Water quality management of a section of the Dwars river, Ceres, Western Cape

Abstract

Water quality analyses reports originating from routine monitoring indicate that pollutants of a faecal nature, and possible disease-causing bacteria, are constantly entering into the Dwars River through multiple sources rendering the river unusable from a domestic, industrial and agricultural use perspective (CWDM, 2010). This is a major concern since both the quantity and quality of available freshwater play a vital role in the economy in the area through which the Dwars River meanders (Anon, 2012a:5). The main objective of this study is to conduct a thorough investigation to determine why the water quality of the Dwars River is continuously being impaired through faecal contamination by employing a mixed method approach involving a combination of qualitative and quantitative research to analyse data collected from a number of sources and by using various techniques (USCL, 2016). To achieve the objective, the study sets out to determine the importance of the Dwars River and identify the various land uses in the vicinity of the study area to determine the potential impact the faecal pollution, analyse current surface water quality management system(s) in place to prevent the faecal pollution, evaluate the existing surface water quality management strategies aimed at preventing faecal pollution, examine the sampling methodologies employed and their efficacy towards the prevention of faecal pollutants ending up in the Dwars River, identify factors inhibiting and contributing to the effective implementation of the water quality management strategies and subsequently provide appropriate recommendations to water resource managers, institutions, scientists, decision-makers, and the public concerning the management of the quality of Dwars River’s water. Findings made suggested that the Dwars River is of value for agricultural practices, domestic use, recreational activities, industrial use, economic development, ecosystem health, and aesthetics. However, the microbiological water quality of the water which the Dwars River carries is alarmingly poor and does not conform to the recommended minimum requirements. The main causes of faecal pollution of the Dwars River includes the mismanagement and inadequate operation of the local wastewater treatment works, control of polluted stormwater runoff, meagre municipal service delivery and substandard surface water quality management. Findings made indicate that a surface water quality management strategy in the form of a Catchment Management Strategy is in the process of being developed and that no surface water quality management strategy is actively being implemented. There are also no resource specific water quality related objectives for the Upper Breede River Area and members of the public and other stakeholders confirmed that their needs and expectations were not taken into account during decision making and the development of the water resource management strategy. Additionally, data collected suggests that there are no surface water quality management systems (i.e. integrated Water quality management plan, implementation plans, guidelines, systems and/or procedures and so forth) providing clear instructions or mandates regarding required management actions, responsibilities, resources available, and timeframes to mitigate or remediate existing and future surface water quality related issues currently in place. In conclusion, the study found that the underlying reasons for the continuous impairment of water quality of the Dwars River through faecal contamination are due to the fact that there is no surface water quality management strategy, system or integrated water quality management plan currently in place designed to prevent, report, and counter faecal pollution along the Dwars River.