Hydrogeological Heritage: the Springs supplying Pretoria

Despite majority of the terrestrial fresh water resources being groundwater, there still exists a public perception that the only source of potable water is from surface water bodies. Due to this misperception, the general public is often ignorant about the importance of groundwater as a resource. This is evident in the lack of appreciation for the Upper and Lower Fountains in Pretoria as the main reason for various historical events in and around Pretoria, leading to it eventually becoming the capital of South Africa. This project, which introduces a broader Hydrological Heritage Overview programme, is intended to create awareness regarding the history and importance in the development of South Africa, and to improve public understanding of the important role that hydrology and hydrogeology is playing in our day to day lives. Additionally, scientific appraisal of historical data will aid the relevant managements to better manage these valuable resources, while making interesting and important archived data available to the scientific community in the form of trend analyses and conceptual models. The paper will showcase a 10-minute narrated video on the importance of groundwater in the history of Pretoria. As part of a water awareness programme to inform the general public about Pretoria's water supply from springs since its founding in 1855, the video depicts the development of the capital city around these springs from its founding to present.