The Vaal Gamagara Government Water scheme was constructed to deliver surface water from the Vaal river for mining, industrial, domestic and agricultural use in the Kalahari region, South Africa. Water extracted and purified at the river is delivered via a 280 km pipeline at an average annual demand of 9.3 million m~3. Groundwater abstracted from the Sishen, Kathu, Postmasburg and Beeshoek aquiers at 31.6 million m~3/a is the majro source. Groundwater delivery cost of less than 30percent of surface water and recently confirmed mine de-watering schedules, favors increased utilization. These aquifers are fractured sediments and karstic dolomites developed along dolerite/fault zone weathering, lithological contacts, folding and mineralization. The water is of exceptable quality for all use. The aim fo this study is to compile the hydrogeological characteristics of the area, determine possible long-term impact from water utilization, evaluate current water monitoring systems, ensure reliable future monitoring systems and ensure that local management structures are capacitated to manage the resource.
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