WHAT ABOUT WATER?.......The global water crisis:

The South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to have access to an environment that is not harmful to their health and or well-being.  This includes a constant supply of clean, safe drinking water.  However, due to a number of conflicting factors and an ever increasing population the quantity and quality of water available in South Africa is decreasing dramatically, this decrease in quality and quantity has already caused and will continue to cause a number of problems for the South African population and landscape.  The availability of water is an important environmental concern as without this vital natural resource business, the well-being of the population and the environment will gradually diminish. (Clever Green. (2011). Another SA water crisis. Available: http://clevergreen.co.za/2011/03/08/another-sa-water-crisis/. Last accessed 18th April 2011.)

Water is considered South Africa’s most critical resource, which is scarce and an ever growing need. It is a resource that is sensitive to, and significantly linked to the problems endured, as a result of increased land use, wastage of water and population growth.  South Africa’s freshwater supply is almost at its limit, according to the World Wildlife Fund, less than ten percent of South Africa’s rainfall is available as surface water, which is one of the lowest conversion ratios in the world and the country’s groundwater resources are becoming limited.  The availability of adequate water for consumption has become a growing concern throughout the South African provinces, because despite regulations of river waters, in a number of the catchment areas the need for water exceeds the supply and the quality is often below the required standard.  Thus, the concern expressed by government officials and the South African population is that South Africa will face a significant challenge in meeting water demands in the decades ahead. (Morgan, G and Swathe, M. (2008). South Africa's looming water crisis. Available: http://www.environment.co.za/south-africa-environmental-issues-news/south-africas-looming-water-crisis.html. Last accessed 17th April 2011.)

The dramatic decrease in the quantity and quality of freshwater is linked to the growing demands, as well as, other factors such as loss of natural habitat and potentially climate change, which are commonly thought to be humanly inflicted. The destruction of natural habitats is a key cause of the water shortage and resulting environmental damage. For example, the large Fynbos concentrated areas in the Cape have been cleared over the years due to the heavy settlement, large areas of natural vegetation, particularly in the lowlands have been cleared for agriculture and urban development. The water crisis in South Africa is heightened by the destruction of natural vegetation, as well as, poor land management, conversion of marginal lands for cultivation, the lack of a dam building programme to accommodate the increasing population and the absence of responsibility taken by the mining industry.

Water and land pollution in South Africa has had detrimental effects on the quantity of quality water available for consumption and or use, large water source areas are polluted by industrial effluents, domestic and commercial sewage, acid mine drainage, agricultural runoff and litter .  The high concentration of pollution in the various natural water sources around South Africa have contributed to fresh water becoming scarce in communities and thus resulting in numerous water shortages and infected water related illnesses. The population growth and economic development rates that have been predicted for South Africa reveal that it is unlikely that the projected demand on water resources will be sustainable. Thus, the supply will become a major restriction to the future socio-economic development of the country, in terms of the quality and quantity of available water.  It can be considered that human irresponsibility and to a large extent lack of water education, in terms of the importance of freshwater water conservation, have lead to numerous water sources becoming polluted, infected and thus dysfunctional. (World Wildlife Fund. (2007). Environmental problems in South Africa. Available: http://wwf.panda.org/environmental problems in South_Africa. Lasted accessed 17th April 2011.)

Due to the dramatic decrease in the availability and quality of water in South Africa, the South African government is seeking solutions in neighbouring countries, like Lesotho, to assist in providing sufficient water for projected future demands, however becoming dependent on other countries for such a vital resource is a great risk.  There have been projects proposed to assist in curbing the water crisis such as the desalinisation of seawater and catching water from icebergs, however these projects will only be efficient and effective in the long term due to the extreme cost of the initial installation and maintenance of the overall projects.

It is of great importance that South Africa and the South African population develop both a water efficient economy and a social ethic of water conservation, and ultimately a culture of sustainability of water resource use.  The water crisis has reached an absolute critical point, which requires each South African citizen to become informed and educated on water and the importance of this resource for the functioning of the environment, population and business, as well as, government to become proactive in its approach to developing and adopting a long term and successful water conservation strategy.  (Department of Environmental affairs and Tourism. (2000). Freshwater systems and resources. Available: http://www.ngo.grida.no/soesa/nsoer/issues/water/impact.htm. Last accessed 17th April 2011.)

What are the global thoughts on the water crisis:

The water crisis is a global concern. Countries around the world are suffering water shortages, particularly countries like India, where the population demands exceeds the availability.  Not only is there note enough drinking, useable water available but there is a lack of water all together, water sources, the catchment area resource are being dramatically depleted.  According to the United Nations the water crisis that the world is experiencing and will continue to experience is one of the world’s greatest environmental problems.

The United Nations has calculated that if the rate of development and global population growth continues at the existing rate, two thirds of the world’s population will live with serious water scarcity or nearly without water by the year 2025. The United Nations has also calculated that one should have a hundred litre of water per day to manage; this water should be used for everything from consumption to agriculture and industry.  People around the world, particularly in countries like Mozambique have less than fifty litres per day, and this water is solely sourced from boreholes, rivers and lakes, hence the increase in the percentage of population that have suffered or suffer from infected water disease or illness. (Carroll, C. (2007). Global water supply drying up as population grows. Available: http://environment.about.com/od/biodiversityconservation/a/watersupply.htm. Last accessed 16th April 2011.)

It is estimated that the world’s population has already used over half of all the freshwater, which is available in all the world’s rivers, lakes and ground water sources, which has caused much concern and the need to develop a radical strategy that will ultimately offer immediate solutions and results for this development.  This significant decrease in the quantity of freshwater available has arisen do to the fact that more water is used than returned to the freshwater systems. The large water consuming countries include: The United States of America, China, India, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it is in these countries in particular that over seventy percent of the available freshwater is used for agriculture, for example, it has been estimated that for every kilo of rice, wheat or maize produced over a thousand litres of water is used.

At the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, last year , it was argued and then finally decided that the amount of people without access to clean safe drinking water should be halved by the year 2015, as the concern amongst governments is not only about the decrease in the availability and quality of drinking water but also the amount of people that do not have access to fresh drinking water has increased as a result of population growth, particularly rural population growth. It is particularly in the rural areas where access to freshwater or any forms of a sanitation system and water source system are formally structured and maintained for each individual.  (The department of Water affairs and Forestry. (2005). Drinking water quality in South Africa, a consumer's guide. Available: http://www.smianalytical.co.za/water-testing/drinking-water-quality-guide-South-Africa.pdf. Last accessed 16th April 2011.)

It has been estimated by the United Nations that over one billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water, this often resulting in many deaths, particularly in children, caused by accompanying water borne diseases. Cholera is a the number one water related illness that is responsible for increased death rates in rural villages in Africa, as it is this illness that ultimately directly causes death and or weakens the immune system.  However, this water availability problem is considered simple to solve, as according to the United Nations it is possible to drill boreholes and set up manual pumps in a number of villages, particularly in Africa, it is however of great importance to maintain these water sources and educate the rural population the need to conserve water and the value of fresh water. (UN News Centre. (2009). Ballooning global population adding to water crisis. Available: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story/water. Last accessed on 18th April 2011.)

Flooding in numerous countries over the past decade has been considered to be a result of increased human activities. Rapid economic growth during the last twenty years, particularly in China, has seen the rise of building activity. The materials for these constructions have come from forests and other natural sources, thus resulting in mass excavation and natural forest desiccation. A number of foreign countries, including China, have initiated reforestation and rehabilitation of the damaged natural areas; however where there is less vegetation there is more rain water which runs to rivers instead of being stored in the ground and replenishing the ground water, causing rivers to overflow and thus flood.    (United Nations. (2009).  Water: essential for life. Available: http://www.un.org/works/water/globalthoughts. Last accessed on 17th April 2011.)

It has been a common thought amongst those trying to find solutions for the water crisis that the worlds water problems could be solved by constructing  large dams, however although these dams may be a source to produce hydro electricity and be a credible water source, large dams can create many problems. For example, the life time of a dam is reduced constantly as large volumes of soil are washed into the dam with the rain water causing over silting. It is thus largely the responsibility of farmers to develop agricultural systems which reduce soil erosion.  In South Africa where there is limited space for the construction of large dams, dams have not been budgeted for and inadequate maintenance for the dams after construction, domestic water storage systems have become the sustainable solution to solving the unavailability and quality of freshwater to a large portion of rural population. The introduction of JOJO tanks to rural settlements have proven to be a quick solution, as these tanks store rainwater and make it readily available to those that need it for consumption or use.  

The polluting of our already established and function water sources and catchment areas, has proven to be detrimental and has only intensified the water crisis in counties, particularly South Africa. Countless volumes of polluting chemicals have landed up and continue to land up in the groundwater systems, it is often the pesticide residues used by farmers in the agricultural business. The problem with contaminating ground water is not only the fact that the water can no longer be used for consumption but it results in governments spending large sums of money to treat the ground water to, in order for the water to be used as drinking water.   In a number of cases, water companies like Munchen in Germany are currently paying farmers to transform their farms to ecological farms as it is cheaper for water companies to prevent the contamination of water than treat or be forced to clean it. (United Nations. (2009).  Water: essential for life. Available: http://www.un.org/works/water/globalthoughts. Last accessed on 17th April 2011.)

It is apparent that water problem is one of the most serious and concerning environmental problems the world faces and the fact that this problem is having a considerable effect on businesses globally and thus economic growth, the well-being of the global populations and the sustainability and survival of the environment.  It is also apparent that the water crisis needs a global solution and partnership amongst countries, however there are solutions that have been proposed but  it is largely considered that a need for an interest in solving the problem forms key to solving this concerning problem.

Media and an advertisement linkage regarding the South African and global water crisis:

Water shortages in Africa- the global water shortage or the world water shortage increases as the global population and the economy grows. Water shortages, particularly in South Africa have a direct impact on the cost of doing business, for example water shortages in and around Africa have resulted in many people not having access to clean and safe water or sanitation, crop losses, increased production costs which in turn burdens the numerous governments financially and in a number of cases seek food aid. (Carroll, C. (2007). Global water supply drying up as population grows. Available: http://environment.about.com/od/biodiversityconservation/a/watersupply.htm. Last accessed 16th April 2011.)

The water problem has become more apparent and has intensified dramatically, resulting in the water issue becoming a personal problem and concern for each individual dependent on water. Global awareness and education programs have been designed and initiated to promote water conservation and efficient usage, a number of print and social media campaigns have used the conservation of water as a driver and focus for current environmental campaigns. Influential companies around South Africa and their various partners have become stakeholders in these various campaigns and initiatives for water conservation. A number of campaigns relating to water conservation or other environmental issues both for public view and company employee view, serve to actively promote water saving and responsible use of natural resources. 

A number of campaigns that have been developed and established have aimed to target companies in an effort to adopt a water saving program in the workplace and the benefits thereafter, for example, the company will save costs and become a company of choice by applying with the environmental standards stipulated by government.  Water conservation campaigns are aimed to encourage the analysis of water consumption, encourage management to devise recycling methods, install eco-friendly equipment, revise cleaning methods, install automatic taps, as well as, educate and persuade the workforce to commit to preserving valuable resources like water. (World Water. (2011). World water Day. Available: http://www.worldwaterday.org/page/3241. Last accessed 18th April.)

The availability and quality of water is a global issue and has influenced the world in various aspects, as well as the way in which individuals live their lives and carry out their daily activities. The South African government, although it has taken a considerable period of time, has taken notice of this global environmental issue and with various departments such as the, the Department of Forestry and Water have developed a campaign that aims to raise awareness among South African about the role of water in social and economic development including the need to get citizens to change their attitudes towards water use, this campaign is known as the Water Week Campaign and is run to coincide with the World Water day on the 22^nd of March.  This year the World Water campaign and UN Water World water Day in South Africa, was initiated by the department of Water and Forestry in partnership with the UN Habitat, UN Water and the African Ministers Council of Water. The water week campaign is celebrated and funded by each municipality around South Africa on a yearly basis. The theme for the 2011 Water Week was Water for Cities and responding to Urban Challenge, because the water issue is a global phenomenon and concern organisations like the United Nations provide necessary input and interest in the South African Water Week.  The Water Week campaign is carried out by posters and advertisements in various newspapers put up by Municipalities, making the public more aware of the value of water and the need to conserve water, as well as, a number of meetings and conferences were held for government and international guests to converse on the matter. The water is universal and thus each country takes it upon themselves to create campaigns that will raise awareness amongst their publics. In each country environmental issues are constantly discussed and made aware of, as the only way in which to solve these environmental threats is to involve the whole population.  Environmental issues like the water availability issue, is of a global concern and thus governments across the world will be encouraged to constantly initiate campaigns that address the issues and create awareness. (Department of Water Affairs. (2011). Water Week 2011. Available: http://www.dwa.gov.za/events/events2011.aspx. Last accessed 18th.) (World Water. (2011). World water Day. Available: http://www.worldwaterday.org/page/3241. Last accessed 18th April.)

Campaigns such as the South African water week, are campaigns that aim to involve the public and generate awareness, brands and other businesses have tapped into the focus of these campaigns and have incorporated the environmental focus into their branded campaigns. For example, the Woolworths farming for the future and TASTE magazine campaign that included cooks Justin Bonello and Bill Granger travelling in and around South Africa meeting up with Woolworth’s suppliers and cooking with the various suppliers’ fresh produce. This campaign served to reveal that Woolworths has partnered with their suppliers to develop and only make us of the sustainable Farming for the Future practices which include responsible and efficient use of water.  Woolworths has pioneered the introduction of this approach to farming in South Africa, and an aspect to this approach ensures that farmers conserve water, use it sparingly and overall reduce their consumption, in an aim to encourage biodiversity without adding to the cost that consumers pay and ultimately have enough natural resources to grow enough food in the future. (Woolworths holdings limited. (2011). The environment. Available: http://www.woolworths.co.za/Caissa.asp?Page=ITB4_RHConText&Post=CO-Environment_Resources. Last accessed 18th April 2011.)

Campaigns like the Woolworths Farming for the Future campaign addresses the water issue in a subtle but effective manner, allowing suppliers as well as consumers the chance to support a brand that is genuinely concerned about the environment and the brand influence on the environment.  Campaigns that have been effective in communicating the water issue to the younger population is for example the Rocking The Daisies festival, although it is a festival the aim of the event is to promote a healthy, GREEN and sustainable environment and thus promote water awareness, the motto of the music and lifestyle festival is “party hard, tread lightly”.  The following is stimulated and advertised as one of the festivals Green Goals: “The use of water at the event should be done in a responsible manner. Participants and sub-contractors should be encouraged to implement water conservation principles.” The Rocking the Daisies festival has a sub campaign for the water conservations, the campaign is called FOR THE LOVE OF WATER, and this campaign is solely dedicated to creating a more aware and water conscious society. It is campaigns like these that are proactive and are taking note that it is of great benefit to target and educate the youth, the future generations about the environmental concerns now. (Rocking the Daisies. (2010). Greening. Available: http://rockingthedaisies.com/category/greening/. Last accessed 18^th. )

A number of brands functioning in South Africa have made a concerted effort to reduce their water footprint and educate employees on the importance of conserving such a vital resource.  Brands like Nestle and Coca Cola have adopted a new manufacturing and factory processes that require less water, as well as, introduced the use of water audits in order to comply and gain water stewardship recognition. The water stewardship is not a campaign or media driven advertisement but brands like Coke and Nestle set the bench mark for other brands to become water wise, as well as, become brands of choice for concerned consumers.  In a number of cases brands around the world have used social media campaigns and events like Rocking the Daisies to raise awareness and create proactive and informed communities.

Avis the car hire and rental brand/business and winner of the Climate Change leadership award 2011, posted an advertorial in the Mercury Newspaper on the 21^st of April, stating that they as a brand have appointed a Water management process, which now saves the company in excess of 100 million litres of water per annum. 75% of the water saved was due to recycling. Avis are aiming to become a “green leader” in the South African business landscape.  Brands like Avis are building sustainable practices in order to conserve the natural resources available and to become the brand of choice. Influential brand like Avis and the processes brands like Avis are adopting will provide the foundation for other brand and consumers to become more aware and educated about the global water crisis and thus try and develop sustainable solutions. (Avis. 2011. Embarking on a green journey. The Natal Mercury. 21 April. P. 11.)

Another fact to consider when discussing the global water crisis is the bottled water phenomenon and the influence bottled water companies and their marketing campaigns have on the global population and thus the populations’ perception on the water crisis. According to bottle water companies, bottled water is the way forward and the only solution to solving the fresh water availability crisis, however, although bottled water may relieve some countries from the decrease in availability, it is the plastic bottles, that the water is bought in, that are filling up landfills and polluting the natural environment. Bottled water is a worldly phenomenon and people around the world have been forced, through marketing campaigns and influence to trust, purchase and consume litres of bottled water.  In South Africa the consumption of bottled water has had a detrimental effect on the nature of landfills; it is through marketing that South Africans, who have an continual supply of good quality fresh water sources and thus drinking water available, purchase a considerable amount of water each month as they either, do not trust the water that is available or believe that consuming bottled water adds value to an individual’s social status from a health point of view.  

Marketing campaigns have been developed and initiated by governments, as well as , environmental groups to prevent people from purchasing and consuming bottled water in countries like South Africa, where water is of high quality and adequate to drink. Environmental groups have developed campaigns that highlight the link between bottled water and the landfills and thus the environmental damage. (United Nations. (2009).  Water: essential for life. Available: http://www.un.org/works/water/globalthoughts. Last accessed on 17th April 2011.)

A relevant South African water case study:

Water is an indispensible natural resource. It is fundamental to life, the environment, production of food, hygiene and sanitation, industry and power generation.  South Africa is semi-arid country, where water is scarce compared to most other countries. Thus wise utilisation of the resource in a sustainable manner is essential for the future growth of the country. Water is considered a crucial element in the battle against poverty, the foundation for prosperity and growth.  As mentioned previously freshwater resources of the country are running out.  The water crisis is a global environmental issue and thus there are a number of case studies that can be discussed where the availability and the quality of the water available is the main focus, however the case study that will be discussed will highlight the water issue and the effects of the water crisis on a small town Springbok in the Northern Cape. This case study in particular is highly credible as it was made public by Helen Zille, the Premier of the Cape.  (Zille, H. (2011). Zille lays out water plan. Available: http://clevergreen.co.za/2011/04/08/zille-lays-out-water-plan/. Last accessed 18th April 2011.)

In Springbok, a town in the Northern Cape, has been in a dire water situation since the beginning of last year. Those that live in Springbok worry about the country’s lack of clear planning for South Africa’s water future. Those who live in Springbok in particular have experienced over run sewerage works and feel that South Africa’s natural resources have reached maximum capacity.  The need for government intervention especially in places like Springbok saw the visit of Helen Zille, as the maintenance of water catchment areas and sources have not been carried out by the municipality and the municipality had failed to rectify and solve the sewage and water needs of the people living in Springbok.

Springbok, although remote is one of the driest towns in South Africa, and thus Springbok has experienced numerous water shortages. Locals in the area were subjected to extreme water shortages over the festive season. Local businesses, old age homes, schools and hospitals had to cope without any water supply from the municipality. The scarcity of water has been caused by mismanagement of water sources and other environmental factors. The scarcity of fresh water resulted in people’s health being put at risk and it had an overall negative impact on the people’s livelihoods.  There was a portion of the Springbok population that believed that draught must be accepted as a way of life and should be considered an act of nature, and that the Springbok community were powerless to anything about it. However, although draughts may be an act of nature, there is a great deal one and a community can do to make sure there is adequate water available, during the dry season when demand is at its peak.  It is considered that with the right infrastructure and plan, water education and conservation initiatives, municipalities together with the community can successfully manage draught in order to ensure that no one in the Springbok community goes without water. (Zille, H. (2011). Zille lays out water plan. Available: http://clevergreen.co.za/2011/04/08/zille-lays-out-water-plan/. Last accessed 18th April 2011.)

It is clear that the water crisis and mismanagement of water sources has had a dramatic effect on the Springbok community, business and the growth of the area. For example, a local business man was quoted saying “I have a guest house and I employ seven people. In 2008, I was without water for five days over the December dry season. A year later, in 2009, I had no water for fourteen days and last year in 2010 I had no municipal water for two months in a row.” The water shortages are worsening because not only is the environment under stress and the vital natural resource, water, is decreasing in availability and quality but the municipality in conjunction with the Namakwa water Board and the Department of Water affairs is failing in their basic duty to ensure that people of Springbok have and conserve water, as well as, protect water sources.

The cost of upgrading a pipeline that would supply water to Springbok from the Orange River has risen from five million rand to five hundred million rand, thus the pipeline has still not been .upgraded thus causing the availability of water to remain where it is, at an all time low. According to the Governments Blue Drop report which assess how municipalities manage the quality of their drinking water , the Nama Khoi municipality’s rating dropped for 70% in 2009 to 25% in 2010. This large decline in water quality is due to inadequate preparation by the Nama Khoi, Springbok municipality. If the municipality had noticed and rectified the water crisis initially and upgraded the various pipelines and infrastructure, the water crisis would have remained minor but instead it is an absolute crisis. (Zille, H. (2011). Zille lays out water plan. Available: http://clevergreen.co.za/2011/04/08/zille-lays-out-water-plan/. Last accessed 18th April 2011.)

Patients in the Dr van Niekerk Hospital, the senior citizens of the Huis Namakwaland and Harmony Home for the aged and the children at the Primere Skool in Springbok had to go without water for long periods of time. These water shortages resulted in an increase in various illnesses, decrease in overall sanitation, interfered with the running of surgery schedules and meal times and caused much discomfort and anger amongst the community. The school had to use twelve thousand rand of their own funds to install a water tank, this should be implemented and afforded by government or the municipality as these organisations in particular should be aware of the global water crisis. Huis Namakwaland used donated money to build a water tank and the hospital patients families have had to bring the patients bottled water during the dry season.

The impact of climate change and other environmental factors will make the water crisis in Springbok a greater challenge in the future, however it is up to the municipality to ensure that each person in the community is educated on how to conserve water and the municipality should be funding the building and maintenance of a number of water storage tanks. The Springbok municipality should have a plan to upgrade infrastructure to cope with the wear and increased demand as it is considered that 30% of water is lost because of leaking pipes.

Municipalities across South Africa should have by- laws in place to manage and reduce consumption, the municipality especially in areas like Springbok should be proactive and realise that the demand aspect for water is as important as the supply side.  The water crisis, in areas like Springbok, municipalities need to become innovative in the way they conserve ad treat water , as the effects of minimal to no water availability on the community is severely negative.  (Work place communication. (2008). Water shortages in Africa: responsible use of natural resources in the workplace. Available: http://www.workplace-communication.com/water-shortages-africa.html. Last accessed 17th April 2011.)

In the Eden District during 2010, the Democratic Alliance worked to curb one worst drought since records began 132 years ago.  The DA adopted a process where demand reduction, borehole exploration, the indirect reuse of effluent and the construction of a desalination plants in Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, was the focus. The droughts experienced by the Cape during the course of last year, affected the livelihoods, business and the growth of business, as well as, agriculture, in the many communities that were subjected to live without water.

The water crisis, particularly in Cape Town, directly affects everybody who depends on water. In some areas particularly in the rural areas, the overpopulation in the various settlements like the Hout Bay Settlement, Imizama Yathu, has lead to an increase in water pollution, due to an increase in sewage. The overpopulation and thus an increase in sewage and polluted water has directly lead to an increase in illness, as the affected water is a serious health risk and people in the settlement are still making use of the infected water as they are dependent on it for living.(Powell, A. (2006). Cape Town: Water crisis forces council to move squatters. Available: http://www.abahlali.org/node/222. Last accessed 17th April 2011.)

The Disa River, in Hout bay is highly polluted, over nine billion disease causing organisms have been found in the river water, which has serious health implications for the surrounding communities.  With this case study the water source is available however because of overpopulation and the lack of infrastructure like a reliable sewage systems and an efficient municipality, the community living in this Hout Bay settlement are subjected to extreme sanitation problem and thus illness.

Another case study that focuses on the availability of water, is taken out of the Mercury Newspaper on the 21^st of April. The article “the weight of water” focuses on a Maqheleng resident that takes an eighty three minute journey to queue at a standpipe that is the source of water for the community. In this case study it is apparent that the source of water is available however, the community is forced to walk long distances to get a subsistent amount of water. Thus, whilst mothers are forced to spend their day collecting water, their children are left at home with the grandparents or forced to walk with them. Thus the socio economic status of the community is extremely low, as the family members do not have jobs and the children do not attend school, as each member has a commitment to the home and thus to survive. The families depend on grants given by the government and there source of food comes from their subsistence farming which is heavily dependent on water.  It is case studies like this that reveal that the local municipality’s mismanagement and incompetence is to blame. (Tromp, B. 2011. The weight of water. The Natal Mercury, 21 April. P.14.)

Water is a vital resource and in a number of case studies to do with the Cape, the water source is available but the population demand is too high, the water is infected, the water is not being conserved or protected and or the municipality is not maintaining and repairing the water sources, thus leaving various communities without water, wasting water or having to use infected water.  Agriculture is major problem, as a number of communities are self sufficient and depend on agriculture as a source of income and food. The water crisis will continue to cause much economic and individual well being destruction, if not controlled or conserved.

Theorists and related theories concerning the global water crisis:

The following theories relate to the environmental issue of water, and the global water crisis: Nature as an economic resource, Custodianship and protectionism and Human vs. nature.

The natural environment is being transformed by society, and the natural environment has for many years been considered a mere object, an object that is present to serve human needs and satisfy human interests.  The fact that humans originally thought that the environment was merely a means to serve humans has lead to major environmental degradation and the destruction of species. This theory or thought can be linked to the global water crisis, as it is because humans have made use of water in an irresponsible manner and have continued to cause other environmental problems that water sources have depleted. The global water crisis has been caused directly by human activity and indirectly by other factors, however these factors like climate change has also stemmed from human increased human activity and lack of concern. (Dickens, P. 2004. Chapter one. In: Society and Nature: changing our environment, changing OURSELVES. Cambridge: Polity Press.)

When considering the global water crisis, the age of enlightenment and thus the nature as a resource theory is relevant.  According to theorists Bacon and then Glanville nature may be mastered, managed and used in the services of human life. It is prevalent, according to theorists, that nature was seen as mainly designed for human purposes. The theory of privatised land can be linked to the global water crisis because not only does the theory argue that privatised land was best for ensuring that a balanced earth could be passed on to future generations but activities like clearing forests and mining, which were encouraged, were a means of generating wealth and a new kind of person, the enlightened person.  Thus the new kind of person and the increase in human activity had a direct impact on the availability of resources like water, and later the quality of resources like water. It is the drive for wealth and an increase in population and thus industry that has had a direct impact on the quality and quantity of water available now and for future generations.  (Hannigan, J. 1995. Chapter three: Environmental discourse. In : Environmental sociology. New York: Routledge)

Industry is a means by which nature is transformed into goods, thus causing nature to be transformed. The increase in industry has caused the demand for resources like water to increase dramatically however, this over demand results in a decrease in the supply due to mismanagement of water and other environmental resources, over demand and constant supply.

The environmental discourse: The theorist Brulle came up with nine distinct environmental discourses, to which, in some cases the global water crisis relates. The manifest destiny discourse, focuses on the fact that exploitation and development of natural resources gives the environment value, directly relates to the water crisis in that the constant human activity like mining and agriculture which may give the environment value, in turn destructs the environment and has a considerable affect on vital resources like water.  The conservation discourse reveals that natural resources should be technically managed from a utilitarian perspective; this discourse in particular reflects the action taken by governments and the global population in the twenty first century, as the realisation and reality of the water crisis has become more clear and concerning, as well as, the process as conserving water has become more prevalent and encouraged. Reform environmentalism discourse states that ecosystems must be protected for human health reasons, although the water crisis does not compliment this discourse to a large extent, the discourse does allow one to consider the following: when one considers water an important resource and thus needs to be protected and conserved to prevent it from becoming infected or polluted and thus becoming a health threat to those who demand and consume it. (Hannigan, J. 1995. Chapter three: Environmental discourse. In : Environmental sociology. New York: Routledge)

The fact that a number of communities do not have access to fresh drinking water or their source of water has been infected due to mismanagement or irresponsibility is supported by the environmental justice discourse. The environmental justice discourse states that ecological problems reflect and are a product of fundamental social inequalities.  The municipality of certain areas in South Africa are to blame for contaminated water sources or polluted waters as their lack of service and infrastructure has resulted in these various water problems and thus disequilibrium in demand for water. Eco-theology, states that humans have an obligation and to preserve and protect nature since it is divinely created, water is a vital resource and is needed to sustain life on earth thus it is up to the present population to rectify the global water crisis and discover and develop appropriate, sustainable and long term solutions.  “The power imbalances inherent in the global economic system lead to situations where lower income residents are differently impacted environmentally” this theory which comes under environmental justice, is particularly relevant when considering the water crisis because it is the poorer countries and people that as a result of a lack of infrastructure and inefficient government rule that the various populations do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly evident in African countries and countries like India.

Ecosystem discourse which has been developed on the view of: human interference in biotic communities upsets the balance of nature.  This discourse in particular links with the global water crisis in that the growth of urbanism, population and industry which is discussed in terms of this discourse has had and will continue to have a negative effect on the availability and quality of water and water sources globally.  An increase in urbanism and industry, and complimentary an increase in population has resulted in increased pollution, construction, and in general environmental destruction. There are more people dependent on the earth’s resources, and in particular developments in technology have resulted in an increase in demand for resources like water. (Hannigan, J. 1995. Chapter three: Environmental discourse. In : Environmental sociology. New York: Routledge)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it can be said that the global water crisis and particularly the water crisis in South Africa is desperate. The availability and quality of water in countries like South Africa is decreasing dramatically as a result of an increase in demand due to population growth, industry growth and indirectly by the lack of infrastructure and conservation initiatives. The global governments and thus municipalities particularly in South Africa are inefficient in rectifying infrastructure problems and thus a number of sufficient water sources are becoming infected and dysfunctional.

Water is vital for survival and the survival of industry and thus economic growth, thus without highlighting and making public the global water crisis, the global population will become subservient and the development of water conservation initiatives and responsible water usage will not be initiated. The water crisis has been heightened and is a result of a number of factors, for example, increased pollution, climate change and the increase in urbanisation and industry.

Thus, in order to develop adequate and sustainable solutions factors like pollution and climate change, in particular, need to be rectified and solved in order for the water crisis to marginally improve. It is the responsibility of governments and then the population to develop a water conscious society and initiate systems whereby water is protected and conserved to prevent happenings like extreme water shortages and in the future a predicted war on water, not oil.

Image references:
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2.Image taken from begreentolive.com, 2007. Last accessed on 18^th April 2011.

3.Water Crisis, 2010. Water Crisis: Time bomb ticking. Photograph.  Available at: www.rainharvest.co.za. Last accessed on the 20^th April 2011.

4. South African water crisis, 2008. SA water crisis. Photograph.  Available at: www.publiceyenews.com. Last accessed: 20^th April 2011.

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6.Graph image taken from the internet from the site www.nzdl.org, 2009.

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