Water Week: Balancing Human Water Needs and Ecological

During Water Week in South Africa, which is celebrated from 20 to 26 March, the focus is on maintaining a critical balance between human water needs and the ecological health of our rivers. Ecological Water Requirements (EWRs) are essential for responsible water management, as they allocate water for both human consumption and the needs of aquatic ecosystems. 

SRK evaluates water resources for projects, considering the requirements of downstream users and the long-term vitality of river systems. Different river environments have varying EWR classifications, ranging from Class A to Class E. Increasingly, the protection of water resources is viewed as an ethical imperative, with advancements in water management practices helping to mitigate associated risks.