The future of urban water management in South Africa

What is it about?

It is a discussion about the possible future of water management in the urban areas of South Africa. It considers how water sensitive urban design (WSUD) might aid in ensuring that South African Cities are transformed into resilient, water sensitive cities capable of adapting to future changes in climate. It has a specific focus on the Framework for WSUD in South Africa in relation to other key national policy.

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Why is it important?

Currently, the South Africa is in the grip of the worst drought in decades which has left many towns with extremely compromised water supply systems whilst also limiting food production across the country. This is placing pressure on the already fragile economy. In order to avert a future water crisis, the country needs to reduce its reliance on conventional surface water schemes based on impoundments on rivers. Within urban areas, municipalities need to find ways to adapt to, and mitigate the threats from, water insecurity resulting from, inter alia: droughts, climate change and increasing water demand (driven by population growth and rising standards of living). This paper discusses a framework - adopted by the country's Water Research Commission - in relation to key national policy.