Farmers need reliable water to irrigate crops, provide drinking water for livestock, wash and process produce and keep agricultural businesses operating. However, having water available does not necessarily mean that it is clean or suitable for food production.
Across the country, pollution from sewage, industrial waste, mining activities and poor municipal infrastructure is placing pressure on our water resources. The question is no longer only whether South Africa has enough water, but whether the water available is clean and of the right quality for the purpose for which it is needed.
RIVERS AND DAMS: A GROWING CONCERN
One of the major problems is the condition of wastewater treatment plants. National oversight reports have highlighted serious failures in wastewater treatment, with many plants not meeting the required quality standards. This creates a risk that inadequately treated sewage will enter rivers and eventually affect dams and other water sources.
Sewage and industrial pollution can also damage aquatic ecosystems and reduce the quality of water available to communities and farmers.
For farmers, this is a serious issue. Irrigation water contaminated with harmful bacteria can affect fresh produce, particularly vegetables eaten raw. High salt levels and certain chemicals can damage soil, affect plant growth and reduce production. Livestock also require suitable drinking water, while food-processing businesses must maintain strict hygiene standards.
Water that looks clean is not necessarily safe. Farmers using rivers, dams or boreholes should arrange regular water testing to identify possible bacterial, chemical and salt-related problems.
WHAT ABOUT WATER RESTRICTIONS?
Water restrictions are likely to remain an important part of managing South Africa's limited water resources. However, restrictions are not necessarily introduced uniformly across the country. They depend on local dam levels, river flows, rainfall, catchment conditions and the amount of water available to different users.
When supplies come under pressure, irrigation allocations may be reduced or restrictions introduced in particular areas. Farmers need clear communication from water authorities and irrigation schemes so they can plan production, planting schedules and investment decisions.
PESTICEDS
Another growing concern is the number of chemicals and toxins that can find their way into South Africa's rivers and dams. These include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers, industrial chemicals, mining residues, fuel and other pollutants.
Agriculture depends on crop protection products to control pests, weeds and diseases. When these products are used correctly, according to approved instructions, they play an important role in food production. However, problems arise when chemicals are overused, incorrectly applied, poorly stored or disposed of in an irresponsible manner.
Rain can wash chemical residues from fields into nearby streams and rivers. Soil erosion and drainage can carry these substances further into water systems, eventually reaching dams. Industrial and mining activities can also introduce potentially harmful substances into water resources.
Some chemicals break down relatively quickly, while others can remain in the environment for longer periods. Certain pollutants can accumulate in river sediments and aquatic organisms. This may affect fish, insects and other wildlife, while potentially creating risks for people and animals using contaminated water.
For farmers, the concern is particularly important. Irrigation water containing harmful chemical residues may affect crops, soil organisms and long-term soil health. Water quality should therefore be assessed not only for bacteria and salt levels, but also for relevant chemical contaminants.
Government needs effective monitoring of rivers and dams, proper enforcement of pollution regulations and transparent reporting when water quality is unsafe. Industries, mines, municipalities and agricultural users all have a responsibility to prevent pollution at its source.
Protecting water does not mean stopping agriculture. It means using agricultural chemicals responsibly, protecting waterways and ensuring that food production does not compromise the water resources on which future generations will depend. AND we do not know if the PESTICIDES are safe.
Why Soil Health Matters to a Food Retailer - and the Water quality.
WATER LICENCES: WHAT MUST FARMERS KNOW?
The National Water Act of 1998 regulates the use of South Africa's water resources. Farmers who abstract water from rivers or groundwater for irrigation may need a water-use licence or another form of lawful authorisation, depending on the circumstances and applicable rules.
A water-use licence may also be required for activities such as storing water, diverting river flows or discharging waste into water resources. Existing lawful water use and general authorisations are subject to specific conditions. Farmers should not assume that every borehole or historical water use automatically gives them unrestricted water rights.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has powers to regulate water use, protect resources and manage allocations. Farmers should keep their registration and authorisation documents up to date and communicate with the relevant water authorities about their rights and responsibilities.
EXPORT MARKETS: WATER QUALITY CAN DETERMINE WHETHER FARMERS CAN SELL THEIR PRODUCE
South Africa's agricultural export industry faces another important challenge: international markets have strict requirements regarding the quality and safety of water used in food production.
Countries importing South African fruit and vegetables want assurance that the produce reaching their consumers is safe. This means that farmers cannot simply use any available river, dam or borehole water without considering its quality and possible contamination.
Export requirements may include testing for E. coli and other harmful bacteria, pesticide residues, heavy metals, chemical contamination and other substances that could affect food safety. These requirements are particularly important where water is used to irrigate crops that are eaten raw or to wash fresh produce after harvesting.
Pesticide residues are another major concern. Every importing country has its own Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which determine how much of a particular pesticide residue may legally remain in food. A product that complies with South African requirements may still fail to meet the limits of an overseas market. Exporters must therefore understand the requirements of their specific destination markets.
The consequences of non-compliance can be serious. Shipments may be rejected, delayed or destroyed, while producers can lose valuable contracts and damage relationships with international buyers.
This raises an important question for South Africa: how can farmers consistently meet demanding international food-safety requirements if the rivers, dams and other water sources they depend on are exposed to sewage, pesticides, industrial chemicals and other pollutants?
Government must recognise that water pollution is not only an environmental problem. It is a direct threat to agricultural exports, farm income, employment and South Africa's international competitiveness. Protecting water quality is therefore part of protecting the country's agricultural economy.
GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT OUR WATER RESOURCES
South Africa cannot secure its food production while allowing rivers, dams and wastewater infrastructure to deteriorate. Municipalities must maintain and repair wastewater treatment plants, industries must comply with pollution controls, and water authorities must monitor water quality and enforce the law.
Farmers also have a responsibility to use water efficiently, prevent unnecessary run-off and protect rivers and wetlands on their properties.
Clean water is not simply an environmental issue. It is an agricultural, economic and food-security issue. South Africa needs reliable water supplies, fair and predictable licensing arrangements, and urgent investment in infrastructure.
Without clean water, farmers cannot produce sustainably, businesses cannot grow and rural communities cannot prosper. Protecting our rivers, dams and groundwater must therefore become a national priority.
