THIRSTY ALIENS: Jack Mudd stands amazed at the site of the mighty Keurbooms River reduced to a trickle.

Long-time CXPRESS contributor of years past, and outdoors fundi of legendary proportions, JACK MUDD shares a piece of his mind on the local water crisis.

We took the alarming photo (at left) of the Keurbooms River at Williamsberg mountain reserve, some 15km upriver from De Vlugt two weeks ago.

Admittedly, there are other tributaries that feed into the river further down its course, but this should send a clear message to all Plett residents who have no alternative water than that supplied by Bitou Municipality – who draws from the Keurbooms extensively for our already stressed water supply.

The Keurbooms and Bitou rivers – which is also just a trickle of late – have to sustain its own bio-diversity and eco-systems, and the all important wetlands and estuary. These, I’m sure, are under even more stress… and conveniently forgotten in these desperate times.

Interesting to note, though, are the hectares upon hectares of black wattle in the catchment area that straddle this essential water supply – they are simply suiping it all up!

If these aliens could be effectively eradicated, the Keurbooms River would still be flowing strongly today. I understand that each adult wattle consumes some 150-litres per day. Do the sums – it’s mind-boggling.

There are brave efforts already underway in an attempt to deal with the aliens, but a massive offensive and gathering of funds will be required if we are to rely on our rivers to continue supplying water to Plett.

My advice – if it ever rains again – is to collect as much water from your roof run-of in tanks, drums, whatever container, because if the rain does not come, we are all in the proverbial s*%t!

I am told that, although it is sure to flood again, the effects of climate change is sure to dish out more of the same droughts, and that it may even get worse. Desalinators are on the cards, which could alleviate our dilemma, but why not start by looking after what we have.

Source: CXPress

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