Reference no: EM133223423

Water scarcity is a serious problem globally, and with population growth coupled with economic development, there is added pressure placed on water resources worldwide. The deterioration of water resources is not only an issue for human populations dependent on the river, but for the aquatic life within these resources.

In order to address the water scarcity issue, your local municipality has decided to increase the number of boreholes in your area. The envisaged large abstractions of groundwater from the local aquifers, will result in lowering of the water table, negatively impacting on some of the groundwater-fed surface water resources in the area.

Identify the ecosystem services that would be negatively impacted by the continued over-abstraction of groundwater resources in your area.

To answer the question above:

Question 1: Identify local river(s) or wetlands(s) in your area (Johannesburg), provide the name(s), location (gps coordinates),a map and photograph(s) of the water resources which will be affected by the envisaged development.

Question 2: Give a brief description of the river/wetlands, which will be affected by the development. Provide information relating to where the river starts, identify dams (if any) on the river, and also provide information relating to the river/ocean that the identified river confluences with, or flows into.

Question 3: Identify the different services provided by the river(s) or wetlands(s)you identified.

Question 4: Advise the municipality regarding the envisaged over-abstraction of groundwater in your area. How can the municipality increase water availability in your area while ensuring the protection of aquatic ecosystems.