Abstract
This paper provides an integrated approach to the analysis of the geological, hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of the Cape Flats: a coastal plain sand formed within the mountains of the Cape Town metropolitan area. The study is mainly based on evaluation of available data, on surface water and groundwater, rainfall and selected springs, to describe the Cape Flats aquifer. Qualitative analysis has shown that both surface water and groundwater of the investigated area are of good quality; whereas sources of contamination indicated are restricted to certain parts of the area. Interpretation of hydrogeological data and aquifer parameters revealed that the Cape Flats aquifer has good storage characteristics to support its development for water supply, although the generally unconfined conditions render it highly susceptible to pollution from the surface. From the analysis of long-term climate data in Cape Town, it is evident that fluctuation exists in the pattern ofrainfall; this rainfall pattern has implications for recharge and water management issues in the city. Therefore, a conceptual hydrogeological model was developed to elucidate groundwater flow and recharge mechanisms in the Cape Flats.Keywords: water resource management, Cape Town, water quality, surface-water/groundwater relations, conceptualisation
Highlights
Previous studies on the use of groundwater and the development of the Cape Flats aquifer have become important under conditions of a changing climate and increasing population within the city of Cape Town
This paper has presented a conceptual hydrogeological model with descriptions of aquifer properties and characteristics
The results have confirmed the need for an integrated management tool to effectively manage both surface water and groundwater in the greater Cape Town area
Summary
– Bellville – Kraaifontein and Bellville – Eerste River – Strand railway lines and the False Bay coast, with a narrow strip of sand along the western coast, extending northwards from Cape Town and Bellville through Bloubergstrand up until Atlantis (Fig. 1). The climate data from Cape Town Airport reveals annual precipitation of the Cape Flats area varies mainly. Lourens River (at Strand) 1986 - 2005 19 34◦06’00’’ 18◦49’22’’ 107 Diep River (at Adderley) 1998 - 2005 7 33◦43’22’’ 18◦37’01’’ 154
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