An investigation of the natural and human induced impacts on the Umdloti Catchment.
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Date
2009
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Abstract
The Umdloti River is relatively small but very important system that is located northeast
of central Durban. This river flows pass the coastal town of Verulam and finally into an
open/closed estuary, the La Mercy estuary. This fluvial system has a concrete gravity
dam that is built in the upper reaches, the Hazelmere Dam, which supplies water to the
north local council and surrounding districts under the supervision of Umgeni Water. The
river is characterized by human activities, especially urbanisation and industrialization in
the middle reaches and intensive agriculture (vegetables, sugar cane and banana
plantations) along the catchment. The influence of anthropogenic factors within this
catchment results from the dam construction, informal settlements, both commercial and
subsistence agriculture, intensive industrial activity, accelerated urban developments, and
recreational uses. Consequently there has been considerable concern regarding the
impacts of these factors together with natural influences on the water quality and health
status of this fluvial system. In this study water samples were taken and analysed for the
following variables: nitrites; nitrates; ammonia; pH; Escherichia coli; sulphate;
phosphate; total dissolved solids; chemical oxygen demand; biological oxygen demand;
calcium and magnesium. The results indicate that the middle and the lower reaches of the
Umdloti River are most impacted. Further, results from a questionnaire survey indicate
that natural and human induced impacts have impacted negatively on the health status of
the Umdloti River. The questionnaire survey also revealed that respondents benefited
positively from the construction of the dam whilst the expropriation of land for the
construction of the dam itself created much resentment to the prior land owners. The
water quality data and the questionnaire analysis indicate overall natural and human
induced impacts have had negative effects on the Umdloti River and the La Mercy
estuary. It is necessary that local municipal authorities introduce corrective catchment
management practices (outlined in the final chapter of the study) to enhance the water
quality and health status of the river.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.
Keywords
Water quality--KwaZulu-Natal., Water quality--KwaZulu-Natal--Umdloti River., Theses--Geography., Umdloti River Watershed., Watersheds--KwaZulu-Natal.