The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a crucial water supply system for South Africa, particularly the Gauteng province, which includes major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. This project supplies over 60% of Gauteng’s water needs. The impact of this water goes beyond just residential use; it supports the industrial and agricultural sectors, both of which are critical to the country’s economy. Without this steady flow of water, there would be significant disruptions not only to daily life but also to South Africa’s economic activities.
Picture: Lesotho Highlands Development Agency
The project also plays a role in ensuring water availability for other provinces prone to drought. By helping to stabilize the national water grid, the LHWP allows for water distribution across regions facing erratic rainfall, securing water for essential activities like food production.
The Structure of the Project: Key Components Explained
The LHWP is an engineering marvel. It consists of dams, tunnels, and hydroelectric stations designed to transfer water from the Katse Dam in Lesotho to South Africa. The water flows through the Transfer Tunnel, which connects the Katse Dam to the Muela Dam and Power Station. From there, it moves through a complex series of tunnels and outfall systems that eventually lead into South Africa’s Vaal River System, providing water to Gauteng and beyond.
These systems work hand-in-hand to ensure consistent water flow to one of South Africa’s most populated and economically active regions. The integrity of these components is crucial in maintaining this flow. Without proper maintenance, the entire system would risk breakdown, which could have devastating effects on the country.
Why a Shutdown is Inevitable
Although the LHWP is highly effective, its infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance to remain functional. The last major inspection in 2019 revealed that the steel linings of the project’s tunnels had begun to corrode. This corrosion is a natural consequence of constant water flow over time but poses a significant risk if left untreated. If the tunnel systems fail, South Africa could face a catastrophic water shortage.
To prevent such a disaster, the shutdown scheduled for October 2024 to March 2025 will allow technicians to perform critical repairs. These repairs include grit-blasting the tunnel linings to remove corrosion and applying new protective coatings. The aim is to extend the lifespan of the project by 20 to 30 years, ensuring continued water flow to Gauteng and other regions.
What Happens During the Six-Month Shutdown
The shutdown is highly structured to minimize disruption while ensuring the necessary repairs are completed. During the first phase, the tunnels will be drained so that technicians can inspect and assess the damage. The actual repair work—removing corrosion and applying new coatings—will take up most of the six months. Once the repairs are complete, the tunnels will undergo thorough testing and be refilled in preparation for restoring the water supply by the end of March 2025.
The Expected Impact on Gauteng
Despite the importance of the LHWP, Gauteng is not expected to suffer major water shortages during the shutdown. The South African government has put measures in place to use reserves from the Sterkfontein Dam and other reservoirs within the Vaal River System to offset the reduction in water supply. These reserves are intended to keep Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas adequately supplied.
However, residents and businesses may still face reduced water pressure and periodic water restrictions. Activities like watering gardens, washing cars, and other non-essential water uses could be limited. For industries that rely on a steady water supply, water-saving technologies and operational adjustments may be necessary to ensure they continue functioning efficiently throughout the shutdown.
Challenges for Agriculture and Farming
The agricultural sector is likely to face more significant challenges than urban areas. Many farms rely on the LHWP for irrigation and water for livestock. With the reduced water supply, these farms may struggle to maintain their usual levels of production. Reduced irrigation could lead to smaller crop yields, and livestock farming might also be impacted due to water shortages for animals.
This situation could also affect South Africa’s food security. If farmers are unable to irrigate crops as needed, there could be shortages in certain foods, leading to price increases and financial strain for farming communities. Farmers will need to rely heavily on alternative water sources during this period, such as boreholes, to prevent massive losses.
How Smaller Towns Will Be Affected
Smaller towns like Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling are particularly vulnerable to the shutdown. Unlike major cities that have access to multiple water sources, these towns rely almost entirely on the LHWP for their water supply. Reduced access to water could lead to more severe restrictions and disruptions in these areas. In some cases, residents may need to rely on bottled water or municipal deliveries to meet their daily needs.
For these towns, alternative water sources like boreholes will play a critical role. Without boreholes or similar water supplies, these smaller communities could face serious challenges in maintaining access to safe drinking water and ensuring that their agricultural activities can continue.
The Growing Importance of Boreholes in South Africa
Boreholes are emerging as a key solution to South Africa’s water challenges, especially during periods like the LHWP shutdown. Boreholes tap into underground aquifers, allowing users to access groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and other essential purposes. As municipal water supplies become less reliable during the shutdown, boreholes will serve as an important backup for households, businesses, and farms.
How Boreholes Work
A borehole is drilled deep into the ground to access water stored in natural underground reservoirs known as aquifers. After drilling, a pump is installed to draw the water up to the surface. Boreholes are generally considered more reliable than surface water sources because groundwater is less affected by seasonal changes like droughts or infrastructure failures.
During the shutdown, boreholes will be an essential tool for households and businesses that need to maintain a constant water supply. Many municipalities in affected areas have been actively drilling new boreholes and upgrading existing ones in anticipation of the shutdown. Boreholes provide a sustainable, long-term solution for accessing water, especially in regions where municipal supply interruptions are becoming more frequent.
Why Boreholes Are a Crucial Solution Moving Forward
Boreholes are not just a short-term fix for the LHWP shutdown; they are a long-term strategy for ensuring water security in South Africa. With the country facing increased pressure on its water infrastructure due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change, boreholes offer an alternative that is both practical and sustainable. As more households and businesses invest in boreholes, they reduce their reliance on increasingly strained municipal systems.
However, it’s essential to manage boreholes responsibly. Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to the depletion of aquifers, which may cause wells to run dry or environmental damage, such as land subsidence. Sustainable borehole management, including regular monitoring of water levels and quality, is necessary to ensure that boreholes remain a viable solution for future water needs.
Contingency Plans to Manage the Shutdown
In preparation for the LHWP shutdown, the South African government has implemented a series of contingency plans. These include using water reserves from the Sterkfontein and Saulspoort dams, as well as upgrading water treatment plants to handle the reduced water supply. Municipalities are also investing in boreholes and other infrastructure upgrades to ensure that affected communities continue to have access to water throughout the shutdown.
However, not all towns are equally prepared. Some municipalities have fallen behind in their readiness efforts, raising concerns about how these areas will cope during the six-month maintenance period. Government intervention may be necessary to provide emergency water supplies to the most vulnerable regions.
Water Conservation: A Necessity During the Shutdown
Water conservation will be a critical component of managing the LHWP shutdown. Public awareness campaigns have already been launched to encourage residents to adopt water-saving practices. Simple actions like fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using greywater for gardening can significantly reduce the overall demand on the limited water supply.
Businesses and industries are also being asked to reduce their water consumption. Many companies are investing in technologies to recycle wastewater or use more efficient irrigation systems. These efforts will help ensure that the available water supply can meet the needs of all sectors, from residential users to large-scale industries.
The Future of Water Security in South Africa
Once the LHWP shutdown is complete, the project will continue to play a vital role in South Africa’s water security for decades to come. The repairs made during this period will extend the life of the tunnels, ensuring that they can continue to provide water to Gauteng and other regions. However, the shutdown also highlights the need for South Africa to diversify its water sources.
Boreholes, in particular, will become increasingly important as part of a broader strategy for water security. With climate change and population growth putting more pressure on South Africa’s water systems, alternative sources like boreholes will be essential for reducing dependence on aging infrastructure and ensuring that water remains available for all.