Abstract
Freshwater availability across South Africa varies on a spatial and temporal scale, creating various water-related challenges. The country is consequently ranked as the 40th driest country in the world and considered to be water stressed. More than half of its Water Management Areas are experiencing a water deficit. Water withdrawals from water users exceed the sustainable level of water supply and many parts of the country are approaching or have achieved the point where all accessible freshwater resources have been fully utilised. Demand is predicted to outstrip supply by 2025 however some research have suggested that this point was already achieved in 2017.
This chapter focusses on the impending water crises of South Africa by providing an evaluation of the current state of freshwater resources in terms of availability, current water withdrawals and supply as well as the primary drivers of predicted increased and unsustainable water demand. The primary water quality issues and/or challenges are briefly described. Current water service provision and delivery within the country is also discussed. As a conclusion, the chapter focusses on the develo** water crises within South Africa with specific focus on water scarcity, water stress as well as failing infrastructure and water service delivery.
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du Plessis, A. (2023). South Africa’s Impending Freshwater Crises. In: South Africa’s Water Predicament. Water Science and Technology Library, vol 101. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24019-5_3
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