The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has created an online system that informs the public on water status, storage and quality.
The National Integrated Water Information System (NIWIS) is a Web-based and mobile-device-enabled system that contains water-related information and can be accessed at all times.
Andy Sambo, scientific manager for the NIWIS at the DWS, says the system provides information to water management institutions, water users, the public, research scientists and anyone interested in getting a deeper understanding and knowledge of the water status in SA.
Sambo explains the system will integrate the department's various information systems that support business functional areas of water resources and water services. It also enables management to access the status of water from one platform, he says.
"If you needed information that is integrated about water quality, water sources and water services you would have to query a number of systems," he explains. "What we have done with this system now is to integrate the research from the scientists and information on the status of water resources, storage and quality, and placed it on one platform."
Citizens can also check the status of water in their area, he adds.
"If for example you are in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Gauteng or the Western Cape and want to know the water storage use in the particular area, you will be able to access that information.
"If you are a farmer, an ordinary user or doing business where you depend on water you will be able to see if there is a problem with water supply. It helps you to plan accordingly and determine when and if you will need to have your own storage of water or help you conserve water," he says.
The data on the system will be updated every two weeks. Sambo explains the DWS wants the public to be aware that such a system exists, and ensure water sector users like the mining and agricultural industries know they can get information without having to go to the department.
Water-shedding reality
Talk of a South African water crisis has been on the rise, especially with recent reports that certain areas in drought-stricken KZN are experiencing "water-shedding".
According to engineering firm GIBB, water-shedding is a reality and South Africans will have to accept it.
Speaking on radio 702 this morning, DWS spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase said the country has not reached the stages of water-shedding yet, but the reality is, SA is the 30th driest country in the world.
"We are currently having water shortages in certain areas. We need to start seeing how we can recycle water, use water differently than we are currently doing," said Ndamase.
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