2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

Reduced water quality (due to pollution)Increased runoffIncrease storm water peak flow intensity as well as increase in total annual storm waterrunoff.Water scarcity (in areas dependent on groundwater)Groundwater pollution as a result of poorly managed industrial practicesGroundwater abstractionSiltation of wetlandsRiver pollution as a result of drainage of pit latrines into riversProposed Interventions:. Determine all the source points contributing to declining water quality and set targetobjectives to minimize the impact on the health of this system. Bioaccumulation studies should be conducted on sediments, fish and birds hosted bythe dam to derive benchmark values for contamination. Support the implementation of basic sanitation infrastructure projects Implementation of best practice environmentally sensitive storm water managementsystems. Water utilization training initiative should be initiated to train the local communities onwater utilization. Wetlands and its tributaries act as environmental sieves and sponges and its valueshould be quantified. Set out research initiatives to locate all wetland systems in thedistrict and do in depth biodiversity studies to determine the ecological value of theseareas Strict policy for protection of wetlands from development and rehabilitation of degradedwetlands to improve water quality, water flow regulation and habitat provision at aregional scale. Ensure that all legal requirements in terms of environmental authorization and water uselicenses are enforced for all infrastructure in water courses Water reticulation still a major priority in the area and efforts to supply potable waterservice to all communities should be a priority All new developments must consider their impact on regional water quality. Location of potentially polluting activities of infrastructure, especially waste disposal sitesand cemeteries and settlement areas, should carefully consider geohydrologicalconditions during site selection. Institute a long term monitoring program that allows specific identification of waterpollution sources Regulate the utilization of ground water in the area as allowed for by the specific permitsadjudicated. Satellite technology can be applied to assess the groundwater utilizationstatus in agricultural practices. Develop contingency plans for periods of drought with emphasis on communities relianton borehole water Investigate different water availability scenarios for the next 20 years following rainfall,recharge and evaporation data and expected consumer pressure and plan realisticallyfor future utilizationDraft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 60Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municipality22 March 2013