Water Demand in the Basin

As the Orange-Senqu River basin approaches closure, water demand in the Orange-Senqu River basin is complicated by the fact that there are four countries sharing the basin, numerous sectors and services that require water and uncertainties as to availability of water - especially with respect to groundwater resources and the potential impacts of climate change. 

Chapter Summary

This section looks at the impacts of the following aspects on water demand in the basin:

• Water Demand in the Basin
• Water Demand Management
• Use/Allocation and Registration
• Agriculture
• Urban and Rural
• Mining and Industry
• Hydro-electric Power Generation
• Environmental Flows
• Recreation and Tourism
• Conservation and Re-Use

Bloemhof Dam.

Source:DWAF South Africa 1998

( click to enlarge )

Agriculture is a vital aspect of water demand in the Orange-Senqu River basin. Source:Vogel 2009 ( click to enlarge )

Recreation and Tourism is a major economic activity in the Lower Orange River region. Source:Vogel 2009 ( click to enlarge )