Water or Gas – which is the priority?

Why would a country with a real water issue allow dangerous gas drilling to put its ground water resources at risk?

As Nedbank’s Sustainability Report outlines, ” Water resource management is one of the greatest challenges for South Africa in the 21st century. As a semi-arid country with low rainfall and limited underground aquifers, the country’s total renewable water resource is only 1 048 m3 per capita or about 13% of the global average of 8 210 m3 per capita. South Africa also uses about 25% of its renewable freshwater resources, whereas use exceeding 10% is typically seen as causing water stress. According to several studies, South Africa could face a supply gap in water of between 17% and 25% by 2030. This is assuming water for irrigation does not increase. Supply is forecasted to be only 15 billion m3 in 2030.” This increases the importance of looking after the ground water resources and it makes Gas drilling and hydro-fracking a real issue which needs to be properly debated!

One thought on “Water or Gas – which is the priority?

  • September 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm
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    Yes it needs to be debated . Furthermore, is our basic human right to clean drinking water , as guarenteed in the constitution, being threatened here?

    Reply

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