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The purpose of the Strategy is to achieve reconciliation of the water supply
with the water requirements up to 2035. The Strategy aims to guide the
management of the water supply system in a coordinated, efficient, cost
effective and environmentally sound manner. Stakeholder consultation with water
users, planners, and policy makers is a key component of developing a strategy
which is built around the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management.
The planning process has involved developing an understanding of the bulk water
supply network and its relevant components and the water requirements of the
urban, rural, agricultural, and environmental sectors which are all competing
for limited water resources. In addition, the demands and future development of
the Orange River and the Caledon River were taken into consideration. The
overriding principles of sustainability in water supply and management have
guided the development of an action plan to provide water for future
generations.
The Strategy focuses on the following technical tasks:
Developing water requirement scenarios. Determine potential savings which can be achieved through the implementation of WC/WDM Assessment of the water resource availability. Identify and assess appropriate water resource augmentation options. Consider infrastructure challenges and sedimentation related constraints. Investigate possible wastewater re-use options. Identify environmental and water quality related issues. Document the reconciliation process and strategy.
The following objectives have been set for the water reconciliation strategy:
To identify interventions that will reconcile the water requirements with the available water for the next 25 years. To develop a strategy that will be flexible to accommodate future changes in actual water use. To integrate augmentation and bulk supply options to achieve optimised overall benefits. To engage extensively with stakeholders to build partnerships and promote co-operation. Assess the potential savings that can be achieved through water conservation and water demand management measures as well as the potential for reconciling current and future water requirements. Communicate the findings regularly to all stakeholders.
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