Keywords:
Water.
;
Hydrology.
;
Sustainability.
;
Pollution.
;
Environment.
;
Environmental policy.
;
Water.
;
Sustainability.
;
Pollution.
;
Environmental Sciences.
;
Environmental Policy.
Description / Table of Contents:
Introduction -- 1: Water Resources from a Global Perspective -- 2: Necessity of IWRM and Water Services -- 3: South Africa’s Continued Freshwater Decline and Current State -- 4: Decline in Informed Water Management -- 5: Continued Lack of Water Service Delivery -- 6: Progressive Deterioration of Water Quality -- 7: Main Issues Requiring Attention and Addressing Continued Deterioration -- 8: Transforming the Predicament into Problems.
Abstract:
The book provides a critical evaluation of South Africa’s freshwater resources to illustrate the way in which its freshwater resources, water access, services and infrastructure have continued to decline over the past three decades. The continued decline of water governance, management, water service delivery, dilapidated water infrastructure, dysfunctional local governments and overall excessive water degradation is illustrated and emphasized using real-life examples and case studies from various contexts within the country. The main argument of the book is that South Africa’s freshwater resources have declined to such an extent that it can be described as a predicament. Questionable water governance decisions and reactive water management practices have led to no improvement and/or increased degradation of freshwater resources. An overall lack of service delivery exists across the country, in various contexts, leading to further water and social decline. An inter-disciplinary evaluation of South Africa’s current water predicament is provided, major water crises are prioritized, and suitable recommendations are given to transform its predicament into problems which can be addressed. Suitable background information is given to emphasize the necessity of good water governance, management, and service delivery. South Africa’s freshwater resources are evaluated with specific focus on the decline of informed water governance, management, service delivery and water quality. Factors requiring urgent attention are determined and suitable recommendations and/or actions are provided. An evaluation and overall synthesis focused on the transformation of the predicament into problems is provided. Primary water problems are prioritized according to urgency and suitable recommendations are given to assist in transforming the country’s current complex water predicament into “simpler” water problems. Political will, collaboration with researchers, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and cooperation of civil society is required. South Africa’s already scarce freshwater resources and decaying infrastructure will persist and possibly collapse if no major actions or interventions are implemented. .
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
Pages:
XVIII, 177 p. 30 illus., 17 illus. in color.
,
online resource.
Edition:
1st ed. 2023.
ISBN:
9783031240195
Series Statement:
Water Science and Technology Library, 101
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24019-5
DOI:
10.1007/978-3-031-24019-5
DDC:
551.48
Language:
English
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