An assessment of groundwater flow mechanisms from the fountain east and west karst compartments in Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is regarded as a water stressed and semi-arid country with an average rainfall of 860 mm per annum (Botai, et al., 2018; Pietersen, et al., 2011). Globally, groundwater makes up 1.69% of all water available and 30.1% of freshwater (Figure 1-1). Half of the global population relies on groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes (Van Vuuren, 2017; UNESCO, 2015).

Groundwater further contributes to the formation of “groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs)” which are defined as ecosystems that require the availability of groundwater for prolonged periods to sustain their ecological functioning (Murray, et al., 2008; WRC, 2002). In South Africa, groundwater contributes about 40% to rivers, whilst 15% is used for domestic use. South Africa has further identified groundwater as a strategic resource which is vital for ensuring that needs of rural communities and food supply are met (Pietersen, 𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭., 2011). 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬!