Predicting water quality associated with land cover change in the Grootdraai Dam catchment, South Africa

Abstract

The Grootdraai Dam catchment forms part of the Vaal River system, which is deemed to be the ‘workhorse’ of South Africa as it is located within the economic heart of the country. The status of water quality within the catchment is an important characteristic that needs to be investigated extensively due to its importance to the country’s future economic growth. Intricate relationships between land cover and specific water quality parameters were quantified and unique model equations were formulated to predict water quality in the region. Urban and mining developments should be re-evaluated due to the accompanied significant hydrological consequences.