If landfills do not have a protective bottom layer, or if it is cracked, contaminants can make their way into the groundwater.
Clarifying groundwater
While countries such as the United States depend on groundwater by as much
as 50% for their drinking water, this source, unfortunately, is susceptible to a
variety of pollutants, normally of human origin.
By Kim Kemp*
26
W
hile South Africa has rivers
and dams aplenty, our water
infrastructure is buckling under
decades of non-maintenance, ageing
structures, and an influx of people into the
cities and thus an increase in demand on the
water supply. We need to source alternative
supplies, including using our groundwater
reserves, but also bearing in mind that not all
groundwater is safe for human consumption.
Groundwater
pollutants
include
contaminants such as petrol, oil, and
chemicals that cause it to become unsafe
and unfit for human consumption. Also,
materials such as pesticides and fertilisers
can move through the soil and, in time, end
up in the groundwater supply. Poisonous
substances from mining sites and used
motor oil may also seep into groundwater, as
well as untreated waste from septic tanks,
toxic chemicals from underground storage
tanks, and leaky landfills.
Water Sewage & Effluent July/August 2017
Unattended containers with hazardous materials can jeopardise the
groundwater supply if the material leaches into the ground.