africa is currently encountering safety hazards in regards to their polluted water sources, caused by poor management of dams, sewerage works and treatment plants.
The primary cause of water pollution in South Africa is the poor management of dams. According to the minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, “only 160 of the 294 dams owned and managed by [her] department last year complied with modern safety standards” (Morgan). Sewage works and construction are a major factor determining the quality of South Africa’s water. To compound this problem, the pipes that deliver the water to the South African cities and towns are old and dilapidated, further polluting the water. Pollution in the Vaal River as a result of ongoing sewerage spills has been a problem for over a decade, and officials have not been doing anything more than band-aid maintenance.
Water sources in South Africa are contaminated by several varieties of chemicals and silts. A prominent soiling deposit found in African rivers is feces. Researchers conclude that over 40% of African fields contain “chronic diarrhoea.” Levels of contamination by human feces in the Msunduzi River are 115,000 per 100ml; 114,850 above the international standard of 150 per 100ml of water. (Morgan) Other harmful chemicals found include aluminum and trihalomethane (THM). Victims with prolonged exposure to aluminum have proven to bear Alzheimer disease effects, and water containing THMs could induce a person to have “tumor formation possibilities.” (Aziz) In a global survey taken last year, Africa’s drinking water was listed as the third cleanest in the world. However, environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa admitted, “710,000 households did not have access to the clean drinking water” (Rademeyer). The survey only refers to water that meets the standard, not for the whole country.
Water quality directly impacts water availability because the water is oftentimes too polluted to be used safely, therefore being technically inaccessible, even if it is physically present in the environment.
Works Sited:
Rademeyer, Julian. "Claim That SA One of Only Twelve Countries with Safe Tap Water Is False - Africa Check." 19 Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.
Aziz, Ahmed Abdul. "Water Quality South Africa - All the Good News & Crisis Issues." Water Quality South Africa - All the Good News & Crisis Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.
Morgan, Gareth. "South Africa's Looming Water Crisis." Environment News South Africa. N.p., 24 May 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.
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ReplyDeleteI like how you clearly identify your issue, its causes, and its consequences.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the Massai chief's presentation, and how he said that his water pollution is a big problem for his people.
Is the water situation better in more urban environments?
The article does a great job of using lots of facts an numbers to show the scale of the problem, while still giving specific examples. The focus of the article on contamination is very specific, and connects to problems we have in our community and other places around the world. We are currently running out of water, and places like LA have had to pipeline water in from other locations. Does access to water or contamination of water supply affect more people?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite aspect of your article is that you included quotes from experts on your topic. It relates to California because California is currently in a horrible drought. We are not having problems with water quality, but we are having problems with water availability, just like Africa. What do you think should be done about this issue?
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