ASSOCIATIONS 7 of eutrophication . This is when freshwater resources are enriched with effluent in the same way that agricultural dams do when they are exposed to nutrients . It can be expected that the situation has worsened over the past decade as most of our freshwater resources are vulnerable to this type of degradation under the current scenario . The Hartbeespoort Dam , which is used as both an irrigation source by farmers in the region and water activities by holidaymakers , is one of the country ’ s freshwater sources that has undergone eutrophication . With the water being rich in nutrients but low in oxygen , a heavy deep blue and green coloured algae has spread throughout the dam and started generating cyanobacterial toxins . They can poison domestic and wild animals that drink the polluted water . Among those who have been impacted the most by the contamination of our freshwater resources in this manner are the many poor and vulnerable South African citizens . They are very reliant on our rivers and dams to sustain themselves . These freshwater sources supply fish , irrigation water for subsistence crops and drinking water for livestock , among other needs . Meanwhile , they are also potentially meeting very harmful toxins .
Cleaning these contaminated freshwater sources is also an expensive and onerous undertaking . These resources could be spent surmounting many of the pressing socio-economic challenges that the country is currently facing .
Leading to a significant loss in biodiversity , eutrophication also has a significant negative impact on the environment . “ According to the findings of an earlier study undertaken by environmental scientists , a 3km long section of the Hennops River between Irene and Centurion is devoid of any lifeforms because it is contaminated by effluent . However , this degradation is not confined to the water body , alone . It starts to spread from the river system into the surrounding ecology . For example , many trees have died along the banks of the contaminated Vaal River . It also leads to waterborne diseases , such as diarrhoea and cholera , threatening entire communities and resulting in a significant decline in the value of properties located close to the contaminated freshwater systems ,” Reynolds says .
Major strain is also placed on the country ’ s WWTPs , which require additional resources to treat the water to a drinkable standard . At the same time , this contaminated water causes significant harm to the infrastructure and interrupts the entire treatment system . For example , it damages valves and kills natural bacteria that help to treat the water . South Africa ’ s service delivery infrastructure is already in a worrying state , and this is only compounding the problem . It is estimated that it will cost R900-billion to repair the country ’ s ailing critical infrastructure assets , including WWTPs .
Another significant risk is the increased spread of “ super bugs ,” which are bacteria , viruses , parasites , and fungi that are resistant to most antibiotics and other medications that are commonly used to treat infections . WWTPs are unable to treat all waste in the water that they receive . While chlorine eliminates the weaker bacteria , viruses , parasites and fungi , the stronger variety survive and strengthen . They are usually spread in hospitals and clinics . At present , partially metabolised medications , chemicals , and detergents , among others , are being flushed down toilets and then mixing with human sewage and industrial effluent to create deadly cocktails . Leading scientists have expressed concern about the yet unknown risk of pathogens mixing with many diverse types of chemicals , industrial waste and other elements that are supposed to be contained in the sewer system , but are now ending up in rivers , streams , and dams .
“ Professional plumbers can help arrest the situation . This is by ensuring that we are always complying with laws and regulations on all our projects to safeguard against raw sewage entering the country ’ s natural water courses . When we see downpipes being directed into sewers on premises , we should have the strength and conviction to speak up and propose alternatives , such as rainwater harvesting and subsoil drainage , to property owners . As professionals , we need to be willing to do the right thing for the community , ourselves , and our families . We strongly encourage all homeowners to use the services of a properly qualified plumber to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law and help protect our vulnerable freshwater resources .” Reynolds concludes . PA
“….. with many of the property owners unaware that they were on the wrong side of the law .”
August 2022 Volume 28 I Number 6 www . plumbingafrica . co . za