supply

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.

South Africa has a looming water supply crisis, with 98% of its surface water already developed, demand outstripping supply in most catchment areas (WRC, 2015). Based on current usage trends, South Africa is expected to face a water deficit of 17% by 2030, and this shortage will only be worsened by climate change (WWF, 2017) which is mainly characterized by prolonged period of drought.