Quality Management and Funding Sources of the Water Cleaning Programs of South African Dams.

Abstract

Eutrophication in South African dams is the process during which water becomes over-enriched with nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, and this results in uncontrollable, high algal and hyacinth growth. There are a number of reasons for this, including, amongst others, poorly treated water being dumped into the catchment areas of dams. Hartbeespoortdam is one prime example of eutrophication and currently receives attention from different organisations, including the Department of Water Affairs (DWAF), in order to rectify the situation and establish sustainability in water quality. Funding sources for the effective management of water resources is an integral part of this research report. Hartbeespoortdam was chosen as a case study to identify the priorities regarding quality management and to identify funding sources to ensure both prompt results and sustainability in the longer term. Interviews were conducted with various involved parties around the dam to establish the critical success factors around quality management and funding sources. Quality management needs to be supported by the three pillars of Measure and Control, Enforcing Quality Management and Legal and Policy Framework. Funding sources include Beneficiation, Environmental Accounting and Privatization. The key to the success of managing water resources lies in the implementation of legislation and the establishment of innovative funding sources.