TASK 1: Inception and literature review

The objective of this task is to collate and review information that has become available some the previous study and to confirm the study scope and programme through the following activities:
• Finalisation and DWS approval of the study tasks scope, work processes and programme.
• Finalise the composition of the Study Administration Committee (SAM), Study Management Committee (SMC) and the Strategy Steering Committee (SSC).
• Agree on a training structure and training events.
• Review previous study reports and other available information documented since the previous study – focus on aspects that influence study tasks and strategy actions. .

TASK 2: Monitor and compare water requirements and return flows

This task will include two activities. The first will be completed during the first 12 month where historical water use and return flow data will be collated, recent demographic trends in the main urban centers will be compiled and compared with the Strategy Scenarios applied in the 2015 Status Report. The April 2017 Eskom projections will be evaluated to substantiate (or not) the reductions in water use from 2019 onwards. Recommendations will be made regarding the need to undertake a compressive update of water requirement and return flow scenarios.

The second activity will be carried out in the second and third years of the study, focusing on monitoring of the bulk water users (9 large municipalities monitored in the Annual Operating Analysis) and identify any significant deviations that may influence the strategy.

TASK 3: Track Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM)

The objective of this task is to undertake a status quo of Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) in the key demand centers, provide conclusions and recommendations on the way forward based on the assessment results and arrange feedback sessions with the water services authorities for alignment. Key demand centres include City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Midvaal, Randfontein, Mogale, Westonaria, Merafong, Rustenburg, Govan Mbeki, and Matjhabeng.

TASK 4: Review Reconciliation Interventions

The objective of this task is to review and evaluate strategy reconciliation interventions based on the latest information available and assess the impact on the water balance and strategy the following reconciliation interventions will be evaluated:

• Bloemhof Dam excess utilisation investigation.
• Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) management option implementation monitoring of the Witwatersrand and KOSH (Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein and Hartebeesfontein) areas.
• Evaluate the need to activate further planning of Thukela Water Project if required
• Implications of reduced operational capacity on sustainable yield
• In addition to the above, progress will be tracked on the implementation of the other interventions namely

• WCWDM
• Eradication of unlawful irrigation
• implementation programme of LWHP Phase 2
• Planning in the Crocodile (West) and Olifants River system that may influence this Reconciliation Strategy

TASK 5:Review and update water balance

The objective of this task is to develop an updated water balance based on the results of Tasks 2 – Task 4.
The following activities will be undertaken:

• Update projected annual water balance based on WRPM analyses (Task 4) for selected scenarios.
• Undertake alternative scenario analysis with WRPM if required
• Undertake difference analysis to present the water balance implications of various future planning variables.
• Prepare information for the SSC Status Reports, presentation to stakeholder forums.

TASK 6: Stakeholder Engagement

The purpose of this task is to provide stakeholders with meaningful information in order to assist them in providing useful contributions to the strategy and its implementation. Activities will include:
• Announcement of the study and revival of the Strategy Steering Committee (SSC)
• Prepare an updated Stakeholder Database
• Prepare media releases and newsletters
• Assist with web access arrangements
• Preparation and arrangement of six SSC Meetings to be held on a six-monthly basis during the study.

TASK 7: Training and capacity building

The objectives of the training task are to capacitate DWS Staff and team members in specialist aspects specifically relating to the Integrated Vaal River System Reconciliation Strategy. Training and capacity building activates will be structured in the form of formal training and staff secondment in order for trainees to gain further hands-on experience in the technical processes and application of the models.

TASK 8: Ad-hoc support

The objective of this task is to provide technical support to any additional ad hoc investigations that may be required during the study in support of the strategy.