Pollution of water supplies

Abstract

Water is used in agriculture for irrigation as well as for drinking water for man and beast. The pollution of water with salts, plant nutrients, organic material, pathogens and parasites, as well as toxic components, decreases its value for agricultural purposes. The rapid development of and the population growth in South Africa will increase water pollution, and agriculture will thus be influenced. Agriculture will also have to intensify in the future to meet the expected increased demand for food; the role of agriculture as a water polluter will thus also increase. South African agriculturists and water managers will have to meet unique challenges in the next decade. However, there are also unique opportunities to utilise.