Evidence based water sensitive planning : securing water sustainability through innovative spatial planning tools

Abstract

Everything society does, from its economy to its culture, depends in part on safe, stable access to water resources. However, water resource management looms as one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The fact that South Africa is a semi-arid country characterised by not only low rainfall but also huge variations in the temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation, limited underground aquifers and reliance on significant water transfers from neighbouring nations have made this challenge even more complex. Limited irrigable land and water-intensive electricity generation, unsustainable urbanisation trends and far-reaching political promises have amplified the strain on existing water resources. Furthermore, a 17% water demand-supply gap is expected by 2030 due to economic and population growth, increased urbanisation coupled with unrealistic expectancies of higher standards of living, and climate change. The study argues that every land use has a qualitative and quantitative impact on water resources. Qualitative refers to the pollution factor, and quantitative to the consumption factor. Yet, water-related land use implications are barely ever addressed in spatial planning and land use management documents, as the relationship between land and water is not commonly understood by planning practitioners. This study evaluates the land, water and environmental resources relationship and the impact of physical development (driven by population, urbanisation and economic growth) on these resources. The study reflects on the internationally adopted concept of Water Sensitive Cities (WSC), and recently adopted local concept of Water Sensitive Settlements (WSS). It identifies opportunities as to how municipal spatial planning and land use management practices can, and should, give effect to these concepts. To provide evidence that spatial planning and land use management can secure water sustainability through innovative spatial planning tools, Lephalale and Mogalakwena Local Municipality were selected as case studies. A review of each municipality’s existing spatial planning and land use management documents revealed that neither gave effect to the importance of water resources, while the concept of water sensitivity was non-existing. Through extensive data analysis and spatial modelling exercises, it became evident that sustainable water resource planning and management can be achieved through Water Sensitive Spatial Planning. A framework for Water Sensitive Spatial Planning accompanied by a comprehensive guideline on “how to” achieve water sensitivity is therefore proposed for municipal use when local authorities develop their principal spatial planning tools. In doing so, South Africa can secure water sustainability in the near future. Recommendations from this study could also hold equal promise for other urban areas across the globe