In recent years, increased demands have been placed on hydrologists to find the most effective methods of making predictions of hydrologic variables in ungauged basins. A huge part of the southern African region is ungauged and, in gauged basins, the extent to which observed flows represent natural flows is unknown, given unquantified upstream activities. The need to exploit water resources for social and economic development, considered in the light of water scarcity forecasts for the region, makes the reliable quantification of water resources a priority. Contemporary approaches to the problem of hydrological prediction in ungauged basins in the region have relied heavily on calibration against a limited gauged streamflow database and somewhat subjective parameter regionalizations using areas of assumed hydrological similarity. The reliance of these approaches on limited historical records, often of dubious quality, introduces uncertainty in water resources decisions. Thus, it is necessary to develop methods of estimating model parameters that are less reliant on calibration. This thesis addresses the question of whether physical basin properties and the role they play in runoff generation processes can be used directly in the estimation of parameter values of the Pitman monthly rainfall-runoff model. A physically-based approach to estimating the soil moisture accounting and runoff parameters of a conceptual, monthly time-step rainfall-runoff model is proposed. The study investigates the physical meaning of the model parameters, establishes linkages between parameter values and basin physical properties and develops relationships and equations for estimating the parameters taking into account the spatial and temporal scales used in typical model applications. The estimationmethods are then tested in selected gauged basins in southern Africa and the results of model simulations evaluated against historical observed flows. The results of 71 basins chosen from the southern African region suggest that it is possible to directly estimate hydrologically relevant parameters for the Pitman model from physical basin attributes. For South Africa, the statistical and visual fit of the simulations using the revised parameters were at least as good as the current regional sets, albeit the parameter sets being different. In the other countries where no regionalized parameter sets currently exist, simulations were equally good. The availability, within the southern African region, of the appropriate physical basin data and the disparities in the spatial scales and the levels of detail of the data currently available were identified as potential sources of uncertainty. GIS and remote sensing technologies and a widespread use of this revised approach are expected to facilitate access to these data.

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Technology: Public Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / The focus of the study is the Eden District, George municipal area, Western Cape Province, South Africa, which was severely affected by the worst ever drought in 132 years from 2009-2011 (Bamford, 2009). The reduced rainfall impacted negatively on urban water supplies for the area. In 2009 the Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Local Government in the province requested that George Municipality draw up specific measures to be implemented when water resources (in dams and rivers) dropped to certain levels. Plans for possible future drought situations, periods of low rainfall, or insufficient raw water resources, have been done put in place for the needs of the residents of the focus area. The research problem of this study encompasses the assessment of the interventions put in place to address the shortage of water, particularly the implementation thereof, and the strategies and mitigations that contributed to the alleviation of the water shortage. The core objective of the research was to investigate the implementation of the water interventions (water restrictions) authorised to address the water shortages in George, in November 2009. This study employed a qualitative research approach where in-depth interviews were conducted with purposely selected individuals employed in the George Municipality Civil Engineering Services Department, and its Water Services and Disaster Department sections as they could provide first-hand information on the measures implemented to alleviate the problem and on the water shortage status. The research findings indicate that many short-term strategies provided a substantial reduction in overall water usage. The implementation of the strategies and mitigation measures were useful to the various departments in the George Municipality in tangible ways to help manage the water shortages. George Municipality should continue to market water restriction awareness to the public even though the George is no longer experiencing water shortages. The Municipality should adapt to deal with longer and more frequent periods of water shortages. Available tools (e.g. drought policy and by-laws) should be revised and adapted to establish appropriate measures under changing conditions.

This research study explored the appropriate sustainable governance management systems for South African socio-economic conditions. This was achieved by investigating the current governance and management of water boards in performing their business and water services provisioning at municipal level. Municipalities are the third sphere of government in South Africa and are found at local levels of governance. They are businesses that provide running water as legislated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Water boards are public institutions established in terms of the Water Services Act, 108 of 1997 (WSA) and listed as Schedule 3 part B: National Government Business Enterprise in terms of the Public Finance Management Act 29 of 1999. They are accountable to the national government through the Department of Water Affairs. Their responsibility is to support municipalities where water-provisioning challenges are eminent. They report annually to national parliament on their performance within a specific financial year. Water boards are currently able to perform their operations in selected jurisdictions as contracted by municipalities. They are struggling in managing and governing their water business while striving to achieve improvements in water service coverage, operating efficiency and service delivery. The aim of the research study was to investigate areas affecting the sustainability of governance management systems for water boards in relation to the improvement of service delivery in South Africa. The analysis of age and gender factors and the conditions affecting governance are explored. The research used the qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the research questions. Prior to the commencement of the study, the researcher performed an intensive desktop study involving the use of dated and recently published material related to governance and management of the water institutions in developed and developing countries. During the desktop study, national and international accredited journals were prioritised to obtain related and relevant similar information to the water governance and management of water institutions. In addition, a case study was undertaken in Ficksburg in which water boards provided an intervention in resolving the water crisis, since the provision of water is a basic service at local government. This area experienced both water shortage and a poor quality of water. With regard to qualitative methodology, participatory forums were used to delineate the research context and premise. The study population consisted of individuals who were in the business of water boards with special reference to water management and board of directors for a population of 1 000. Of the 500 questionnaires sent out, 419 were returned. The data were analysed using the statistical software package, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results and recommendations are presented based on the identified objectives of the study. The study’s findings provide information for transformation and improvement in the performance of water boards in South Africa when striving for sustainability in management and governance. The findings reveal the need for improvements in the involvement of females in the business of the water boards. The findings confirm the outcomes of previous studies regarding the slow implementation of affirmative action and transformation processes as required by legislation. Furthermore, the results reveal that the factors and conditions affecting sustainability of the water boards need to be prioritised to improve the management and governance aspects of water boards. These include the appropriate selection of members of the boards of directors, water boards' committees that are guided by legislation in their operations and the maintenance of proper financial management (collection of revenue, implementation of appropriate financial strategies and striving for positive clean audit). Water boards are encouraged to strengthen their intergovernmental relations in order to make their mandate known across all spheres of government. Service delivery should be approached “from source to tap and tap to source” to promote high-quality provision of water. The water boards should be accountable to the municipalities for the provision of delegated operations. The Department of Water Affairs exercises an oversight role to ensure the sustainable provision of the services. However, the study concludes that without a strong management and a sustainable governance approach, water boards will not be able to carry out its water developmental mandate. The practical framework that was developed in this study provides management and governance tools for sustained provisioning of water to advance transformational and developmental needs and the application of legislations. The results in the study have a direct impact on the codes of practice and regulations on employment equity in implementing the Employment Equity Act of 1998, Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2005, Companies Act of 2008, National Water Act of 1998, and Water Services Act of 1997. Therefore, the practical implementation of this framework will enhance water as a transformational and developmental feature in addressing the social, environmental and economic services.

This study deals with water service delivery for improved quality of life in the Mbizana Local Municipality. The study sets out to determine how the inner workings of water service delivery work in the Mbizana Local Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape, and how this should function in terms of South African legislation. The objectives of the study are to understand the current state of water service delivery in the Mbizana Local Municipality, finding out information about South African legislation regarding the ideal state of water service delivery, and recommending development programmes to improve water service delivery. This study is about understanding trends in the body of scientific knowledge or literature, and studying (as objects) the ideas and writings of other scholars. No empirical study was conducted. The research methodology for this study is descriptive, with data sourced from available literature. The findings in this study indicate that backlogs for water service delivery remain high in the Mbizana Local Municipality. Regrettably, the situation has worsened since 2004; backlogs have shifted from 45 percent to 94 percent of households with no access to tap water. A number of normative criteria to deal with the research problem were extracted from available literature, from which conclusions were drawn and recommendations made.

Service delivery is the provision of basic services to the community by Local Government (LG). The Water Services Act 108 of 1997 states that everyone should have rights to access water and sanitation. It further states that the level of service it provides its consumers, however, is dependent on a number of factors as per clause 11 (2) (a) which articulates that every water services authority has a duty to all consumers or potential consumers in its area of jurisdiction to progressively ensure sufficient, affordable, economical and sustainable access to water services. Craythorne (2006:170) argued that a municipality may, in accordance with a policy framework it has adopted, establish a part of the municipal area as an internal municipal service district to facilitate the provision of a municipal service in that area. Owing to the vastness of the district, many rural communities and the grant dependency of the municipality, the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) is challenged in providing safe potable water to all and is providing different levels of this service to different communities, based on available water resources, cost of supply and the ability to recover costs. In this regard the ADM provides a ―Basic level of service‖ to its rural communities in line with the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) National Guidelines of 25 litres per person per day. This study undertook to probe the determinants of effective basic service delivery at Amathole District Municipality. Water provision function is still a challenge to District Municipalities (DMs) due to various impediments confronted by the DMs when rendering basic services. From the literature study and information gathered from the respondents in this research it became evident that basic service delivery is a key to the development of local communities. In this regard it is pertinent that the District Municipality in question devises means that will mitigate the identified challenges in order to provide services to expectant communities. Self administered questionnaires were used as a method of collecting data from the respondents. In this study a qualitative method was used to analyse the data collected from the respondents. Based on the information gathered from the respondents the researcher made findings and formulated recommendations.

The Working for Water (WfW) Programme is a public works programme designed to clear South Africa of invasive alien vegetation and to restore lowwater consuming indigenous vegetation in the areas that have been cleared. Funds to clear alien invasives were initially secured on the basis that such a programme would increase water runoff, facilitate biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and provide social benefits through job creation. The economic merits of the Programme, in terms of increased water yields, has been established in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, but questioned in the Eastern and Southern Cape. However, there are economic aspects of the studies carried out in the Eastern and Southern Cape that merit more attention than was given them; one of these being the issue of non-water benefits. Preliminary figures emanating from contingent valuation pilot studies conducted at six WfW projects sites indicated that one of these non-water benefits, namely the biodiversity and ecosystem resilience benefit, could be substantial. As such, the primary objective of the present study was to apply the contingent valuation method (CVM) to value people’s preference for indigenous vegetation. This value was intended to serve as a proxy for increased biodiversity and ecosystem resilience at three WfW sites. Despite the controversy surrounding the CVM, it has been found that it is a credible valuation tool. The CVM’s merits lie in its versatility and in the fact that it is the only method available which is capable of obtaining estimates of both nonuse and use values, thus making it applicable for valuing biodiversity. The primary aim of a CVM study is to determine an estimate of the total willingness-to-pay (WTP). In this study, the total WTP figure was calculated by multiplying the median WTP for the local WfW Programme by the total number of user households. The respective total WTP amounts are shown in Table 1. It was anticipated that respondents would be willing to pay more for the national WfW Programme, than for the less inclusive good (i.e. the local WfW Programme). The results correspond with this expectation at the Port Elizabeth and Underberg sites. However, due to strategic factors Worcester respondents were willing to pay more for the local WfW Programme than for the national Programme.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Engineering, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / Water is an essential natural resource for human existence and survival on the earth. South Africa, a water stressed country, allocates a high percentage of its available consumptive water use to irrigation. Therefore, it is necessary that we optimize water use in order to enhance food security. This study presents the development of mathematical models for irrigation scheduling of crops, optimal irrigation water release and crop yields in Vaal Harts irrigation scheme (VIS) of South Africa. For efficient irrigation water management, an accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETₒ) should be carried out. However, due to non-availability of enough historical data for the study area, mathematical models were developed to estimate ETₒ. A 20-year monthly meteorological data was collected and analysed using two data–driven modeling techniques namely principal component analysis (PCA) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS). Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed for real time prediction of future ETₒ for the study area. The real time irrigation scheduling of potatoes was developed using a crop growth simulation model called CROPWAT. It was used to determine the crop water productivity (CWP), which is a determinant of the relationship between water applied and crop yield. Finally, a new and novel evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm called combined Pareto multi-objective differential evolution (CPMDE) was applied to optimize irrigation water use and crop yield on the VIS farmland. The net irrigation benefit, land area and irrigation water use of maize, potatoes and groundnut were optimized. Results obtained show that ETₒ increases with temperature and windspeed. Other variables such as rainfall and relative humidity have less significance on the value of ETₒ. Also, ANN models with one hidden layer showed better predictive performance compared with other considered configurations. A 5-day time step irrigation schedule data and graphs showing the crop water requirements and irrigation water requirements was generated. This would enable farmers know when, where, and how much water to apply to a given farmland. Finally, the employed CPMDE optimization algorithm produced a set of non-dominated Pareto optimal solutions. The best solution suggests that maize, groundnut and potatoes should be planted on 403543.44 m2, 181542.00 m2 and 352876.05 m2areas of land respectively. This solution generates a total net benefit of ZAR 767,961.49, total planting area of 937961.49 m2 and irrigation water volume of 391,061.52 m3. Among the three crops optimized, maize has the greatest land area, followed by potatoes and groundnut. This shows that maize is more profitable than potatoes and groundnut with respect to crop yield and water use in the study area. / D

PhDRDV / Institute for Rural Development / Potable water supply is a fundamental human right and protected by international conventions and national laws. Access to it and having in place an appropriate water supply system remain the building blocks to improving and maintaining the welfare of any community for it to enjoy a healthy and productive life. The supply of potable water, especially in Africa's rural areas, however, remains a challenge. The demand for a system to provide sustainable water supply has been on the increase due to population growth and the climate change phenomenon. Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), as the responsible authority for water supply in sections of the Limpopo Province, faces many challenges, including - aging water supply infrastructure, lack of capacity of officials, and lack of funds for maintenance; these often lead to a breakdown of the supply system. This challenge results, for example, in increased health hazards that often cause tension between the District and the residents. The study’s main objective was to investigate the water supply system in Vhembe so as to suggest an effective intervention strategy for potable rural water supply system to improve the supply in the Vhembe District Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The specific objectives were - to determine the current potable water supply sources in rural communities of the VDM, examine the system’s ability to meet the needs of the rural communities in VDM and to identify the challenges and coping strategies used to meet potable water supply in VDM. A mixed-method, of both qualitative and quantitative research designs and techniques, was adopted and focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to gather data. From the four local municipalities of VDM, 14 wards were purposively selected through proportional representation of 448 households, which were randomly selected. Three municipal officials responsible for the water supply system in the VDM were selected through census. Key-informant discussions were held with councillors from the 14 wards, with focus group discussions used to engage the 448 households, and traditional leaders. Thematic content analysis was used to identify common themes, ideas, and patterns of meaning that came up frequently from qualitative data. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyse data using descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA and Chi-Square test.The results revealed that in Vhembe District Municipality, the primary sources of water were boreholes (45.3%) followed by piped water from the dams (35.3%). The majority of the households (53.6%) obtain water from boreholes once per week, with 4% resorting to obtaining water from rivers, 5.4% obtained water from fountains and 10% obtained their water from Municipality water tankers (truck tankers). These results indicate that the District continues to face challeges in its efforts to fulfill its mandate as the responsible authority for water supply, in the rural communities due to lack of a sustainable system to supply the required minimum water needs for households. The study recommended that all stakeholders should join hands to invest in a system that has more water supply options to sustainably meet the needs of the growing population. The system should have management ii structures relevant for villages, as critical pillars to assist - with the management system, address minor maintenance requirements, and monitor and report any water supply system-related issues. It was also suggested that rural communities be encouraged to pay for water supply services, for the system's sustainability and that the system in VDM would be improved when stakeholders (communities, government, and NGOs) come together. / NRF

Thesis (MSc. (Chemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Surface water from the rivers serves as a source of water for many purposes including drinking, irrigation and animal farming. The quality of surface water deteriorates due to human, animals and industrial waste. Amongst these wastes, selenium and other trace elements contaminants are included. Selenium can either be essential or toxic depending on the concentration and oxidation state. The aim of this current study was to determine the concentrations of inorganic selenium [Se(IV) and Se(VI)] in water and sediment samples collected from Blood and Mokolo Rivers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Water and sediment samples were collected from 10 different sampling sites from down to upstream of each river. Water samples were acidified with 1% ultra-pure HNO3 and analysed directly for total selenium concentration. The accuracy of the method was validated using SRM1643f (trace elements in water reference material). Sediment samples were digested using microwave assisted acid digestion for the determination of total concentration of selenium. The accuracy of the method was evaluated using SRM 8704 (sediment standard reference material). Total concentration of selenium in both water and sediment samples were quantified using ICP-MS. The total concentration of selenium in water samples from Blood and Mokolo River were found to be in the range of 0.0682 to 2.72 μg/L and 0.0851 to 25.4 μg/L respectively. The selenium concentrations in all sediment samples were found to be below instrument detection limit of 0.0571 ng/g in both rivers. An adopted SPE method using Dowex 1 x 2 resin (chloride form) as an adsorbent material to preconcentrate and separate Se(IV) and Se(VI) was used for the speciation in water samples. Both Se(IV) and Se(VI) were retained on the column. The retained Se(IV) and Se(VI) were eluted using 15 mL 1 M HNO3 and 3 M HNO3 respectively at a flow rate of 2 ml/min and diluted to the final volume of 20 mL. The instrument detection limit was 0.192 μg/L and 0.108 μg/L for Se(IV) and Se(VI) respectively. The validation of the method was performed by using SRM 1643f and solutions of known concentrations. The water samples were adjusted to an optimum pH of 6 throughout the speciation analysis. The Se(IV) had higher percentage recoveries of 95 – 114% than Se(VI) with 53%. vi Concentrations of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in Blood River ranged from 0.0411 to 0.820 μg/L and 0.0811 to 1.75 μg/L respectively. Concentrations of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in Mokolo River ranged from 0.135 to 2.79 μg/L and 0.0961 to 14.8 μg/L respectively. The inorganic selenium species in water samples were also determined by using the adopted online mode of HPLC-ICP-MS with Hamilton PRP-X100 column. The separation of the two species was achieved by using isocratic elution of 100 mM NH4NO3 at pH 8.5 in 8 min. The method was successfully validated using SRM 1643f. The LOD of 0.842 μg/L and LOQ of 2.81 μg/L for Se(IV) were achieved. The LOD of 0.690 μg/L and LOQ of 2.30 μg/L for Se(VI) were achieved. The Se(IV) and Se(VI) concentrations determined using HPLC-ICP-MS were found to be in good agreement with Se(IV) and Se(VI) concentrations obtained using SPE in both rivers. The presence of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in water samples in Blood and Mokolo Rivers indicates that industrial and agricultural activities taking place near the rivers have an effect on the quality of the water. The selenium in water may be due to wastes from industrial, municipal and agricultural runoffs. The absence of selenium in sediment samples suggests that the area where the rivers are located is not rich in selenium.

Thesis (Ph.D.(Public Administration)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / South Africa is a country experiencing water scarcity, and the provision of water as well as sanitation is a basic need and a right that must be provided to the populace by the municipalities. The water must either be subsidised by the government through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant or financed through the municipality ’s resources. The Capricorn District Municipality is composed of the Polokwane, Molemole, Lepelle Nkumpi, and Blouberg local Municipalities. Amongst all these municipalities, there is high rural domination and the inability to provide water daily in most jurisdictional areas. In achieving the objectives and addressing factors that impact negatively on sustainable supply of water and effective sanitation within Capricorn District Municipality the study adopted, the theory of rising expectations, the philosophy of servant leadership, the public choice theory, the district’s development plan, the rational model of reasoning and the participatory research paradigm because the study addresses the societal issues that affect mostly marginalised groups. The study used a mixed method research methodology that is dominated by the qualitative method. Quantitative method is used to justify availability of water and sanitation to the Capricorn District’s civilians while the qualitative method was used to investigate the cause and effect of the non-provision of sustainable water as well as sanitation. The study established that there are some hindrances that were found in the focus area (Capricorn District Municipality) because of; illicit activities, poor infrastructural maintenance, and the need to establish an enabling environment by the politicians as well as the officials with no interference in the running of the administrative affairs