NDM Water Master Plan
Chapter 4
4.
WATER RESOURCES, WATER BALANCES AND WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT
The water resources must first be investigated to determine the needs, where after the local demands,
challenges and options will be discussed. The water balances will then be shown for the WSAs,
highlighting the losses, after which the water demand management aspects will be discussed.
4.1
Water Resources
4.1.1 Overview per Water Management Area
There are two Water Management Areas (WMA) covering the NDM (See Map 13), i.e. the Olifants and
the Inkomati WMAs. Two other WMAs are considered important: Upper Vaal and Usutu WMAs. The
Olifants Sub-WMA will be discussed in more detail with tables presenting the water requirements,
availability and the balance. The other WMAs will only be discussed giving the general considerations
impacting on the NDM, as the focus area does not fit these WMAs geographically in large enough
components to warrant extensive discussions.
These WMAs represent ring fenced entities that must be considered separately in order to determine
the resources available and the demands on them. The available data is, unfortunately, sourced from
data dating 2000 and is only now being updated by DWAF. The picture that will be presented below
must therefore be read with some caution.
4.1.1.1 Olifants WMA:
Three distinct sub-areas are important, i.e. the Upper Olifants, the Steelpoort and the Middle Olifants
sub-WMAs:

The major portion of the NDM falls within the Upper WMA. The following important rivers
drain this area: Klein Olifants from the east and the Rietspruit, Steenkoolspruit and Viskuile
from the south as well as the Wilge and Koffiespruit from the west joins to form the Olifants
River before Loskop Dam.

The Steelpoort River drains a large area in the east, rising near Belfast and Lydenburg.

The Moses and the Elands rivers also flow into the Olifants before the Arabie Dam making up
part of the Middle Olifants sub-WMA. The WHR falls within this sub-area.
Several major dams exist in the NDM area, i.e.:

Witbank and Middelburg dams, which meet the urban and industrial demands of the Witbank
and Middelburg centres;

Bronkhorstspruit Dam which supplies Bronkhorstspruit and the WHR in the Elands River
catchment with water for domestic and industrial use. There is also a supply for irrigation;

Rhenosterkop Dam which supply water for domestic use to the WHR and for irrigation;

Loskop Dam which is used primarily to supply irrigation water to the Loskop Irrigation Board.
Some water is supplied to the WHR for domestic use.
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Table 4.1: Main Dams in NDM per Catchment area
Name
Live Storage
Firm Yield
Owner
Capacity (106 m3)
(106 m3/a)
Upper Olifants Catchment
Doornpoort
5.22
Minimal
Private
Middelburg
47.90
12.90
Municipality
Rietspruit
4.50
2.40
Private
Trichardtsfontein
15.20
112.70
DWAF
Witbank1
104.14
30.70
Municipality
Wilge River Catchment
Bronkhorstspruit
58.90
19.00
DWAF
Wilge River (Premier Mine
5.04
5.70
Private
Dam)
Elands River Catchment
Rhenosterkop
204.62
8.90
DWAF
Olifants River Catchment between confluences with Wilge and Elands Rivers
Loskop
348.10
145.20
DWAF
Rooikraal
2.12
0.64
DWAF
Steelpoort River Catchment
Belfast
4.39
2.04
Municipality
Notes:
1) It was envisaged previously that augmentation of the Middelburg Dam will be done in future from the Witbank Dam, which in
turn will be supplemented from Grootdraai Dam in the Vaal River System, with transfers via Trichardtspruit and allocations from
the Usutu-Olifants scheme. This possibility has now been reversed due to a higher need at Witbank Dam for augmentation and
is described in more detail elsewhere. The Witbank area is the largest domestic and industrial complex and water user in the
Upper Olifants River catchment. The primary source of water is the Witbank Dam. The secondary source of water is the
Grootdraai Dam in the Vaal River. Water from the Grootdraai Dam is transferred via the Vaal-Olifants transfer pipeline into the
Trichardtsfontein Dam, from where it is released into the Witbank Dam.
The water requirements (See Map 15) are made up as follows:
Table 4.2: Olifants WMA Year 2000 water Requirements (million m3 / a)
Olifants WMA Year 2000 water Requirements (million m3 / a)
Sub-area Irriga- Urban Rural
Mining /
Power Affores- Total Transtion
industrial
tation
fers
out
Upper
44
62
6
20
181
1
314
96
Olifants
Middle
336
15
28
13
0
0
392
3
Olifants
Steelpoort
69
3
5
17
0
1
95
0
Lower
108
7
5
43
0
1
164
0
Olifants
Total
557
87
44
93
181
3
965
8
Total
410
395
95
164
973
It is also reported (DWAF, 2006: 59) that the “future growth in water requirements in the Olifants water
management area will mainly be in the power generation, mining, urban and industrial sectors, with
the largest impact on the Upper-Olifants sub-area. Water requirements for power generation in this
sub-area are expected to increase from the current 180 million m3 per year to about 220 million m 3 per
year by the year 2025. Planning is in progress for two new platinum mines in the Middle Olifants subarea and one in the Steelpoort Valley, together with a smelter and accompanying housing
developments. It is provisionally estimated that about 25 million m3 per year of water will be required
for future mining developments. No meaningful change in the rural requirements for water is foreseen.
Although a dire need exists for improved water supply systems for some rural communities, sufficient
resources are available for all basic human needs.”
The extent of the coal mining operations is indicated below:
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Figure 4.1: Extent of Coal Mining Operations in NDM
The Eskom Power Stations in the NDM are a major water user as indicated in the table below:
Table 4.3: List of Power Stations in NDM
Name
Location
Nearest
town
Arnot
Middelburg
Duvha
Witbank
Hendrina
Middelburg
Komati
Middelburg
Kendal
Witbank
Kriel
Kriel
Matla
Secunda
Capacity
Source
LM
Coal
mine
Total
MW
Komati River Government Scheme
Steve
Eyesizwe
2,100
Tswete LM
Emalahleni
Ingwe
3,600
LM
Steve
Ingwe
2,000
Tswete LM
Steve
1,000
Tswete LM
Usutu-Olifants / Vaal river
Emalahleni (Khutala)
4,116
LM
Ingwe
Emalahleni
Anglo
3,000
LM
Coal
Emalahleni
Eyesizwe
3,600
LM
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Phases
Historical Water
Requirements:
Million m3/a
2x350
24.7
6x600
42
10x200
26.2
4x125;
5x100
9.9
6x686
2
6x500
33.5
6x600
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These stations are all supplied with coal from local feeder mines in the catchment area. Consumption
of water by thermal power stations used for cooling is high and they require a relatively high quality of
water. Cooling and process water for the power stations has to be imported across several
watersheds from other catchments (Komati, Usutu, Vaal) where excess high quality water is available
as indicated in the figure below:
Figure 4.2: Water Transfer Schemes across Upper-Olifants sub-WMA
The Komati, Arnot, Hendrina and Duvha power stations obtain water from the Komati Sub-system.
The Kriel, Matla and Kendal power stations obtain water from the Usutu Sub-system. Construction of
the Kendal power station took 11 years and was completed during July 1982 at a design cost of R6,2
billion. The power station is currently the largest coal-fired power station in the world. The
contribution of Kendal power station to the economic status of the greater Ogies/Phola is phenomenal.
Kendal has an employment rate of approximately 900 employees of different race, sex, age and
culture. Kendal receives its coal supply (± 860 000 tons per month) from the neighbouring mine
Khuthala. The Matla and Duvha power stations obtain water from the Grootdraai Dam Sub-system.
While some of these power stations have not been in operation for a number of years, Eskom has
rejuvenated these “mothballed” stations to supplement energy supply. The heavy traffic generated by
the demand for coal has been devastating to the road-network in many areas.
The Komati, Usutu and Usutu-Vaal Government Schemes supply a substantial portion of the water
required for the local power stations and the domestic and international market. Large quantities of
water are transferred into the Olifants WMA as cooling water for power generation. These are:
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-
from Nooitgedacht and Vygeboom dams (Inkomati WMA);
from Westoe, Jericho and Morgenstond Dams (Usutu to Mhlatuze WMA);
-
From Grootdraai Dam (Upper Vaal WMA), partly using water from Heyshope Dam (Usutu to
Mhlatuze WMA).
The available water (see Map 16) in the Olifants WMA is as follows:
Table 4.4: Olifants WMA Year 2000 water availability (million m3 / a)
Olifants WMA Year 2000 water availability (million m3 / a)
Natural resources
Usable return flow
Total
Translocal
fers in
Sub-area
Surface
Ground
IrrigaUrban Mining
yield
water
water
tion
& Bulk
Upper
194
4
2
34
4
238
171
Olifants
Middle
100
70
34
5
1
210
91
Olifants
Steelpoort
42
14
3
1
1
61
0
Lower
74
11
5
2
8
100
1
Olifants
Total
410
99
44
42
14
609
172
Grand
Total
409
301
61
101
781
Following the requirements and availability figures as quoted above; it remains to balance the figures
as indicated below:
Table 4.5: Reconciliation of requirements and available water for year 2000 (million m 3/a)
Sub-area Available water
Water requirements
Local
Transfers Total
Local
Transfers
Total
Yield
in
requirements
out
Upper
238
171
409
314
96
410
Olifants
Middle
210
91
301
392
3
395
Olifants
Steelpoort
61
0
61
95
0
95
Lower
100
1
101
164
0
164
Olifants
Total
609
172
781
965
8
973
Balance
The Upper Olifants WMA balances with only 1 million m 3/a deficit. It is evident that there is no spare
capacity and that any new demands will have to be met with imports from outside of the WMA.
There is little opportunity for significant efficiency improvements at wet cooling power stations because
there is already considerable re-use of water, albeit requiring extremely high quality intake water
(DWAF, 2004 (c): 18).
Water Quality:
Two types of water quality concerns are noted, i.e. biological / microbial and chemical / mineralogical.
They are described in more detail below:
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Biological / microbial: There are substantial sewage treatment plant return flow volumes in the Loskop
Dam catchment. This contributes to the base flow into Loskop Dam and has been identified as a
cause of eutrophication in the upper reaches of the Loskop Dam and the Klein Olifants River. The
Elands River catchment has a high potential for microbial / fecal contamination of surface and
groundwater.
Chemical / mineralogical: The mineralogical surface water quality is generally good in the Upper
Olifants and Wilge River catchments. It deteriorates slightly in the Elands River catchment and in the
Olifants River downstream of Loskop Dam. Water quality concerns on the Olifants and Klein Olifants
River catchments are high concentrations of dissolved solids (TDS) and sulphates, low pH, and at
times high concentrations of iron, manganese and aluminum as a result of mining activities. It was
found that TDS and sulphate concentrations increased where streams pass through mining areas. In
the Klipspruit catchment, major concerns have been expressed about pH, TDS, sulphate, aluminum
and manganese. The Wilge River catchment was largely unpolluted, with low TDS and sulphate
concentrations, and no water quality concerns were noted. In the Olifants River between Witbank Dam
and Loskop Dam, concerns were noted about low pH, high EC and high sulphate concentration in the
Spookspruit, but Loskop Dam appeared to meet guidelines values, probably as a result of the Wilge
River improving the inflowing water quality into Loskop Dam.
The situation at Loskop Dam is, however, susceptible to dramatic changes, and as a recent front page
article in Die Beeld dated 30 June 2007 reported (see article in the appendices), the dam received
acidic water from mine water contamination. A major ecological disaster may occur in this regard if
the situation is not reversed.
Regional water supply schemes that supply water from outside the Olifants WMA include the
following:

Premier Dam to Premier Mine Water Transfer Scheme: The only scheme that transfers water
(3.9 million m3/annum) out of the area.

Komati River Government Water Scheme: Provides water to four Eskom power stations –
From Nooitgedacht Dam: Komati, From Vygeboom Dam: Arnot, Hendrina and Duvha.

Usutu-Olifants Transfer Scheme: Provides water almost exclusively to Eskom power stations.

Usutu- Vaal Transfer Scheme: Augment supplies from the Komati and Usutu systems to
Eskom power stations.

Rand Water supplies to Eloff, Sundra, Kinross, Leandra, Trichardt and Devon.

Rand Water also supplies water from Mamelodi via Cullinan to the WHR.

Water transfer between Olifants River – Loskop reach and Elands River catchment: Water
from Loskop Dam is supplied via the left bank irrigation canals to the Mthombo Balancing
Dam, from where it is piped to Weltevreden Weir and purification works.
Key issues with respect to the Olifants WMA are as follows:
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
The already full utilization and over-commitment in certain areas, of the water resources as
currently developed and available. There is little scope to further develop the surface water
resources in the Upper Olifants sub-area. Future requirements will have to be met by
transferred water at full cost. This will only be considered after the implementation of WC&
WDM and the development of local resources.

Substantial deficits will result from implementation of the ecological component of the reserve

Continued growth of the urban and industrial areas of Witbank and Middelburg

Increased transfer of water into the WMA for power generation

Water quality management in the Upper Olifants (ref. mining activities)

Improved measurement and monitoring of irrigation abstractions and return flows
4.1.1.2 Inkomati WMA: Only the eastern areas of Emakhazeni LM fall within this WMA with
communities such as Machadodorp and Waterval-boven being located inside its boundaries.
Two major dams have been constructed in the Komati River, viz. the Nooitgedacht Dam and the
Vygeboom Dam. The main purpose of these dams is to supply bulk water to the Eskom power
stations in the Upper Olifants River catchment. There are also other users (called DWAF third party
users) that obtain small quantities of water from the pipelines that transfer the water to the power
stations. The Komati, Arnot, Hendrina and Duvha power stations obtain water from the Komati Subsystem.
Key issues are:

The international nature of the Inkomati River Basin and the sharing of water resources with
Swaziland and Mozambique, have a pronounced impact on water management in the WMA.

Water requirements already exceed the availability of water in several parts of the WMA. The
situation is particularly serious in the Crocodile sub-area, where the strongest potential for
economic growth in the WMA exists, and which will exacerbate the existing shortages.

Management of the Sabie River and Crocodile River is of particular importance with respect to
ecosystems in the Kruger National Park.

It is of national importance that the transfer of high quality water from the Komati sub-area
west of Swaziland to the Eskom power station in the Olifants WMA be maintained.
4.1.1.3 Upper Vaal WMA: One major dam has been constructed in the Upper Vaal River, namely the
Grootdraai Dam. The main purpose of the dam is to supply bulk water to the Tutuka power station
and Sasol in the Vaal River catchment. Grootdraai Dam also supplies water to the following power
station in the Upper Olifants River catchment via the Vaal-Olifants transfer pipeline (when necessary):

Matla (This connection is necessary due to capacity and yield limits in the Usutu Sub-system),

Duvha (This is necessary due to shortages in the Komati Sub-system (to a maximum of 9
million m3/a),

Supplementary support (if required) to Kendal,

Back-up/supplementary support (if required) to Kriel.
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The Komati Sub-system is first utilized to its full extent, thereafter the Usutu Sub-system and only then
is the Grootdraai Dam Sub-system used to augment supplies to the power stations. Tutuka is
however solely supplied from Grootdraai Dam.
4.1.1.4 Usutu WMA: Four major dams have been constructed in the Usutu River and its major
tributaries. These dams include the Westoe, Jericho, Morgenstond and Heyshope Dams. The main
purpose of the first three dams is to supply bulk water to the Eskom power stations in the Upper
Olifants River catchment and Camden power station in the Upper Vaal River catchment. Heyshope
Dam was primarily constructed to augment the water supply of Grootdraai Dam which supplies water
mainly to Sasol and Eskom power stations. The Camden, Kriel, Matla and Kendal power stations
obtain water from the Usutu Sub-system.
Recommendations:
The following recommendations are summarised (DWAF, 2006: 69).
The Olifants WMA:

As a first priority water therefore needs to be freed up through compulsory licensing and
supporting measures, to address the existing deficits as well as to meet the ecological
requirements.

In addition, water need to be provided to support the strong potential for economic
development in the Olifants water management area (in the mining, power generation, urban
and industrial sectors).

Considering the already high level of water resources development in the water management
area, together with the relatively low economic efficiency of irrigation water use, further
expansion of irrigation should only be allowed under highly exceptional circumstances.

Similarly, it is recommended that expansion of afforestation only be allowed subject to the
introduction of appropriate compensatory measures with respect to the additional water to be
intercepted.
The sub-areas are described in more detail below:
Upper Olifants sub-area
Power generation: There is little potential for further large scale development of local water resources
in this sub-area, and additional water required for power generation will have to be sourced from
outside the water management area.
Urban and Industrial use: Water demand management should first be successfully implemented and
the re-use of effluent be investigated, before resorting to the further transfer of water into the area.
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Rural and mining: Little change is expected with respect to rural requirements for water as well as
water use by the mining sector. The proper management of acidic mine discharges being blended into
the natural streamflow remains of critical importance.
Middle Olifants sub-area
The provision of water for basic human needs remains a primary requirement in the Middle Olifants
sub-area. Although sufficient resources are available for this purpose, the main issue is the most cost
efficient provision of water supply infrastructure. In the WHR where the people are mainly
concentrated in large villages and where groundwater quality is poor, several sources of supply from
surface water have been identified (see discussion below). Water for irrigation as a means of rural
development and poverty relief will have to be sourced largely through re-allocation from existing
users.
Steelpoort sub-area
The main requirements for water in this sub-area are for basic human needs in rural areas, and with
respect to new mining developments. Rural water supplies can probably best be sourced from
groundwater, or alternatively through construction of a dam on the Steelpoort River. Water for mining
developments could probably be supplied from the Olifants River, through the re-allocation of irrigation
water, and a possible new dam on the Steelpoort River.
Transfer of water between WMAs:
The transfer of water (see Map 18) between water management areas and arrangements with
neighbouring countries, resort under national control. With regard to the Olifants water management
area this includes the following measures directly applicable to the NDM:

Current transfers of water (172 million m³/a) from the Inkomati, Usutu to Mhlatuze and Upper
Vaal water management areas to the Olifants water management area for the strategic use of
power generation. An additional quantity of 38 million m³/a is to be reserved by the Minister for
transfer from the Upper Vaal water management area for this purpose (to be sourced through
other transfers to the Upper Vaal). Details of the reservations are given in the descriptions of
the relevant source water management areas.

Existing transfer of 5 million m³/a from the Wilge tributary to Cullinan and Premier Diamond
Mine in the Crocodile (West) and Marico water management area – Reserved in the Olifants
water management area.
The Inkomati WMA:

Water allocations need to be reapportioned to address existing shortages, while water also
needs to be freed up to meet the ecological requirements.
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
Compulsory licensing, together with appropriate supporting measures, must be applied.

In addition, water needs to be provided to support urban and industrial growth in the Crocodile
sub-area.

Further expansion of irrigation should only be allowed under highly exceptional circumstances.

Expansion of afforestation must only be allowed where additional water can be intercepted.

Transfer of water to the Olifants water management area for power generation, at the current
utilisation of the transfer scheme (approximately 85 million m³/a). The provisions of the Treaty
between South Africa and Swaziland accommodate a transfer of 132 million m³/a out of the
catchment, which must be reserved in the Inkomati water management area.

Water supplied to South Africa by the Komati Basin Water Authority, which includes releases
for environmental purposes – Reserved by international agreement for use in the Inkomati
water management area.
Groundwater
The groundwater potential is limited for the NDM, with only areas around Delmas considered to have
moderate to high yield potential (see Map 17). The utilization of groundwater sources is limited to the
Delmas area, the north-western areas of Dr JS Moroka LM and to a few small communities and farms.
Detailed discussions are provided below per WSA.
4.1.2
Overview per Water Services Authority
The following table contains the different schemes within the six local municipalities indicating the
sources supplying the different schemes together with current and future demands where available.
Table 4.6: Water Resources for the Schemes
LM
Delmas
Emalahleni
Scheme
Delmas-Botleng
Eloff-Sundra
Witbank
Phola & Ogies
Kriel-Thubelihle
Wilge
Rietspruit
MiddelburgMhluzi
HendrinaKwazamokuhle
Steve
Tshwete
Arnot-Rietkuil
Pullenshope
Komati
Presidentsrus
WTW/ Source of Potable water
Allowable
WTW
Source
Abstractio
n
(mill m3 / a)
Boreholes
3.345
Rand Water
1.296
Witbank WTW
2010
2015
(mill m3 / a)
5.206
Current
Surplus or
Shortfall
(mill m3 / a)
6.176
7.880
-0.565
6.200
0.07
31.025
1.453
2.299
0.07
38.690
50.005
1.800
2.117
2.510
2.738
Not Available
1.095
1.095
Not Available
13.300
9.920
2.190
2.190
12.3
15.49
2
Not Available
1.280
1.971
Not Available
-0.691
0.547
0.390
Not Available
0.157
0.547
0.406
Not Available
0.141
0.547
0.248
Not Available
0.299
0.117
0.034
Not Available
0.083
Witbank Dam
27.375
Kriel WTW
Jericho Dam
Kendal Power Station
Rietspruit
Rietspruit
WTW
Dam
Vaalbank
Middelburg
WTW
Dam
Kruger WTW
Athlone Dam
Komati
Pipeline from
Hendrina
the
WTW
Nooitgedacht
Dam
Arnot-Rietkuil
ESKOM
WTW
Pullenshope
ESKOM
WTW
Komati WTW
ESKOM
Presidentsrus
Olifants River
WTW
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3.901
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LM
Scheme
Emakhazeni
Thembisile
Dr JS
Moroka
Doornkop CPA
Doornkop 2
Belfast Siyathuthuka
Machadodorp Emthonjeni
Dullstroom Sakhelwe
Waterval Boven
– Emgwena
Regional
scheme: DWAF
Scheme
KwandebeleBronkhorstspruit
Regional
scheme: DWAF
Scheme
KwandebeleRhenosterkop
WTW/ Source of Potable water
Allowable
WTW
Source
Abstractio
n
(mill m3 / a)
Boreholes
0.039
Boreholes
0.091
Belfast WTW
Belfast Dam
Machadodorp
WTW
Dullstroom
WTW
Waterval
Boven WTW
Bronkhorstspr
uit WTW
Rand Water
Pipeline
Elands River
Weir
Dullstroom
Dam
Elands River
Weir
Bronkhorstspr
uit Dam
Weltevreden
Weir
Rand Water
Future Use
Current
Use
2010
2015
Current
Surplus or
Shortfall
(mill m3 / a)
0.039
0.091
Not Available
Not Available
0
0
3.073
1.460
Not Available
1.613
0.532
0.730
Not Available
-0.198
0.536
0.730
Not Available
-0.194
0.198
1.095
Not Available
-0.897
14.400
5.475
Not Available
8.925
11.000
(mill m3 / a)
Not Applicable
Rhenosterkop
Dam
9.650
22.00
Not Available
-12.35
Kameel River
4.1.2.1 Delmas LM
4.1.2.1.1 Surface and Ground Water Sources
The water supply schemes (Boreholes together with the Rand Water pipeline) to all of the Delmas
communities are interlinked. The current demand of 5,2 million m 3/a exceeds the current supply of 4,6
million m3/a. Future demands will steadily increase implying that a study into alternative resources or
additional boreholes should be conducted as a matter of urgency as future demands will increase the
stress on the existing boreholes even further.
Two outbreaks of ground water related diseases occurred recently since a similar outbreak in 1993,
i.e.:

August 2005 – see Question Nr 1567 and Answer in National Assembly in Appendix C

November 2007 – see DWAF Press Release of 20 November 2007 in Appendix C
The problems relate to both the surface-contamination of the bore hole fields and the inadequate
treatment of the extracted water. Support measures by DWAF include:

Connection of the C field directly to the Delmas Reservoir (at a cost of R1.5 million)

Approved the business plans for the construction of a Water Purification Plant.

Support for the Section 78 assessment at a cost of R200 000.

Development of a Ground Water Management Plan at a cost of R212 000.

Assisting in the payments (of R500 000) for the service provider (ERWAT) who are providing
support in the management of the sewage works and developing the necessary municipal bilaws.
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
Providing a further R750 000 towards a team of engineers that will be ensuring that there is
strong management over the water quality and sanitation in the area, and will bring additional
expertise to the Municipality.

Extensive support from DWAF in sampling and testing, as well as, assisting with the
investigations of the causes of the diarrhea.

The costs of the study by the University of Johannesburg to gather intelligence on a range of
factors that could be linked to the causes of the diarrhea, (R120 000).
4.1.2.2 Emalahleni LM
4.1.2.2.1 Surface Water Sources
The Witbank dam is currently utilized beyond safe long term yields.
Abstractions from the dam are not only made for purification at the Witbank WTW (capacity = ±95
Ml/d), but also to supply raw water to Highveld Steel and Vanadium Corporation for use at its iron
plant west of Clewer. It has been reported that Highveld Steel owns 49% of the dam and has an
agreement with the municipality to abstract up to 30 Ml/d (current abstraction = ± 23 Ml/d) for a 30year period ending in 2028 at a tariff favouring the mine.
“The current allocated abstraction permit is for 27.3 million cubic meters per year, but this volume is
already being exceeded as the abstraction in 2005 was approximately 42 million cubic meters
according to records obtained from the municipality’s bulk water services department. It must be
emphasized that this is not a once-off occurrence, but rather reflects the region’s growing demand for
water which is likely to increase at a steady rate in the foreseeable future.
The current high abstractions from the dam are only sustainable during relatively wet seasons when
the run-off to and yield of the dam is high, which has fortunately been the case for the last 3 years.
However, if these abstractions persist or increase during imminent future dry seasons without
augmenting the yield of the dam, water shortages similar to that experienced as recently as December
2003 will result in major water restrictions having a significant impact on the economy of Emalahleni.”
(Emalahleni LM, April 2007: page 29-30)
Based on the above figures and the current raw water availability from the Witbank Dam, it should be
stressed that the Emalahleni Local Municipality will face a massive water shortage in the near future if
no measures are rapidly taken to enlarge the resources available to supply raw water to the water
treatment works. The following options were made available in the Emalahleni LM Water Master Plan,
Final Draft, April 2007:

Desalination of mine water – This option will effectively add potable water in excess of 20 Ml/day
by 2010 and will be introduced directly into the existing bulk water distribution system. This project
is currently being implemented with the commissioning of phase 1 (10 Ml/d) expected by mid
2007.
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
Recycling of treated sewage effluent from Riverview and Klipspruit Sewage Treatment Works – If
implemented, these schemes will add between 25 and 35 Ml/ day to the current yield of the
Witbank Dam.

Raising the existing dam wall – Raise the existing dam wall by changing the overflow to an OG
type spillway and installing 1.5 m high flash boards. An increase of approximately 8 Ml/day is
expected from this scheme.

Reach an agreement with Highveld Steel and Vanadium Corporation – “to use treated sewage
effluent from the Ferrobank Sewage Treatment Works as process water in lieu of raw water from
Witbank Dam. This should release about 15 Ml/day for potable purposes as it is unlikely that
Highveld Steel will be able to switch totally to the use of treated effluent. The quantity that they can
use will have to be agreed with them through negotiations”.

Water Purchases from the Doornpoort Dam – This will provide about 8 Ml/day of additional water.
4.1.2.2.2
Ground Water Sources
No substantial amount of water is currently extracted from boreholes due to vigorous mining activities
and subsequent dewatering in Emalahleni.
4.1.2.3 Steve Tshwete LM
4.1.2.3.1
Surface Water Sources
The Middelburg Dam is the main water source to the Vaalbank water treatment works with a permitted
abstraction of 13.3 million m3 per annum. A total amount of 9.92 million m 3 of water was abstracted
during the 2005/2006 financial year (leaving a surplus of 3.38 million m 3 still available) The abstraction
figure from the Middelburg Dam increased by 30% from 2000 up to 2006. The utilization of mine water
has been investigated by Golder and Associates (Golder, 2007: i):
In the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality there is already a need to supplement water supply
to the Hendrina area (1.5 Ml/day) which will increase to 3 Ml/day by 2027, and by 2017 the
Middelburg/Mhluzi area will also require an alternative source of water of at least 3.4
Ml/day, which increases to 12.2 Ml/day in 2027.
The Hendrina WTW is supplied from the Komati Pipeline, but the authorized water abstraction from
the pipeline is exceeded by 54%. The planned mine water project is expected to be in operation by
2009. From the WTW the communities of Hendrina and Kwazamokuhle are supplied through a
network of pipelines. Some squatters still exist and extensions 7 and 8 in Kwaza have been
earmarked for their relocation. The utilization of mine water is discussed below.
The re-use of treated water from the Boskrans STP has already been implemented to optimise the
return flow as a source for the municipality.
4.1.2.3.2
Ground Water Sources
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No substantial amount of water is currently extracted from boreholes due to vigorous mining activities
and subsequent dewatering in the southern areas in Steve Tshwete while almost 70% of the rural
villages and farms in the northern part of Steve Tshwete are dependant on groundwater sources with
two rural villages receiving water from boreholes at present. Doornkop CPA utilizes about 37 kl per
day while Doornkop village uses 50 kl per day.
“Steve Tshwete Local Municipality will enter into a long term water supply agreement with the mines
for the usage of access mine water treated to a drinking water standard. At this stage Steve Tshwete
Local Municipality rely on groundwater or the water supply in the rural area to those households not
served with a tanker service.” (Steve Tshwete LM, 2007: 4.2)
4.1.2.4 Emakhazeni LM
4.1.2.4.1
Surface Water Sources
Belfast receives potable water from the Belfast WTW abstracting raw water from the Belfast Dam. The
current abstraction quantity is less than the licensed annual abstraction quantity but needs to be
investigated in the near future.
Machadodorp and Emthonjeni are supplied by potable water from the Machadodorp WTW receiving
raw water from a weir in the Elands River. The purification plant has been upgraded 5 years ago and
is still in a good condition. Purified water is pumped to the reservoir site at Machadodorp from where it
is pumped to the Machadodorp and Emthonjeni reticulation systems. The application for the increase
of their current licence has been submitted to DWAF to expand their current licensed abstraction to
2.7 Ml/day.
The maximum allowable abstraction from the Elands River Weir is currently exceeded by 0.2 million
m3 per annum. Alternative resources need to be investigated to allow for enough raw water to the
Machadodorp WTW to ensure sustainable future water supply to the villages of Machadodorp and
Emthonjeni.
The Dullstroom WTW is supplied from the Dullstroom Dam and potable water is then pumped to
Dullstroom and Sakhelwe. Dullstroom is a favourite weekend-holiday and tourism destination for
people from Gauteng as well as the rest of the county and abroad and has experienced strong growth
in the last few years. The water source has been reported to be under pressure (the maximum
allowable extraction is exceeded by 0.2 million m 3 per annum). Sakhelwe has also recently been
extended and the continued pressure for new stands requires careful planning for the sustainable
supply of raw water from alternative sources to the Belfast WTW to supplement the Belfast Dam. The
application for the increase of their current licence has been submitted to DWAF to expand their
current licensed abstraction to 2.7 Ml/day.
The Waterval boven WTW receives raw water from the Elands River Weir. A study should be
conducted to locate possible additional resources as the maximum allowable abstraction from the weir
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is already exceeded by 0.9 million m 3 per annum and their application for the increased licensed
abstraction has been declined by DWAF.
4.1.2.4.2
Ground Water Sources
Due to the predominantly rural character of the Highlands (Emakhazeni LM) area there is no water
network in the rural areas. Approximately 50% of the population living in Emakhazeni is dependant on
water supplied from ground water sources by means of windmills, boreholes, dams and rivers.
4.1.2.5 Thembisile LM
4.1.2.5.1 Surface Water Sources
Bronkhorstspruit Dam
Premier Mine Dam
Other Users
Cullinan
Bronkhorstspruit
WTW
Bronkhorstspruit, Rethabiseng, Zithobeni
Rand Water Pipeline
Ekandustria
Reservoirs
Industrial Users
Thembisile Local
Municipality
Mine & Other Users
Figure 4.3: Schematic layout of the water supply scheme within Thembisile Local Municipality
The water supply to the Thembisile Local Municipality consists of two main resources being the Rand
Water Pipeline – 30 Ml/day and the Bronkhorstspruit Dam via the Bronkhorstspruit WTW – 54 Ml/day.
The maximum allowable abstraction from the Bronkhorstspruit Dam is 14.4 million m3 per annum from
where 5.475 million m3 per annum is used by Thembisile Local Municipality, but a cumbersome
reduction in capacity of the Bronkhorstspruit WTW took place due to a lack of sufficient Operation &
Maintenance. Potable water is currently bought from Rand Water at a unit cost of almost 5 times more
than water received from the Bronkhorstspruit WTW (R 3.46 vs. R 0.54 per kl).
4.1.2.5.2
Ground Water Sources
“Two possible groundwater sources are considered, i.e. local groundwater and the Delmas aquifer. It
is reported (DWAF, 2005 (a), 4-9) that there is limited groundwater available generally throughout the
region: “The assessment confirms that groundwater is widely available over the region but variously
developed. With the probable exception of the areas underlain by felsites and rhyolite, groundwater is
always available for stock watering and limited potable development. Small scale reticulated schemes
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could be sourced from strip aquifers developed to supply 200 – 400 m3/day associated with the
regional and sub-regional structures which traverse much of the central areas.”
The local groundwater sources can therefore only be used to augment local domestic demands, but it
is not suitable for development of large schemes.” (Thembisile LM, 2007)
There are some rural communities which are dependent on local boreholes for their supply. The
largest of these communities are Langkloof, situated east of Verena. Unfortunately, the limited
information of the extent of boreholes which are equipped and in use, permit only those of Langkloof
to be populated in the table below:
Langkloof
T 45746
T 45740
T 50458
T 45744
T 45747
Dolerite
Dolerite
Dolerite
Dolerite
Dolerite
Use
Yield (l/d)
Aquifer type (e.g.
granite)
Borehole Well Number
Name of authorised user
(e.g. licensed property)
Table 4.7: Boreholes in Langkloof
20 000
50 400
86 400
10 900
21 600
10 h/d at
11 h/d at
11 h/d at
16 h/d at
6 h/d at
2000 l/h
4831 l/h
9480 l/h
680 l/h
3600 l/h
According to a recent study (DWAF, 2005 (a), 4-9) the Delmas groundwater aquifer can supply only
up to 1% yield benefit to the Bronkhorstspruit Sub-system for normal use, while up to 24% can be
achieved if the Delmas aquifer is used exclusively for this purpose during times of drought.
(Thembisile LM, 2007)
4.1.2.6 Dr JS Moroka LM
4.1.2.6.1
Surface Water Sources
Regional Scheme: Dr JS Moroka LM / Sekhukhune DM / Thembisile LM
The northern part of the regional scheme provides water to three WSAs, i.e. Dr JS Moroka LM,
Thembisile LM within NDM and cross-border to Sekhukhune DM. The main source of water to the
Weltevreden WTW is the Rhenosterkop Dam. The source is over utilised as reported (Dr JSM LM,
2007: 3.1):
The total subsystem yield has been calculated (DWAF, 2005 (a), 4-22) at 9.65 million m3 /a (including
2,55 million m3/a from the Loskop Dam canal) while the estimated annual usage amounts to 22 million
m3 per annum. The following possible solutions have been proposed in the WSDP for Dr JS Moroka
LM (2007 (b), Dr JSM LM :3-3):
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
Strategy 1: Making additional water available to users by implementing water demand
management / water conservation programmes, including leakage control, cost recovery, etc. This
strategy assumes that WDM & WC measures will be effective. Only active steps to limit the
unrestricted use of water will be effective and strong political influence is required in this regards at
various levels of government.

Strategy 2: Inter-basin transfer from the Vaal River via Groot Draai Dam. The Groot Draai Dam
basin needs augmentation in itself from the Vaal River and thus in effect is the same as getting
water from Mamelodi via Rand Water.

Strategy 3: Inter-basin transfer from the Olifants River by utilising any surplus water from the
Loskop Dam irrigation canal and / or by securing additional resources such as a buy-out of the
existing water rights from the irrigation scheme.
Moses River-option: This is not feasible, specifically due to increased shortfalls in the Middle
Olifants River System that is already in deficit.
Buy-out of water rights: This strategy poses complex socio-economic and legal challenges and
has been discarded.
Middelburg Dam: Excesses at this source is limited and losses in the scheme cause this option to
be un-viable.

Strategy 4: Utilising local groundwater sources for supply at a local level.
Only local communities can benefit from this source due to its limited yield characteristics. It is
nevertheless important and is considered to be the only viable source for the near future for the
western portions of Dr. JSM LM.

Strategy 5: Inter-basin water transfer from the Apies and / or Pienaars River.
This strategy has been ruled out as a feasible option, specifically relating to water rights issues
and uncertainties concerning water use requirements from existing users.

Strategy 6: Utilising spare capacity in the Rand Water system serving Mamelodi.
This strategy has been implemented for Thembisile LM and may in future be used to augment
supply to Dr. JSM LM. The high costs associated to this option may, however, prove to render it
unfeasible.

Strategy 7: Sewage effluent transfer from ERWAT’s proposed treatment works in Blesbokspruit
catchment (Vaal system).
Water quality concerns prohibit the effectiveness of this option.

Strategy 8: Delmas dolomites.
This option presents many uncertainties e.g. the link between the reduction in inflow to the
Bronkhorstspruit Dam and abstractions from the dolomites.
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
Strategy 9: Rust de Winter Dam
The Rust de Winter Dam, situated upstream of the Rhenosterkop (Mkhombo) Dam, can also
supply additional volumes of water although up to 50% losses are experienced when water is
released to augment the supply at Rhenosterkop.
4.1.2.6.2
Ground Water Sources
Table 4.8: Summary of Borehole data from LED Engineering
Community
No of
Sewage ContaChlorination
boremination
installed
holes
No
No
No
Phake
13
2
Masobe
9
1
Nokaneng
22
Katjibane
16
Mmamethlake
1
Semohlase
1
-
Nitrates high
No
5
-
6
5
3
4
1
-
The majority of the boreholes are electrified, while several are hand operated and some are diesel
powered. It is also reported that vandalism is a general problem at installations and that effective
O&M is lacking throughout the area.
Groundwater quality has been tested only when major refurbishment or upgrading has been done.
Groundwater depth, the yield of the boreholes and the abstraction has historically been recorded. The
abstraction is registered with DWAF. Vandalism and theft happens occasionally. Effective O&M is
deficient throughout the area. Only reactive maintenance is done. Spare parts must be obtained when
required from suppliers. Current refurbishment costs have not been determined.
4.2
Water Balance
Putting forward a sensible set of data representing the water balance revolves around the amount of
unaccounted for water within a water supply scheme. Information is required on the amount of bulk
water abstracted and treated or purchased. How this water is distributed also needs to be reported on.
The Figures below represent a water balance summary for every one of the six LMs.
4.2.1 Delmas LM:
Assumption: 60% of
used water is returned to
the WWTW
Water losses
0.937 mill m3/a
2620 kl/year
Chlorinated
3.91 mill m3 / a
Residential &
Commercial Use
3.32 mill m3/a
Wastewater treatment works
2.561 mill m3/a
Industrial Use
0.949 mill m3/a
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Boreholes
3.91 mill m3 / a
Rand Water
1.296 mill m3 /a
Return to source
0 mill m3/a
Figure 4.4: Delmas LM Water Usage diagram
The Delmas LM mainly utilizes boreholes as a source of water for the larger part of their communities.
Water losses and unaccounted for water varies between 18% and 24% of the total water abstracted
and bought by the municipality. Residential and Commercial water users cover the largest part of the
user profile in the Delmas district.
4.2.2 Emalahleni LM:
Water losses & UAW
14.599 mill m3 / a
2620 kl/year
Treatment losses
1.35 mill m3 / a
Residential Use
14.918 mill m3 / a
Municipal & Health
0.913 mill m3 / a
Treatment Works
37.0 mill m3 / a
Highveld Steel
8.4 mill m3 / a
Wastewater treatment works
14.783 mill m3 / a
Commercial/ Industrial Use
5.219 mill m3 / a
Raw Water losses
2.0 mill m3 / a
Return to source
4.14 mill m3 / a
Abstraction
47.27 mill m3 / a
Figure 4.5: Emalahleni LM Water Usage diagram
The Emalahleni LM water supply systems mainly abstract water from the Witbank and Jericho Dams.
Water losses and unaccounted for water (Including raw water and treatment plant losses) amounts to
approximately 38% of the total water abstracted by the municipality. Residential and Commercial
(Including Highveld Steel) water users cover the largest part of the user profile in the Emalahleni
district.
4.2.3 Steve Tshwete LM:
Water losses
2.49 mill m3 / a
2620 kl/year
Human, gardening and
other consumption
4.70 mill m3 / a
Residential Use
9.30 mill m3 / a
Treatment Works
11.41 mill m3 / a
Industrial Use
0.270 mill m3 / a
Wastewater treatment works
5.30 mill m3 / a
Commercial Use
0.415 mill m3 / a
Abstraction
11.41 mill m3 / a
Purchased from ESKOM
1.04 mill m3 / a
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Return to source
5.088 mill m3 / a
Figure 4.6: Steve Tshwete LM Water Usage diagram
The Steve Tshwete LM water supply systems mainly abstract water from the Middelburg and Athlone
Dams. Water losses and unaccounted for water are relatively low in the area and within the
acceptable limits. Residential water users cover the largest part of the user profile in the Steve
Tshwete district.
4.2.4 Emakhazeni LM
Water losses
0.24 mill m3 / a
Human, gardening and
other consumption
1.07 mill m3 / a
Residential Use
2.33 mill m3 / a
Treatment Works
2.62 mill m3 / a
Wastewater treatment works
1.31 mill m3 / a
Industrial Use
0.012 mill m3 / a
Commercial Use
0.036 mill m3 / a
Abstraction
2.62 mill m3 / a
Return to source
1.314 mill m3 / a
Figure 4.7: Emakhazeni LM Water Usage diagram
The Emakhazeni LM water supply systems abstract water from the Belfast Dam. Water losses and
unaccounted for water are relatively low in the area and within the acceptable limits (± 9%).
Residential water users cover the largest part of the user profile in the Emakhazeni district.
4.2.5 Thembisile LM
Human, gardening and
other consumption
8.03 mill m3 / a
Water losses
5.84 mill m3 / a
Bronkhorstspruit
WTW
5.475 mill m3 / a
Residential Use
8.395 mill m3 / a
Industrial Use
0 mill m3 / a
Rand Water
Pipeline
9.125 mill m3 / a
Commercial Use
0.365 mill m3 / a
Estimated figure:
1000m3 per day is
returned to the
WWTW
Wastewater treatment works
0.365 mill m3 / a
Return to source
0 mill m3 / a
Figure 4.8: Thembisile LM Water Usage diagram
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4.2.6 Dr JS Moroka LM
Water losses
7.67 mill m3 / a
2620 kl/year
Human, gardening and
other consumption
9.720 mill m3 / a
Residential Use
9.00 mill m3 / a
Treatment Works
22.00 mill m3 / a
Distribution
15.33 mill m3 / a
Cross Border
Users
6.67 mill m3 / a
Commercial Use
0.214 mill m3 / a
Wastewater treatment works
1.280 mill m3 / a
Other Users
1.786 mill m3 / a
Abstraction
22.00 mill m3 / a
Return to source
0 mill m3 / a
Figure 4.9: Dr JS Moroka LM Water Usage diagram
The water losses and unaccounted for water in the Thembisile – Dr JS Moroka sub-schemes are
extremely high in the area and measures need to be taken as a matter of urgency to limit further
extensive water losses in the area (± 50-60%). Residential water users cover the largest part of the
user profile in the Thembisile and Dr JS Moroka districts.
The following bar charts illustrate and compare the annual water losses per local municipality.
Dr JS
Moroka
Thembisile
Emakhazeni
Steve
Tshwete
Emalahleni
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Delmas
Volume (mill m^3/a)
Annual Losses (Volume)
LM
Figure 4.10: Comparison of annual water loss volumes within the different LMs.
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60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
Dr JS
Moroka
Thembisile
Emakhazeni
Steve
Tshwete
0%
Emalahleni
10%
Delmas
% of total annual
abstraction
Annual Losses (%)
LM
Figure 4.11: Comparison of annual water losses expressed as a percentage of the total annual
abstraction within the different LMs.
It is evident that Emalahleni LM, Thembisile LM and Dr JS Moroka LM needs to investigate ways and
measures to reduce their annual water losses as a matter of urgency to enable future demands to be
met. Thembisile LM and Dr JS Moroka LM are losing almost half of their annual water supply due to
system losses attributable to insufficient Operation and Maintenance procedures. Losses within
Delmas LM and Steve Tshwete LM are within acceptable margins. The losses within the Emakhazeni
LM are very low and need to be verified.
Recommendations:
The following measures are recommended in order to improve the high levels of losses as noted
above:

Social
o Awareness programmes at schools, community centres, media – such programmes
need to be done at regular intervals for a long period of time to provide a backdrop for
the institutional and the technical measures to be implemented.
o
The establishment of customer care centres will contribute to the social contract in this
regard by providing the necessary channels of communication and ensuring that
customers can report leaks and receive feedback as required.

Institutional
o

Create the necessary mandate and capacity in-house by setting of policies,
standards, and personnel structures to implement the policies
Technical
o Several options exists which must be investigated in order to determine the most
feasible approach per LM, i.e. Water demand management and water conservation
measures (see below), cost recovery including the implementation of Free Basic
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Water, active leakage control e.g. taps and toilets repair and visible leaks in streets
repair, refurbishment of old reticulation systems, etc. The challenge will be to
determine where the highest gain in each and every scheme can be achieved at the
lowest cost. It has been found that the water losses in the bulk systems can be
reduced to low levels at relative ease, while the control of losses in the retail networks
are much more intricate especially where cost recovery is not enforced. Metering of
flows (both bulk and retail metering) remains critical to all such measures in order to
determine the magnitude of losses and gains and to identify areas of high losses or to
pinpoint specific losses.

Financial
o
4.3
Budgets (see Chapter 6) need to reflect the needs for the implementation of the
measures as described above.
Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WC & WDM)
The National Water Act requires the Water Services Authority (WSA) to prepare WC/ WDM strategy in
order to achieve more efficient use of water. All six (6) of the local municipalities within the area of
jurisdiction of the Nkangala District Municipality are WSAs as well as Water Services Providers (WSP).
Many challenges exist in South Africa to reach the Millennium goals set in connection with the
provision of Free Basic Water and Sanitation services to all communities in the country. One major
challenge that needs to be addressed in order to complete these goals is water resources. The
construction of new dams will solve many short term problems but without adequate measures in
place to address Water Conservation and Water Demand Management, only larger problems in the
future will be created by constructing new dams due to South Africa being one of the “driest” countries
in the world. The above-mentioned statement was highlighted by Mrs. LB Hendricks, Minister of Water
Affairs and Forestry during the launch of the National Water Conservation and Water Demand Indaba.
““Coping with water scarcity” as the theme for 2007 World Water Day is therefore apt for South Africa,
which is one of the top thirty driest countries in the world. We have an estimated average of less than
a 1 000 cubic meters of water per person per annum, which is quite low by international standards. It
puts us clearly as a water stressed country as over 1700 cubic meters per person per annum is
considered enough not to be in water stress or have water scarcity. In addition, the current climatic
conditions that we are experiencing makes water scarcity a daily reality for many in our country. The
challenge of climate change is that we are likely to see a reduction of rainfall in some parts of South
Africa and to see an increase the intensity of droughts and floods.” (Launch of the National Water
Conservation and Water Demand Indaba Speech by Mrs. LB Hendricks, Minister of Water Affairs and
Forestry, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Gauteng, 22 March 2007)
“However, building dams and new infrastructure is not the only solution and we urgently need to relook at how we use our water. Water Conservation and Water Demand Management have a crucial
role to play in the future”. (Launch of the National Water Conservation and Water Demand Indaba
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Speech by Mrs. LB Hendricks, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Gallagher Estate, Midrand,
Gauteng, 22 March 2007)
The above-mentioned extract from Minister Hendricks highlights the necessity and importance to
implement and actively drive Water Conservation and Water Demand Programmes.
WDM&WC is recognized by DWAF as a crucial component of all planning in the context of the RSA as
a water scarce region. Eight objectives are identified (DWAF, 2004 (c):9) by government in this
regard, i.e.:
Table 4.9 Eight objectivesof WDM&WC
Objective
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 3
Objective 4
Objective 5
Objective 6
Objective 7
Objective 8
Description of Objective
To facilitate and ensure the role of WC/WDM in achieving sustainable, efficient and
affordable management of water resources and water services
To contribute to the protection of the environment, ecology and water resources
To create a culture of WC/WDM within all water management and water services
institutions
To create a culture of WC/WDM for all consumers and users
To support water management and water services institutions to implement WC/WDM
To promote the allocation of adequate capacity and resources by water institutions for
WC/WDM
To enable water management and water services institutions to adopt integrated
planning
To promote international co-operation and participate with other Southern African
countries, particularly basin-sharing countries, in developing joint WC/WDM strategies
Discussed below are situation assessments and implementation strategies to be incorporated within
each of the six local municipalities.
In general the strategies for the implementation of Water Demand Management (WDM) and Water
Conservation (WC) can be examined from the following four categories:




Water resource management
Distribution management
Consumer / end user demand management
Effluent / return flow management
It is however considered that successful WDM and WC can only be achieved on a sustainable basis
when cost recovery of the system is at an acceptable level. It is therefore understood that the best way
to implement WDM and WC successfully is to hold the consumer responsible for water consumption
above free basic level. In such a case the consumer has to be metered and billed based on a well
informed tariff structure. It is however important that the institutional arrangements are in place to
ensure that billing is done and that enforcement takes place in the case of non payment.
Strategies include four levels of operations, i.e.:
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1. At an operational level – to plan, prioritise and manage a leakage monitoring, control and
repair program to locate and repair unreported leaks and bursts;
2. At planning and design levels – to progressively manage operating pressures to optimum
levels;
3. At a strategic level – to derive a water balance and to determine an economically justifiable
program of leakage control;
4. At a managerial level – to set leakage management performance criteria
Information can only be obtained by interpreting data and presenting the results in a useable manner.
A water supply system can only be effectively managed if it can be properly measured. The more upto-date the information that reaches the manager of the system, the more effectively the system can
be managed. Currently the manager does not have access to information without first having to obtain
and analyze raw data (e.g. visit reservoirs to check the levels) Obtaining information is currently
therefore time-consuming and expensive. It is important that the manager of the system should not be
involved in trying to obtain or even analyze raw data. Such a manager should be presented with useful
information with a minimum of effort so that they can make timely decisions to ensure the continued
sustainable delivery of water to customers.
The management of Real Losses through WDM measures consists of some combination of four
primary components:




Pipeline and assets management;
Pressure management;
Speed and quality of repairs; and
Active leakage control.
Taking the overview as given above in mind, the WSAs are considered in more detail below:
4.3.1 Delmas Local Municipality
4.3.1.1 Situation assessment

Delmas LM is currently busy with a programme whereby water flow meters and water loggers are
installed to monitor and control water consumed within the different water use zones.

The water network is operated at an average pressure of 3 bar, suggesting poor plumbing as one
of the major reasons for leakages in the reticulation system.

A program focusing on plumbing in informal settlements and other areas where payment for water
is low is currently underway to try and reduce the amount of water leaks due to informal
connections and tampering with the existing reticulation system.
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
A steering committee has been formed to investigate the rehabilitation of the local wetlands in
order to promote and promote the Working for Water initiative as driven by DWAF.
4.3.1.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions

Identify and install a system where teams will be appointed to physically monitor pipelines as well
as meters (Bulk and Retail) to identify leaks and broken or vandalized infrastructure.

A leak and meter repair program needs to be installed to identify and repair existing leaks within
the reticulation system.

A detailed Water Balance should be done and updated on a monthly basis until the leak
identification and repair process have been put in place, from where it can be updated on a six
monthly basis.
4.3.2 Emalahleni Local Municipality
4.3.2.1 Situation assessment
The levels of Unaccounted for Water (UFW) and Non-Revenue water need to be reduced in
communities within the Emalahleni Local Municipality. There are currently no significant programs in
place to reduce either one of these problems in Emalahleni.
4.3.2.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions
The following interventions or programs were proposed in the Emalahleni LM Water Master Plan, Final
Draft, April 2007:

Water restrictions to force the households to utilise a reasonable quantity of water.
This intervention will typically be installed in areas where a non payment culture exists or wilful
wastage occurs.

Pressure Management

Pricing policies

A leak and meter repair program
Identification and repair of leaks and broken meters will constitute more revenue generating water
within the municipality.
Two strategies have been highlighted by DWAF, which need to be investigated for implementation by
the municipality as it has a large agriculture and industrial sector, i.e.:
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
The agriculture sector has the potential to make use of partially treated effluent water from
urban areas. This re-use of water is a contribution to water conservation that should be fully
encouraged.

Industrial activities impact severely on water quality through pollution. Pollution abatement
techniques can be used in the sector by adopting modern technology. Economic tools such as
incentives or penalties can be used to achieve the desired levels of pollution, but the sector
might not yet be ready to adopt them. This is the focus of the proposed Waste Discharge
Charge System. International experience has shown that, because of processes such as
treatment, recycling and re-use, charging for waste discharge has a greater impact on the
efficient use of water within an industry than the price of abstracted water. (DWAF, 2004
(d):18)
4.3.3 Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
4.3.3.1 Situation assessment
The levels of unaccounted for water and non-revenue water are within reasonable and manageable
margins within Steve Tshwete. Effective meter repair or replacement programs are in place and
consumers are paying for the amount of water consumed on a monthly basis.
4.3.3.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions
Two strategies have been highlighted by DWAF, which need to be investigated for implementation by
the municipality as it has a large agriculture and industrial sector, i.e.:

The agriculture sector has the potential to make use of partially treated effluent water from
urban areas. This re-use of water is a contribution to water conservation that should be fully
encouraged.

Industrial activities impact severely on water quality through pollution. Pollution abatement
techniques can be used in the sector by adopting modern technology. Economic tools such as
incentives or penalties can be used to achieve the desired levels of pollution, but the sector
might not yet be ready to adopt them. This is the focus of the proposed Waste Discharge
Charge System. International experience has shown that, because of processes such as
treatment, recycling and re-use, charging for waste discharge has a greater impact on the
efficient use of water within an industry than the price of abstracted water. (DWAF, 2004
(d):18)
4.3.4 Emakhazeni Local Municipality
4.3.4.1 Situation assessment
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Two interventions are currently being utilized by the Emakhazeni LM to keep the levels of
unaccounted for water and non-revenue water to a minimum:

Pressure reduction within the different supply zones.

Leak identification and repair program together with meter repair or replacement interventions.
4.3.4.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions
No additional interventions are needed.
4.3.5 Thembisile Local Municipality
4.3.5.1 Situation assessment
The Short Term Regional Intervention Plan (STRIP) study, launched in 2003, estimated that the
current leakages in the area are 40% of the total demand. This is reported to be due to plumbing leaks
(32%) and (8%) due to reticulation leaks. These high figures cannot serve as design criteria for water
demand. It rather serves to underline the need by the role-players in the water sector to address the
high losses as a matter of high priority. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the population, however,
regularly complains about interrupted water supply. This is especially true for KwaMhlanga, Verena
and areas east of Kwaggafontein.
The current user profile can be described as water users with uncontrolled or unrestricted water
supply due to a present culture of non-payment and willful abuse of the supply system. WC & WDM is
probably the most effective way to ensure effective supply of water to TLM where more than 60% of
the households are expected to earn income below R800 per month and can be classified as
indigents.
STRIP was established and implemented to assist the municipality to identify problems present in
certain villages and to reduce the high volumes of unaccounted for water present within the
municipality through the following interventions:

Pressure reduction in certain supply zones.

Leak detection and repair together with the refurbishment or replacement of water meters.
The Thembisile Local Municipality is currently busy installing metered yard connections with fitted flow
restrictors from Aqua Loc to all households without yard connections. This intervention will almost
certainly reduce the monthly consumption.
4.3.5.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions
The following interventions are required:
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
Compile and implement a meter maintenance and replacement policy;

Compile a master plan for WC & WDM;

Leak detection surveys: These surveys together with a dedicated O&M team which operates on a
full time basis need to be put in place as a matter of urgency. Establish an active leakage control
and repair programme, including a leak reporting system for logging of reports and issuing and
control of job cards;

Install remote metering technology to provide critical data to the managers for operational and
maintenance purposes. This can be done in conjunction with the refurbishment of the telemetry
system as feasible;

Bulk meter reading programme and implementation, including water balance of sub-schemes. The
meter reading data kept at IW must be obtained and a working agreement on the reading of
meters and data management reached.

Setting up of a dedicated team for the O&M of PRV installations.

Community pressure zones: Establish the remaining high pressure zones in the area and install
pressure reducing valves where feasible.

Establish proper zone management and valve maintenance procedures.

Implement the Free Basic Water policy.

Quantify car wash businesses and regulate, meter and bill.
4.3.6 Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality
4.3.6.1 Situation assessment
“Investigations proved that the majority of the population want at least yard connections. This trend
should be taken into account when planning is done.
The Short Term Regional Intervention Plan (STRIP) study, launched in 2003, estimated that
approximately 50 – 70% of water production is being lost in the system within the focus area. Until
recently the Weltevreden WTW was very insufficient i.t.o. water production and lost a large amount of
water through especially its filters. Recently the WTW was refurbished.
Meter maintenance and replacement policy: Meter maintenance and replacement is currently done in
Siyabuswa and on certain bulk lines within the focus area, however such a policy is still outstanding in
the majority of areas in the focus area and needs to be put in place;
Unauthorised connections and poor plumbing which result in leaks, make the management of the
distribution and water balancing thereof very difficult. These high water loss figures cannot serve as
design criteria for water demand. It rather serves to underline the need by the role-players in the water
sector to address the high losses as a matter of high priority. No leak detection surveys are being
done currently. During STRIP 2 flow logging of selected communities revealed that high incidences of
leakage occurs. A major backlog exists on the repair of broken meters and leaks on the reticulation
system due to the absence of an active leakage control program in both the urban and rural areas.
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Several bulk water meters exist, but no meter reading is done by the Dr. JSM LM. Ekangala water
however does take bulk meter readings but the meter data is currently not shared with the
municipality. Maintenance of these bulk meters also remains a problem and several meters are not in
a working condition.
Equitable distribution of water and operation of valves, Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) and
pumping stations similarly requires intimate knowledge of the system characteristics regarding flow
records, reservoir levels and pressures. It is therefore also important that sufficient telemetry systems
exists to enable effective management of the reservoir levels. Currently no telemetry exists in the
focus area.
(Dr JSM LM, 2007.)
4.3.6.2 Strategic gap analysis – Proposed Solutions
The following interventions are required (similar to Thembisile LM above):

Compile and implement a meter maintenance and replacement policy;

Compile a master plan for WC & WDM;

Leak detection surveys: These surveys together with a dedicated O&M team which operates on a
full time basis need to be put in place as a matter of urgency. Establish an active leakage control
and repair programme, including a leak reporting system for logging of reports and issuing and
control of job cards;

Install remote metering technology to provide critical data to the managers for operational and
maintenance purposes. This can be done in conjunction with the refurbishment of the telemetry
system as feasible;

Bulk meter reading programme and implementation, including water balance of sub-schemes. The
meter reading data kept at IW must be obtained and a working agreement on the reading of
meters and data management reached.

Setting up of a dedicated team for the O&M of PRV installations.

Community pressure zones: Establish the remaining high pressure zones in the area and install
pressure reducing valves where feasible.

Establish proper zone management and valve maintenance procedures.

Implement the Free Basic Water policy.

Quantify car wash businesses and regulate, meter and bill.
4.4
Main Recommendations

A major ecological disaster is being foreseen in the Loskop Dam as reported in the media due to
contamination by acidic water inflow from the mining operations. It is recommended that a
detailed study be done in this regard with recommendations to reverse or control the situation.

Mine water as a source for the augmentation of surface resources must be promoted wherever
possible and feasible.
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
The utilization of water resources within the whole district are maximized with certain areas such
as the WHR (Thembisile & Dr JS Moroka) and Emalahleni LM over utilizing their water resources.
This over utilization can be measured as unaccounted for water and non-revenue water, which in
turn are attributable to a culture of non-payment and irresponsible water use habits by the
communities. This culture needs to be turned around to enable the WSAs to effectively manage
the current resource utilization due to excessively high costs of utilizing additional external
resources. The proposed solution to limit or reduce the extensive water use in the WHR consist of
three parts:
1. Repair/ replace broken bulk and retail water meters
2. Implement and manage a water conservation and water demand management system
including leak detection and repair measures.
i.
ii.
Compile an indigent register and update on an annual basis.
Install flow/volume restriction devises at the indigent households where yard
connections are currently being installed in these areas.
3. Implementation and administering of a billing and dept collection strategy to develop a culture
of payment and water conservation.
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