The implication of mining prospects on water demand and supply in the Erongo region, Namibia
Date
2011-03-29
Authors
Iiyambo, Inekela
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Abstract
Namibia is one of the most arid countries in the world. The pressure on freshwater resources is felt the most in parts of the Erongo region where groundwater is the only available water source. This resource is under immense pressure from increasing urban population and industrial growth as well as mining.
System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) was used to quantify the amount of water which will be required by consumers in the central west coast of Namibia (Erongo region) in the future. The effect of new mines on water supply and urban growth were modelled over a period of 20 years (2010-2030). The study also looked at the effect of alternative water sources (sea water desalination, recycling, fog harvesting, and demand management) on the overall demand and supply for the area under study.
Major findings of the study reveal that water demand (22 672 480 m3/year in 2010) could exceed total available supply (16 200 000 m3/year) by 2010 with a deficit of up to 6 472 480 m3/year, if no management intervention are implemented. Management interventions (recycling and demand management strategies) would prolong supply on until 2012, Where after demand will exceed supply. Demand is projected to be 424 488 071 m3/year, for the year 2030. Fog harvesting has been found to have the potential of supply only less than 2% of the total deficit. This leaves sea water desalination as the one reliable and sufficient source for long-term bulk water supply.
It is recommendable that a modular sea water desalination plant be built-one which allows and increase or reduction in capacity according to demand. To boost water supply, recycled wastewater could be used for artificial recharge.