Answer:
The use of water is dominated by irrigation, amounting to over 60% of the total water use in the country, the bulk of which is used consumptively. Water requirements for urban and domestic use account for nearly 30%, with the remainder being used for mining, bulk industries and as cooling water for power generation
South Africa is a water scarce country and as such requires a comprehensive water management system to ensure that we make the most of what we have by effectively monitoring and managing our freshwater resources and wetlands.
South Africa is a water scarce country, due to its low average annual precipitation, and the unevenness of surface and groundwater distribution which is a result of climate and geography and only 8.6% of rainfall converts to useable runoff, the lowest proportion in the world.
How many water management are there in South Africa?
nine Water Management Areas
The map below depicts the boundaries of the nine Water Management Areas and Catchment Management Agencies.
South Africa is confronted with serious water challenges such as non-revenue water, skills shortages, ageing infrastructure, shifting demand patterns, overwhelming water supply demand and outdated solutions for emerging challenges.