Abstract
Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces are amongst nine provinces in South Africa. These two provinces experience challenges such as water shortages and inadequate access to potable water supply. Lack of access to potable water is caused by insufficient bulk water supply and poor water reticulation infrastructure. Rural communities in the provinces are worse hit with no adequate access to water and sanitation. As a result, the community members tamper with the bulk pipelines that supply water to different areas. The challenges relating to water supply in these provinces are also influenced by the effects of climate change and weather variability. Meanwhile, droughts cause the flow of rivers in the region to decrease resulting in a reduction of water levels in dams. The failure to choose the correct pumps for the systems causes damage to the systems and unplanned maintenance that is costly.
The main objective of this research is to develop a dynamic model of water supply chain systems to determine the nature and causes of water crises associated with pumping systems and water treatment in rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces as case studies. A consecutive investigative mixed method was used which is a procedure for collecting, analysing and mixing qualitative and quantitative data during research to understand the problem. The research study was conducted using data collected in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The research collects data about the challenges associated with shortage of water using surveys and follow-up interviews with community representatives. The checklist was done to observe the existing infrastructure that has been installed by the municipalities in the regions. The data obtained through questionnaires was validated by developing an empirical model to improve the existing one and design simple and affordable water pumping systems relevant to the communities.
The project further developed simple and affordable water treatment technologies for rural areas with a view to commercialization in Africa as a whole. Streams of water in rural communities are available but the challenge is the technological availability and technical ability to access this water, purify and supply, recycle and reuse. The supply side of the model developed in this thesis supplies water from Rainwater harvesting (RWH) system, which is a green source of water. Borehole systems are harnessed under
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grey water type and supplied to the homes, with all water sources connected to the kitchen, dining room and bathroom.
In this study, an empirical model for water supply was developed for rural communities for continuous household water supply. Empirical models were developed to determine the nature and causes of water shortages through system dynamics and analysis approaches. These approaches were used as a decision-support tool to help achieve sustainable water management in the provinces. System dynamics and system analysis approach are methodologies developed using the Vensim PLE 8.0.9 and EPANET respectively to understand cause and effect relationships, policy decisions, and feedback and have been successfully used in solving water management problems. It was also observed that designing and managing of new water distribution network or expanding the existing one will serve the purpose of ensuring that consumers receive enough potable water. System dynamics and system analysis provide an opportunity for improvement in water management, water access, and water supply. In this research study, it was found that RWH, borehole water, and filtration of greywater provide a cost-effective solution and save large volumes of potable water supply to rural areas. To predict the amount of water required per household, a mathematical regression model is formulated and tested. The results show that as the number of households increases, more water will be needed for domestic use.