Water crisis in South Africa
A new report by South Africas Department of Water and Sanitation paints a grim picture of the quality of the countrys drinking water, and its water infrastructure. The Blue Drop Audit Report is meant to ensure that water service authorities are held accountable for providing safe drinking water. The audit report found that the quality of the countrys drinkable water is getting worse.
Nearly half (46%) of all water supply systems pose acute human health risks because of bacteria or other pathogens in the drinking water supply. The report also found that more than two thirds (67.6%) of all wastewater treatment works are close to failure. On top of this it showed that over 47% of all clean and treated water was lost through leaks, or could not be accounted for.
The national Blue Drop Risk Rating is an assessment focused on critical risk areas within water services. It looks at water supply systems at a specific moment in time. This years report showed that the overall risk had dropped from 52.3% in 2022 to 47.15% in 2023 after some water supply systems made improvements and improved their risk category from critical or high to medium or low risk. But this should not be celebrated. To achieve Blue Drop certification, water supply systems must meet 95% of the criteria for delivering clean, drinkable water and only 26 of South Africas 958 water supply systems managed this.
The report found that several water supply systems were operating close to or beyond their design capacity. Monitoring and compliance were severely deficient. This makes fixing problems impossible as the scale of the issues at stake are not being identified.
The report said that in 23 parts of the country, water supply systems are in poor and critical condition. Almost half of all water supply systems (46%) do not comply with microbiological standards. In these water supply systems, drinking water is contaminated by sewage and bacteria. Viruses and parasites such as Legionella and Cyanobacteria may have grown in the piped water systems and or water sources.
These present acute health risks, such as gastro illnesses with diarrhoea usually being the prime symptom. Other primary waterborne illnesses can include cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid. Another problem the report highlighted was that more than half of the countrys municipalities (57%) do not notify water users when they discover that the water has been contaminated. Not issuing notices or warnings of contaminated drinking water places citizens at risk of contracting waterborne illnesses and is an unacceptable practice due to the possible serious health repercussions of drinking contaminated water.
- In paragraph, What is the writers purpose with this text? Support the answer by referring closely to the text.
- In paraparagraph, Who are the potential audience of the text? Explain and support your answer by referring to the text.
- In paragraph, What is the tone of the text? Support your answer by referring closely to the text.
- In paragraph, What is the genre of this text? Support your answer by referring to the text.
- In paragraph , identify some linguistic features in the text and show how they have been used to convey the message.
Water Crisis in South Africa: An Analysis of the Report
Writer's Purpose
The primary purpose of the writer in this text is to raise awareness about the deteriorating quality of drinking water and the severe issues plaguing South Africa's water supply systems. The text provides a detailed account of alarming statistics from the Blue Drop Audit Report, emphasizing that "nearly half (46%) of all water supply systems pose acute human health risks." By highlighting the critical state of water infrastructure and the health risks associated with contaminated drinking water, the writer aims to inform and compel readers to recognize the urgency of addressing the water crisis.
Potential Audience
The potential audience for this text includes policymakers, health officials, environmental activists, and concerned citizens. Policymakers are crucial because they have the authority to enact changes based on the report's findings. Health officials would be interested in the implications of contaminated water on public health, as the report mentions various waterborne illnesses linked to poor water quality. Furthermore, environmental activists and community members must be aware of these issues to advocate for improved water management practices. The writer’s detailed statistics and alarming conclusions serve to engage these groups by providing them with necessary information for action.
Tone of the Text
The tone of the text is decidedly urgent and alarming. Words such as "grim picture," "acute human health risks," and "close to failure" convey a sense of immediate concern regarding the state of South Africa’s water supply systems. The writer’s choice to use strong adjectives and alarming statistics reflects an intention to provoke a serious response from readers. Phrases like "unacceptable practice" regarding municipalities failing to notify citizens about contaminated water further underline a tone of indignation towards the current situation.
Genre of the Text
The genre of this text can be classified as an informative report or analytical essay. It presents factual information derived from a government audit report while analyzing its implications for public health and safety. The structure includes statistical data, evaluations of systems, and a focus on accountability, which aligns with characteristics typical of reports aimed at informing stakeholders about pressing societal issues.
Linguistic Features
Several linguistic features are utilized in this text to effectively convey the message. For instance, the use of statistical evidence ("46% of all water supply systems pose acute human health risks") adds credibility to the claims made. The writer employs technical terms such as "microbiological standards," which may resonate with an informed audience, allowing for a deeper understanding of the issues discussed. Furthermore, rhetorical questions or phrases like "this should not be celebrated" prompt readers to reflect critically on the information presented, pushing them toward recognizing the severity of the situation. Overall, these linguistic choices work together to create a compelling narrative that emphasizes the urgency of addressing South Africa's water crisis.
This analysis illustrates how the writer effectively communicates the critical nature of South Africa's water crisis through purposeful language, catering to a specific audience while employing a tone that encourages immediate action.