Determining the socio-economic value of groundwater: Franschhoek case study

Abstract

The Western Cape, a province of South Africa is facing increased pressure to develop new supplies of fresh water to cater for the regions rapidly growing demand. Groundwater is being explored as a possible contributor to the freshwater supply. Development of the resource has been slow despite the existence of significant potential groundwater resources in the form of several shallow primary aquifer systems and an extensive secondary aquifer formation known as the Table Mountain Group (TMG) Aquifer. This slow development may be attributed primarily to a lack of awareness amongst key stakeholders and general ignorance in the water market with regards to the potential of this resource.