The variance in the water quality of the lower orange river

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Date
2019
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University of Zululand
Abstract
The monitoring and assessment of rivers is important for measuring the status of river ecosystems, water quality and water demand, and can provide early warning for management intervention with regard to water quality and quantity. This can be quite a daunting undertaking for rivers that cross national boundaries such as the Orange River. Concepts such as Integrated Water Resource Management were introduced to enhance the sustainable use and management of such water resources. In addition, transboundary bodies such as the Orange-Senqu River Commission were established between member states in the Southern African region to provide a platform for coordinated water resource management of the river. The DWS has various water quality monitoring programmes throughout the country. The National Chemical Monitoring Programme is the longest running of the national monitoring programmes. While the National Microbiological Monitoring Programme provides data for determining the potential health risks to people related with the potential utilization of pathogenically polluted water resources. This study identified and evaluated the effectiveness of sampling locations by analysing water quality trends from monitoring points in the Lower Orange River located in the Northern Cape. Historical data from the Department of Water and Sanitation‟s Water Management System and National Integrated Water Information System were utilised to illustrate changes in the water quality temporally and spatially. The legislative requirement of water quality in South Africa, according to the South African Water Quality Guidelines, was applied to the data sets. The current water quality network of the Lower Orange is under-utilised. The various sites are not monitored on a consistent basis. A large number of sites have been left inactive and not monitored. Creating a situation where the latest data may not be available for management decisions. The general trend of the river water quality indicates a general increase in the Total Alkalinity in the river. This potentially is the results of years of runoff from irrigation practices into the river. The river also displays high levels of phosphate, nitrate and magnesium at some monitoring points. iv There are large gaps in data, and thus limited information, in terms of water quality of the Lower Orange River. Studies conducted by organisations such as the ORASECOM also indicate a lack of information with regard to Persistent Organic Pollutants, heavy metals and radio nuclides. These potential major pollutants are currently not being given priority compared to other parameters.. Water management authorities and institutions require research that supplies a constant flow of information in order to adequately respond to water quality changes in the river. This study identified gaps between the monitoring and management of the Lower Orange River. In addition, it provides potential mitigation measures that could help ensure the gaps are closed and water quality data is converted into information that can enhance understanding of the water quality in the Lower Orange River. Policy formulation for water quality management in the arid Northern Cape can be made much easier with this information.
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Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the field of Hydrology in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2019.
Keywords
Water Resource Management, Water quality
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