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GARDAG WATER MONITORING PROGRAMME

Good data is an invaluable resource in confirming the health of our water resources.

The Garden Route area is under increasing pressure from development and the blue and green drop water reports are biased to what the George Local Municipality must report as a minimum.

Other governmental agencies’ monitoring points are sparse and often monitor only background / ambient / unimpacted areas. The GARDAG monitoring programme aims to create a baseline of independent data to either confirm or challenge the available information, as well as add to the sustainable development of the area, to not reach a future the available water resources cannot support.

 

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contact details

Name: Ms. Sonia Veltman

Business phone: 0740411444

Mobile: 0740411444

Email Enquiry: sonia.veltman@gmail.com


WATER MONITORING PROGRAMME

Background

Good data is an invaluable resource in confirming the health of our water resources. The Garden Route area is under increasing pressure from development and the blue and green drop water reports are biased to what the George Local Municipality must report as a minimum. Other governmental agencies’ monitoring points are sparse and often monitor only background / ambient / unimpacted areas. The GARDAG monitoring programme aims to create a baseline of independent data to either confirm or challenge the available information, as well as add to the sustainable development of the area, to not reach a future the available water resources cannot support.

Objectives

Monitoring is the task of measuring selected parameters in pre-determined time intervals. “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”, is a famed motto in the water science community. Monitoring for water resource health is different from response monitoring, at the time of pollution events, and aims to:
Establish a continuous database specific to the water resources.
Assess the temporal water quality condition of resources, likely to be impacted upon by development.
Identify potential pollution sources that is responsible for significant deviations in the trends. 
Develop strategies / plans for enacting change in water users’ behaviour within the area.

This programme also targets the upcoming professionals and young learners of school age, the next generation that needs to keep the water systems healthy and local authorities accountable.

Methodology

Different types of monitoring are utilised for proper water management and can include water quality, rainfall, groundwater levels, and spring/river flow. A specialist technical approach to monitoring both catchment and cumulative impact is required, with proper controls and data dissemination. To reach the objectives, the monitoring network needs to confirm the:

Quality of water resources; and
Health of aquatic ecosystems.

Each monitoring site selected will have a unique set of parameters that needs to be monitored and is dependent on the type of monitoring site and the aim of the site’s inclusion in the monitoring network. GARDAG have developed a proposed monitoring network for the Garden Route area and the selected monitoring points are shown on the map attached. Basic protocols followed for the network development and reporting includes:

  1. Site selection: U/S - upstream, D/S - downstream, WWTWs - Wastewater treatment works.
  2. Potential impact definition: changes in environment that could influence site health (mainly anthropogenic effects).
  3. Sampling protocols: A standardised approach to enable trend analyses. Parameters for analyses is site specific and evaluated over time.
  4. Reporting: Describe each site, what are the biggest influences on water visible at the site. Trends occur over time – reporting is done after each sampling run or annually.

State of Rivers initiative

GroundTruth (http://groundtruth.co.za/), in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), are undertaking a project commissioned by the Water Research Commission (WRC), with funding and support from UNICEF, on The State of Citizen Science for Water Quality Monitoring in southern Africa. This project aimed to generate data that can be used to develop a national State of Rivers (SoR) report from a citizen science (CS) perspective, as well as generate data to inform SDG reporting, specifically targets under SDG 6.3.2 (which monitors the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality).
Scientific tools available to citizens for inputs to this monitoring initiative includes mini-SASS (https://minisass.org/), clarity tubes, riparian health audits, chemical testing with WaterCAN test kits (https://watercan.org.za/) and/or E.Coli test tubes (Praecautio). Of these tools GARDAG has implemented the mini-SASS, WaterCan test kits since 2022 and more recently also the E.Coli test tubes in the Garden Route area. Special thanks to OUTA whom developed and sponsored kits of the WaterCAN initiative and Afriforum for further funding WaterCAN kits at the start of the GARDAG monitoring initiative.

Sampling Protocols

Mini-SASS

The South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5) protocol is a scientifically rigorous biomonitoring method that is accredited to ISO standards and must be performed by an accredited SASS5 practitioner. Mini-SASS is a simplified, citizen-based version of SASS5 that can be performed by anyone with the basic introduction to the mini-SASS method. It uses the presence of water “nunus” (water bugs, not vertebrae like fish, crabs or frogs) as an indication of river health. Different nunus has different sensitivities and more sensitive nunus will disappear as river health declines, or possibly re-appear as river health improves.
Mini-SASS should be conducted in river reaches with flowing water with 3 types of habitats to sample: rocky habitat, vegetative habitat and GSM (sand and mud) habitat. Rocky and GSM habitats are sampled through shuffling your feet and capturing what comes up with a net, vegetative areas are sampled through scooping the net underneath the vegetation in a circular motion.
All the sampled material is deposited into a white tray for identification of species that occur in the river. Make sure nunus clinging to the net is not left behind, remove gently with your hands all debris and deposit into the tray. The nunus are identified and recorded on the sheet, with the help of the mini-SASS dichotomous key chart. The sensitivity score is then calculated on the sheet and uploaded to the mini-SASS website.

WaterCAN test kits

WaterCAN is an OUTA initiative, with a growing network of citizen science activists who are committed water guardians and willing stewards advocating for clean, safe and sustainable water. A booklet on how to sample and use the kit is included in every kit purchased. To see more information on the initiative and a tutorial on how the kits are used, visit the website https://watercan.org.za/. To purchase kits and become involved send an email to info@watercan.org.za.

Ecoli tests

Water is collected with a sterile syringe directly from the water source and the test tube filled and capped. The tube is then stored for 24 hours at body temperature (37C), the optimal growing conditions for E.Coli. If the water in the tube’s colour turns green the presence of E.Coli is confirmed, if it turns yellow, the presence of coliform bacteria is confirmed. The time it takes for the water to change colour is an indicator of the number of bacteria present and can be read of the “time – colour indicator table”. No change in colour indicates the absence of both E.Coli and coliform bacteria.

Quantitative laboratory analysis

Apart from the citizen science tools available, GARDAG also takes water samples for quantitative laboratory analysis as needed. These are expensive and used on a lesser frequency, however sampling protocols are discussed below.
Sample preparation is undertaken according to laboratory requirements (filtration, specific preservative, etc.). Care must be taken to ensure that the samples collected are sufficiently large enough (1ℓ) to allow the laboratory to run duplicate analysis if required. Samples is stored and transported at cool temperatures.
Field observations for each sampling point are recorded on field data sheets. The field technician collecting the water samples will keep a record of the sampling session by filling in a sampling sheet check list form.
The chain of custody form will be completed when the samples are transported and transferred to a SANAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

General:

The inner surfaces of sample bottles or caps should not be touched with fingers or other objects. The sample bottle should be stored and transported with caps tightly secured. 
Preservation techniques (including filtering) and laboratory instructions should be followed. It is recommended that two samples are taken, one 1L bottle for inorganic chemical analyses and one 500ml bottle for microbiological analyses.  This could vary between laboratories and should be confirmed.
If groundwater sampling via the purging methodology is considered: in the event of the borehole being pumped dry, a recovery time of approximately 2 weeks should be allowed prior to returning to site for sampling via single use bailers.  


NOTE: The preservation methods should be discussed with the laboratory, in some cases filtering and preservation may or may not be required provided the samples are submitted to the laboratory as soon as practically possible.

Frequency and Reporting

Monitoring frequency will depend on the type and purpose of monitoring. Monthly monitoring is typically done with WaterCAN test kits, which are inexpensive and a good set of indicator parameters. 3- or 6-monthly monitoring can be utilised with laboratory testing, which are more expensive but more quantitive (give exact values to compare between time intervals). Mini-SASS is time cosuming and although very helpful on a monthly base, mostly done in longer intervals of 3- or 6-monthly depending on the river conditions.
All water monitoring data dissemination and reporting are evaluated by a GARDAG registered Pri. Sci. Nat: Environmental / Water Scientist. Memorandums will include basic representation of data, evaluated against appropriate water quality guidelines with related discussions. The Annual report should include a more extensive evaluation of the results obtained during the year.
Reports can include statistical summaries of parameters, time-series graphs, linear trend determinations, trend analyses with seasonal changes and rainfall variation considered, water quality thematic maps indicating pollution sources and impacts on the receiving water body, as well as a discussion on the observed changes.

WaterCAN results are uploaded to the WaterCAN website.

Annual results are uploaded to the GARDAG website blog. Read more on the results of 2024 here.

  • Water Monitoring
  • Educational Outreach
  • Water Monitoring
  • Educational Outreach

contact details

Name: Ms. Sonia Veltman

Business phone: 0740411444

Mobile: 0740411444

Email Enquiry: sonia.veltman@gmail.com


https://www.gardag.org.za

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From Streams to Reservoirs

The 213 Year journey of Water Supply in George

When Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel was appointed to establish the town of George in 1811, he made securing a steady water supply his top priority. Along with land surveyor JH Koopman, van Kervel explored the Outeniqua mountains and discovered a perennial stream, laying the foundation for George's water supply.

READ THE FULL STORY

The History of George’s Water Supply George’s water supply has always originated in the mountain towering above the city. In 1811, Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel, the founder of George, explored the Outeniqua mountains along with land surveyor JH Koopman in search of a water source.

A year later, a network of furrows was constructed to channel water from a perennial stream into Caledon Street and down York Street, creating a basic network for the town’s water supply. In 1850, the Van Kervel Dam, which still exists in the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was built to store water from the furrow. Although this water became polluted, it was the main water source for the town for 71 years.

The Waterhouse stone reservoir was completed in 1883, from which water was piped for the first time.

Development and Expansion

As the population of George grew alongside a burgeoning timber industry, the first arch-type concrete Westkloof Dam was completed in 1925. This dam still exists and can be visited by hikers.

Just 14 years later, the George Dam, also known as the Swart River Dam, was built in 1939, coinciding with the onset of World War II. The George Dam was raised in 1955 but faced issues with leaks. It wasn’t until 1980, during a severe drought, that the Garden Route Dam was constructed at a cost of R2 million. Remarkably, shortly after its completion, heavy rains filled the dam to capacity.

The wall of the Garden Route Dam was raised by Zutari in 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. The raising of the wall required innovative design of its spillway to allow for the increased capacity while improving the safety of the dam. The new duckbill spillway is curved, creating a spillway that is 80 m longer than the original one.

Challenges and Rehabilitation

Crime and Environmental Degradation

The area around the Garden Route Dam became plagued by crime, with squatters using the adjacent municipal pine forest for shelter. Following incidents of violence, the dam became a no-go zone for years.

To address safety concerns, the George Active Recreation Development and Action Group (GARDAG) organized various community events to turn the area into a valuable recreation area. In 2005, the municipal pine trees were harvested, leading to a significant reduction in vagrants.

However, this also resulted in illegal dumping, including medical waste, prompting GARDAG to push for the dam to be declared a National Key Point. This never succeeded, but the Municipality did eventually improve security to reduce crime in the area. Environmental Rehabilitation

The dam’s island, initially overrun by invasive black wattle, became a focus for environmental rehabilitation. During a drought, GARDAG collaborated with local schools to remove the invasive species and plant indigenous trees, although challenges with water access hindered early efforts.

Water Supply Crisis and Pollution

Droughts and Diversification

George has faced significant droughts over the past two centuries, with the most severe occurring in 2009. In response, the municipality sought to diversify water sources, pumping water from nearby rivers and drilling boreholes on mountain slopes.

Controversially, the municipality also attempted to recycle sewage water, which sparked public outcry due to health concerns. Despite opposition, the recycling plant was established but later mothballed due to high operational costs. Pollution and Legal Actions Pollution from the Kat River, a major feeder for the dam, has been a long-standing issue.

Reports highlighted toxic runoff from the Denneoord Purification Works. Thanks to advocacy from local environmental groups, the municipality was compelled to address these pollution issues by constructing new settling dams.

Recent Developments

After delays due to environmental concerns, the raising of the dam’s spillway and wall was completed in January 2020, increasing its capacity by 25%. This project received accolades for its engineering excellence. However, proposals for commercial development around the dam raised alarms about potential pollution risks.

Despite public opposition, development plans were approved, leading GARDAG to seek legal recourse to challenge these decisions. As of mid-2024, the George community awaited the outcome regarding the environmental authorizations granted for these developments.

GARDAG WINS!

There were cheers and applause as Desiree du Preez, GARDAG Chairperson, Delivered a Surprise Announcement at their annual Golf Day fundraising event hosted by the George Golf club. Victory for GARDAG in the ongoing Court Battle to Protect the Garden Route Dam from proposed development by the George municipality and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, in a landmark ruling by the Cape Town High Court.

Looking Ahead

As George continues to grow, the pressure on its water supply intensifies. The municipality must prioritize sustainable water management strategies and consider the long-term impacts of climate change on the region’s water resources. There is a pressing need for innovative solutions to ensure a pollution-free water supply and to preserve green spaces for future generations, reflecting a commitment to both environmental stewardship and community well-being.

 

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GARDAG WATER MONITORING PROGRAMME

Good data is an invaluable resource in confirming the health of our water resources.

The Garden Route area is under increasing pressure from development and the blue and green drop water reports are biased to what the George Local Municipality must report as a minimum.

Other governmental agencies’ monitoring points are sparse and often monitor only background / ambient / unimpacted areas. The GARDAG monitoring programme aims to create a baseline of independent data to either confirm or challenge the available information, as well as add to the sustainable development of the area, to not reach a future the available water resources cannot support.

 

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GARDAG - Restoring ecology of Meulen River

Correspondent Pauline Lourens | Tuesday, 04 October 2022, 08:01
GEORGE HERALD - READ THE ARTICLE

GEORGE NEWS - Big ideals came to the fore on Saturday when the Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) celebrated National Heritage Day (24 September) and World Rivers Day (25 September) by hacking out alien vegetation and cleaning up the Meulen River.

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GARDAG Water Monitoring Results 2024

In OUR backyard - George

In the past, GARDAG undertook a series of water samples to refine our understanding of impacts from urban pollution and potentially Stage 6 loadshedding on the Garden Route area.
The tests were undertaken over a period, at points that were highlighted as impacted.  Ideally these tests should be undertaken on the same day of every month, but time and financial limitations dictated the monitoring frequency. During 2024, monitoring was increased and some of the active monitoring points are measured more regularly. This post discusses the results from the previous monitoring events, up to November 2024.