Tham khảo tài liệu 'results for water polution act india ushotsearchs - great document_15', khoa học tự nhiên, công nghệ môi trường phục vụ nhu cầu học tập, nghiên cứu và làm việc hiệu quả | Case Study V - The Witbank Dam Catchment This case study was prepared by . Brown Introduction The Witbank Dam catchment is located in the upper portion of the Olifants River basin. The Olifants River is one of South Africa s major water resources. The water quality in the Witbank Dam catchment is rapidly deteriorating mainly due to coal mining. If this trend were to continue the water in the Witbank Dam would be unfit for use for most of the recognised users by the end of this century. Poor water quality in the dam has meant that power generation which is the largest industrial activity in the catchment already has to rely largely on other sources of water from outside the catchment. This case study describes the water quality management approach of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry DWAF to ensure that the surface water quality in the Witbank Dam remains fit for use and that the resource is secured adequately for the future. Many aspects of this approach are currently still being implemented. Nevertheless further deterioration in water quality has been arrested and has been evident since October 1993 see Figure . Indications are that the implementation of this approach will result in water fit for use in the Witbank Dam catchment for at least the next 10 years. Other strategies will have to be employed to address water quality in the longer term. Background information South Africa is a country of great diversity. Its society comprises underdeveloped developing and developed components. The annual disposable income per capita for all population groups is approximately US 2 000 but varies between US 1 020 and 7 750 for different population groups. Furthermore the country is characterised by great disparities concerning access to adequate water supplies. Water-related issues are therefore a central aspect in the country s political arena so much so that water supply and sanitation for all the inhabitants of South Africa is a key element of
