Water management

Question 1

Uses of dams

Answer 1

Domestic and industrial use in urban, irrigation, Hydroelectric power, control/lessen floods, recreation

Question 2

Impact of dams

Answer 2

Communities displaced to build dams, less water for those downstream meaning crop production is reduced, species are lost and ecosystems are damaged and there is flooding if the wall breaks

Question 3

How does land use practices affect water?

Answer 3

Pollution of water, infrastructure prevents infiltration and increases run-off, alien vegetation uses more water than indigenous plants, soil erosion results in silt building up in dams which reduces the capacity of them

Question 4

How does human activities affect water?

Answer 4

Water pollution from AMD (Acid Mine Drainage), Agricultural pollution from fertilizers, Industrial pollution creates dangerous chemicals and a raised salinity level

Question 5

How does climate change affect water?

Answer 5

Decreased rainfall, Decreased dry spells mean more floods

Question 6

What does sanitation mean?

Answer 6

Safe disposal of sewage and refuse

Question 7

What is FBW?

Answer 7

Free Basic Water, it means every household is supposed to get 6000 liters of potable water per month for free.

Question 8

What is the Orange river project?

Answer 8

Water from the Gariep Dam goes to the Sunday River and then the Fish River via tunnels and canals. This provides irrigation and HEP. It also helps control flooding.

Question 9

What is the Tugela-Vaal scheme?

Answer 9

Provides water to the Vaal Dam to increase water for households and industries in the PWV area. Also used for irrigation. At night it is pumped uphill through the Drakensberg to the Driekloof and Sterkfontein dams where it will flow back down to generate electricity

Question 10

What is the Berg river project?

Answer 10

Water from the Theewaterskloof Dam in the Sonderend River is transferred to the Berg River and the Eerste River. It captures winter rain and stores it for the summer

Question 11

What is the Lesotho Highlands water project?

Answer 11

Largest water transfer scheme in Africa. Transfers water from Lesotho and Gauteng through dams and tunnels. It supplies water and is used tp generate HEP

Question 12

What are the roles of the different municipalities?

Answer 12

National government: Creates water resource management policies and plan inter-basin transfers
Water boards: Operate dams, supply water to municipalities
Municipalities: Provide water to sanitation services, sell water to places like household, businesses and factories

Question 13

Role of government: Research

Answer 13

Research alternative water supplies (desalination)

Question 14

Role of government: Recycle water

Answer 14

From power stations and mines (purification plants)

Question 15

Role of government: Enforce laws

Answer 15

To prevent pollution

Question 16

Role of government: Wetlands

Answer 16

Wetlands reduce erosion, encourage wildlife, store water

Question 17

Role of government: Alien vegetation

Answer 17

Need to be removed because they use large amounts of water (creates jobs)

Question 18

What is a tributary?

Answer 18

A small river that joins a larger river

Question 19

Physical causes for flooding

Answer 19

High rainfall, melting snow + icebergs, earthquakes, strong onshore winds and high tides

Question 20

Human causes for flooding

Answer 20

Deforestation, poor farming practices and poor water management, debris floating in the water blocks the water, infrastructure

Question 21

What is a hydrograph?

Answer 21

A graph that shows the change in discharge of river over time. It is measured in m³/second or cumecs

Question 22

What flood risk management?

Answer 22

The assessment of the risks associated with flooding and then making use of the information to take appropriate measures such as: Constructing flood defenses, creating flood warning systems, developing policies to reduce development in area likely to flood

Question 23

Why do floods do so much damage in informal settlements?

Answer 23

These areas often lack infrastructure like drains and storm water channels. They are sometimes flat so water doesn’t drain. To protect their homes residents can raise their homes and make furrows and storm water channels

Question 24

What is done in rural and urban areas to prevent floods?

Answer 24

Preventing urban development, building storm water channels and keeping them clear litter and plants, maintaining wetlands, building early warning systems

Question 25

What can you do to save water?

Answer 25

Turn off unused taps, shower, collect water, water gardens at proper times, plant water-wise plants