Partnerships are a recognized tool for addressing local level environmental problems. They involve knowledge-sharing and decision-making by both local authorities and communities. Two different partnerships developed in Durban's KwaMashu Township with a view to addressing environmental problems associated with a degraded small stream viz, the KwaMashu Development Association (KDA) and the KwaMashu Development Initiative (KDI). This thesis describes a study carried out on these two partnerships, comparing their efficacy in resolving the problems and the factors that contributed to the pollution of the stream. Specific environmental circumstances conducive to the degradation of the stream, as well as measures put in place to address them, were identified during a field survey. Semi-structured questionnaires were then used to interview members of the two partnerships to obtain information on how they developed and functioned as a unit. Information was also obtained from respective individuals, regarding their perception of the factors that contributed to the stream degradation and the effectiveness of their rehabilitation efforts. Although the study found both partnerships to be of the leverage type, there were significant differences between the socio-economic profile and political affiliations of members. The KDA partnership received funding for the project whereas the KDI received no funding, but had a vision. The Keep Durban Beautiful Association created an awareness relating to waste and open space management which was imparted to the KDT members and this enabled them to achieve the goals of the project. These different baselines clearly contributed to the differences in the effectiveness of the partnerships. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The health and life expectancy of populations in developing countries is largely determined by the availability of good quality drinking water. Boreholes and springs generally provide water of better microbiological and physical quality than surface water sources, however, they may cause health and aesthetic problems due to chemical constituents dissolved out of the host rock. As part of a pilot study to assess the health-related quality of community water supplies, samples were taken from two Quaternary catchment areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The Umkomazi catchment area is located inland from Amanzimtoti, while the Umfolozi catchment area is located north-east of Ulundi. The geology in these areas is significantly different. The Umkomazi area is predominantly underlain by basement rocks of the Natal Structural and Metamorphic Province, while the Umfolozi area is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Geographical information systems (GIS) were used to examine the influence of lithology, rainfall and landuse activities on groundwater quality. Major ion analysis of groundwater samples from the Umkomazi area revealed a linear relationship between borehole and spring concentrations. Dwyka Tillite was found to produce water with the highest concentrations of major ions, while Karoo dolerite produced water with the lowest concentrations of major ions. Samples from basement rocks and Natal Group contained intermediate concentrations of major ions. In the Umfolozi area Karoo dolerite samples showed the lowest concentrations of major ions, while the Vryheid Formation and Dwyka Tillite produced the highest borehole and spring concentrations, respectively. High salinity levels in sedimentary rocks may be due to marine influence during deposition. Piper diagrams show relative enrichment of major cations and anions and Stiff diagrams showed characteristic patterns. Fluoride is associated with siliceous basement rocks and related to calcium concentrations through the solubility of calcium fluoride. The trace metals, manganese, iron and zinc were found to cause significant aesthetic problems and possibly health problems in sensitive individuals. These constituents are derived from weathering of bedrock and possibly from the corrosion of metal pipes. There is an inverse relationship between mean annual rainfall (MAR) and electrical conductivity (EC), except near the coast where windblown salinity increases with rainfall. Nitrate, ammonium and E. Coli contamination are linked to landuse activities such as occurrence of human and animal excreta near the water source and the proximity of pit latrines. It is recommended that rural communities be educated about the nature and importance of groundwater quality. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

The spatial and temporal variations in water quality of selected rivers in the Durban Metropolitan Area were investigated using a Geographical Information System. Dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, pH, phosphorus and Escherichia coli (E.coli) were selected as water quality parameters for the study. The study reflects a pattern of water quality deterioration due to the numerous land use practices that have had an adverse impact on the receiving waters. In addition, the communities that use this water for various purposes have been impacted on. Spatially, an impoverishment of water quality conditions were observed by the increase of phosphorus, turbidity, DO and E.coli. The parameter of E.coli represented the worst water quality status in all the catchments of the study area. These were attributable to land use factors such as informal settlements and urban formal settlements. For the parameter of pH, no adverse water quality was present. Temporal evaluation of the data indicated that although there were no distinct trends that could be directly related to rainfall, some of the parameters showed some influence by rainfall, through runoff. Selected rivers of the Durban Metropolitan Area reflect poor water quality. There is an urgent need for the implementation of a strategy for improvement. The evaluation of water quality forms the basis for integrated catchment management (ICM), which has been advocated as the only holistic way to manage water resources. Due cognisance must be taken of the various land use practices, which have a great impact on water quality. There should be concerted efforts to reduce the input of pollutants that may have adverse effects on water quality, e.g., by provisions of sanitation facilities in informal settlements. It is hence recommended that for any improvement of water quality to occur, there needs to be an implementation of ICM for all the catchments. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The Isipingo River and Estuary system located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, although relatively small, has been subjected to the impacts of intense development within the catchment. The catchment is characterized by informal and formal dwellings and intensive industrial activities in the lower catchment and in close proximity to the estuary. Significant modifications to the hydrology of the system has occurred as a result of the diversion of the Umlazi River (which previously merged with the Isipingo River at the estuary mouth), canalization of the lower portion of the Isipingo River flowing through the Prospecton Industrial Area and the development of the Diversion Works system (to regulate flows to the lower Isipingo River), removal of riparian vegetation, encroachment onto the river and estuarine floodplain, and land reclamation through the infilling of wetlands all of which has culminated in a deterioration of the functionality and health of this system. The main aspects of this study focus on water and sediment quality, material flux between the estuary and the sea and the management of the system. The water quality variables covered as part of this dissertation include physical, chemical (nutrients and heavy metals) and microbiological (faecal coliforms) components. The water quality of the river and estuary presents a risk to human health and the concentrations of heavy metals generally exceeded the South African Water Quality Guidelines that prescribes target levels, implying potential negative impacts to aquatic health. The Isipingo system exhibited signs of eutrophication with phosphorus concentrations in excess of the target level to prevent eutrophication. Excessive water hyacinth growth was visible during most of the field surveys. A geochemical assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of the river and estuary was also undertaken. The results indicate that although the presence of several metals were undetectable at certain river sites, the concentrations of those heavy metals present increased in a longitudinal direction from the river to the estuary. The contamination factor analysis for all metals indicated low contamination except for selenium. The riverine sites yielded moderate enrichment by some heavy metals in both seasons. The degree of contamination for each site with the exclusion of selenium was low. The inclusion of selenium in the assessment raises the estuary to a considerably contaminated status in the wet season. The analysis suggests that the enrichment of the system by selenium is due to an anthropogenic source. The Geo-accumulation Index places the sediment in an overall unpolluted category. The study conducted on the net exchange of heavy metals and nutrients between the Isipingo Estuary and the adjacent marine environment (i.e. Indian Ocean) demonstrates that significant quantities of the suite of heavy metal analysed are exported on an annual basis while copper, nickel and zinc are imported into the estuary. Significant quantities of ammonia and nitrates are exported annually from the Isipingo Estuary while a net annual import of phosphorous is observed. The variation in the quantity and concentration of nutrients exported during the seasons may be attributed to anthropogenic source. The import of nutrients from marine sources can accumulate in the estuary and contribute to eutrophication of the Isipingo Estuary. This study also demonstrated that although the ebb flow has a much longer duration than the flood flow, the flood velocities observed were generally greater than the ebb velocities. The final part of this research identifies other environmental problems experienced in the Isipingo catchment. The following issues are identified as directly or indirectly contributing to stress and deterioration of the water quality of the Isipingo system: reduction in water quantity, poor water quality, moderate enriched sediment, loss of habitat integrity, species diversity and invasive alien vegetation and uncontrolled solid waste. A Water Quality Management Plan including management objectives, strategies and action plans to address the direct and indirect factors influencing the system are proposed. A water quality monitoring program is also proposed for the Isipingo River and Estuary. The adoption and execution of the water quality management plan and monitoring program will assist in the prevention of further degradation of the system and will be a stepping stone toward improvement. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2013.