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Deep Fractured Rock TMG
Background
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About the TMGAA
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About the Key Stakeholder Forum
How To Get Involved
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THE SITE

The purpose of this website is to inform stakeholders about the City of Cape Town Table Mountain Group Aquifer Feasibility Study and Pilot Project. Information about the project goals, methodology and programme can be found under the Project section of the website. For those not familiar with groundwater and aquifers there is an introduction to the basic technical concepts and issues associated with groundwater under the Aquifer section. Further information sources are provided in the Resources section that includes downloadable project documents. The Public Consultation section of the site outlines the legal processes that the study is required to undertake and explains how interested and affected parties can be involved in these processes.
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BACKGROUND

The Cape Metropolitan Area (CMA) and surrounding areas will, in the future, face the challenge of an increasing demand for fresh water in excess of existing supply. Other than short-term water restrictions, there are potentially two long-term strategies, namely:
  • Managing the demand for water through pressure management, leakage repair programmes, retrofitting with water-efficient fittings etc; and
  • Augmenting the water supply through methods such as river diversions, abstracting groundwater, re-use of treated wastewater, desalination of sea water, etc.
The various options relating to water demand and supply are the subject of ongoing, participatory investigations by the City of Cape Town (CCT). An investigation of the Table Mountain Group (TMG) Aquifer was identified as one of several studies which was required to better understand possible water sources available to the CCT. For more information go to the Background page. For more information on Water Demand Management.

THE PROJECT

The Table Mountain Group Aquifer (TMG) Feasibility Study and Pilot Project, is a five-year project is to determine the feasibility of using the TMG Aquifer as a water source to augment Cape Town's water supply. This will be undertaken by the TMG Aquifer Alliance during the period 2002 to 2007. The study is being designed to comply with robust scientific and environmental protocols and will be subject to professional and public review for its entire duration.

The TMG Aquifer Feasibility Study and Pilot Project is aims to determine:

  • The feasibility of using the TMG Aquifer as a water source to augment Cape Town's water supply; and
  • The environmental impacts associated with using this resource.

For more information go to the Project page