The Stream, November 19: South Africa to Conduct “Water Raids” Targeting Illegal Withdrawals

The Global Rundown

Authorities in South Africa are cracking down on illegal water withdrawals, while desperate villagers in China hope their government doesn’t catch them in the act of illegal well drilling. Vietnam has completed an impressive leak-reduction project, Chile has added a new desalination plant, and the Nature Conservancy is encouraging natural water management. Finally, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya have reached a first-ever deal on their transboundary rivers.

“Enforcement Month marks an important period in the government calendar because of the scarcity of water in South Africa. We are among the 30 driest countries in the world, the country also runs the risk of becoming a desert in 20 years if we don’t manage and use our water sparingly” – Anil Singh, South African Deputy Director General for Water Sector Regulation, on “water raids” targeting illegal South African users. (AllAfrica)

By The Numbers

130,000 cubic meters/day Amount of water saved in an area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam now that a 6 year leak-reduction project has been completed. INTERAKSYON

$US 100 million Cost of desalination plant opened in Chile to help relieve water stress in the Copiapó basin. Business News Americas

Science, Studies, And Reports

A new study released by the Nature Conservancy says that a lot could be gained by investing in natural water management. The study found that maintaining forests and wetlands is a cheap way to protect water quality, and could save cities $US 890 million in treatment costs per year. The Guardian

On The Radar

The South African government is expected to begin “water raids” on Monday; cracking down on those who withdraw water unlawfully. The raids will be carried out under South Africa’s National Water Act, which “seeks to enforce good management of water and its conservation”, and target users that avoid proper registration and licensing. AllAfrica

Chinese villagers on the outskirts of Beijing are without a local water supply and resorting to illegal well drilling.  Residents pool their money to pay for the expensive drilling, and if caught, the wells could cost them more than a year’s salary in fines – but they say they have no choice. Channel NewsAsia

Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya have reached a river-sharing deal after a days-long conference in Nairobi. This agreement is the first of its kind between the three countries. Raxanreeb.com