Monitoring groundwater quality in South-Africa: Development of a national strategy

Abstract

Little is known about the temporal distribution of groundwater quality on a national scale in South Africa. The effective management of the country's groundwater resources is thus difficult and a need exists for a national network for monitoring groundwater. A literature-based project was initiated with the aim of identifying practical strategies to be used in the establishment of the desired network. Prior to identifying possible strategies, a statement on monitoring network objectives was developed. Cognisance of special constraints and considerations such as responsibility and funding was also taken. Various approaches and strategies for establishing national or regional monitoring networks were evaluated, the most appropriate of which were proposed for use in the establishment of a South African network. The strategies considered aspects such as information needs, available resources, monitoring frequencies, funding and the use of a pilot-scale study to initiate the network. A network manager and a review committee should be appointed and be responsible for the establishment of the network. Some technical issues had to be considered owing to their impact on the strategies to be adopted. Empirical and hierarchical approaches to the development of the network were considered essential. Work on the network has subsequently started and many of the proposed strategies have been adopted.