Abstract
M.Tech.
Water is the most vital source of life anywhere in the world, however it is becoming an increasingly scarce resource especially in the Western Cape as a result of climate changes. Key adaptive strategies that might alleviate or avoid the worst impacts of climate change have also been identified.To this end, this study aimed at measuring factors affecting sustainable water supply in the Province of Western Cape. This led in developing three objectives noting that (1) to determine water usage practices in the City of Cape Town; (2) to determine the extent to which consumers have knowledge regarding water pricing policy; and (3) to examine the relationship between water saving habits, the demand for water and attitudes towards different water management policies. To achieve the aforementionedgoal, this study adopted two approaches, firstly the study critically analyzed a set of previous studies that were conducted on the sustainable water supply strategies within various countries.This led in identifying existing gaps in the current literature. Secondly, the study adopted a quantitative approach and administered questionnaires to various respondents from different areas in the City of Cape Town. As mentioned earlier on,the data used in this study were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study were derived from the review of literature. The primary data were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. The data collected from various households were analyzed using deductive reasoning techniques. The participants that took part in this study were chosen by means of a convenience sampling approach. This method was preferred due to its ability to give the researcher an opportunity to select participants that were easily accessible. Findings enacting, the survey revealed that the major factors affecting sustainable water supply in the Province of Western Cape, particularly in the City of Cape Town from is lack of water reuse plants, leaking taps, lack of knowledge regarding the scarcity of water and lack of protection for Cape Town river has had a huge impact in terms of loss of water which has led to water crisis in Western Cape.