Latest news with #wateruse
The Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
SCA dismisses 'meritless' appeal by two environmental organisations
Because the company required the water use licencee to commence mining, it engaged various experts and obtained several specialist reports, including a hydrological, socioeconomic, geohydrology impact and a biodiversity baseline and impact assessment. It also obtained a numerical groundwater model report and conducted a public participation process as part of the application for the licence. These assessments informed the licencee conditions. In July 2016 the director-general (DG) of the department of water & sanitation issued the licence, valid for 15 years, to Atha-Africa. The licencee authorised specified water-use activities in relation to the mining to be conducted. In the same year, the two organisations appealed the DG's decision to issue the licence to the Water Tribunal. They claimed, among others, that the DG failed to consider the effect of the proposed water use on the water resource; that the DG failed to authorise certain water uses associated with the closure of the mine; that the consent of the owner of a farm regarding the use of underground water had not been obtained; and that the DG failed to apply environmental principles in the National Environmental Management Act. In 2019, the tribunal dismissed the appeal, concluding, among others, that the findings and scientific reviews by the appellants' experts were unsubstantiated and were demonstrated in evidence to be shallow. The tribunal found that sound methods were used in the Atha-Africa's wetland and hydrological studies. The SCA said the organisations appealed the tribunal's decision to the Pretoria high court in terms of section 149(1) of the NWA, which permits an appeal only on a question of law. The high court dismissed the organisations' appeal with costs. The SCA granted the appellants special leave to appeal. The SCA found in its judgment that most of the appeal grounds did not raise questions of law. It said these were questions of fact based on the evidence before the tribunal, and could not form the subject of an appeal in terms of the NWA. 'The appeal lodged by the appellants has little or no basis in law.' The court also noted the appellants lodged the appeal regardless of the consequences, including the inconvenience to and exorbitant costs that would be incurred by the department and Atha-Africa. The court said in 2011, Atha-Africa was invited to invest in South Africa. It has made an investment of US$40m in equity and prospecting rights to engage in coal mining. It has spent US$61m solely on specialist studies, to secure the necessary authorisations. 'More than 10 years later no mining has started and (Atha-Africa) has not realised any return on its investment.' TimesLIVE
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Water warning as prolonged dry weather hits supply
Drought experts have issued stronger advice on water use in response to record low river Resources Wales said all of Wales is being upgraded from "normal" to "prolonged dry weather" was the driest since 1944, and warm dry conditions returned in May meaning Wales saw 59% of the expected rain for that time of the equates to one of the driest three month equivalent periods on record. NRW's decision was shared with the Wales Drought Liaison Group on group is chaired by the Welsh government and made up of senior decision-makers from NRW, the Met Office, water companies, Public Health Wales, farming unions and local authority is reporting the majority of river flows are currently low or exceptionally low, with dry riverbeds and algal rivers in north and mid Wales are currently classed as having notably low levels, while the Dee and Yscir are at their driest since records began in the 1970s.Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy are reporting some water levels in reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of said it fully supports water companies' advice to use water wisely."Such a dry start to the year is causing considerable concern for the health of our ecosystems and habitats, as well as for land management and the agricultural sector," said NRW's Sustainable Water and Nature Manager Rhian Thomas."As such, we have taken the decision to move the whole of Wales into prolonged dry weather status."She said it meant the agency would step up monitoring across Wales and that the Wales Drought Liaison Group would meet regularly to review the status."To ensure water can continue to be supplied without damaging the environment, the public and businesses across Wales are being urged to use water wisely and manage this precious resource," she added.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pleas to 'use water wisely' to avoid hosepipe ban
Water companies in south-east England are advising customers to think about their water use after spells of dry weather. The Environment Agency warned in May that, although there was not currently a drought in England, there was a "medium risk of one this summer". Southern Water, SES Water, and Affinity Water told the BBC they do not expect to introduce water use restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, in 2025. But Thames Water warned further dry weather "could be challenging" and South East Water said its supplies were "in a healthy position" but beginning to fall. The UK is on course for its driest spring in over a century and April 2025 was the sunniest on record. Farmers are warning they could see reduced yields at their next harvest due to exceptionally dry weather. Southern Water's managing director for water, Tim McMahon, said "drought conditions would be likely" unless there were "significant periods of rain over the next three months". "We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region," he said, "but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running." South East Water's head of water resources, Nick Price, said recent warm and dry weather saw "demand for water increase to the highest levels we have ever seen for this time of year". According to Thames Water, its groundwater levels remain above average but river flow levels in its catchment area, which account for 70% of the company's supply, are below average. Thames Water figures show its catchment area saw only 42% of the long-term average rainfall in April. Although resources are currently "healthy", the company was "encouraging customers to always use water wisely," its spokesperson said. SES Water said it was "ready for summer" and its resources were "in a very strong position". "The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely," the company added. Affinity Water said: "We're not introducing any water restrictions right now, such as hosepipe bans, and based on current conditions, we don't expect to." The water companies said customers could save water by using watering cans instead of a hose and by taking shorter showers. Parts of the South East saw hosepipe bans in 2022 and in 2023. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Farmer's yield concerns after no 'meaningful rain' UK on track for driest spring on record Hosepipe ban 'unless rain comes' - Yorkshire Water South East Water hosepipe ban: Dos and don'ts Affinity Water South East Water Southern Water SES Water Thames Water
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
South East water firms say 'use water wisely' to avoid hosepipe ban
Water companies in south-east England are advising customers to think about their water use after spells of dry Environment Agency warned in May that, although there was not currently a drought in England, there was a "medium risk of one this summer".Southern Water, SES Water, and Affinity Water told the BBC they do not expect to introduce water use restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, in Thames Water warned further dry weather "could be challenging" and South East Water said its supplies were "in a healthy position" but beginning to fall. The UK is on course for its driest spring in over a century and April 2025 was the sunniest on are warning they could see reduced yields at their next harvest due to exceptionally dry weather. Water demand at 'highest levels' ever Southern Water's managing director for water, Tim McMahon, said "drought conditions would be likely" unless there were "significant periods of rain over the next three months"."We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region," he said, "but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running." South East Water's head of water resources, Nick Price, said recent warm and dry weather saw "demand for water increase to the highest levels we have ever seen for this time of year". According to Thames Water, its groundwater levels remain above average but river flow levels in its catchment area, which account for 70% of the company's supply, are below Water figures show its catchment area saw only 42% of the long-term average rainfall in resources are currently "healthy", the company was "encouraging customers to always use water wisely," its spokesperson said. SES Water said it was "ready for summer" and its resources were "in a very strong position"."The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely," the company added. Affinity Water said: "We're not introducing any water restrictions right now, such as hosepipe bans, and based on current conditions, we don't expect to." The water companies said customers could save water by using watering cans instead of a hose and by taking shorter of the South East saw hosepipe bans in 2022 and in 2023.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pleas to 'use water wisely' to avoid hosepipe ban
Water companies in south-east England are advising customers to think about their water use after spells of dry weather. The Environment Agency warned in May that, although there was not currently a drought in England, there was a "medium risk of one this summer". Southern Water, SES Water, and Affinity Water told the BBC they do not expect to introduce water use restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, in 2025. But Thames Water warned further dry weather "could be challenging" and South East Water said its supplies were "in a healthy position" but beginning to fall. The UK is on course for its driest spring in over a century and April 2025 was the sunniest on record. Farmers are warning they could see reduced yields at their next harvest due to exceptionally dry weather. Southern Water's managing director for water, Tim McMahon, said "drought conditions would be likely" unless there were "significant periods of rain over the next three months". "We have long-term plans for new sources of water to combat the significant challenge of water scarcity in the region," he said, "but right now, we must all work together to keep our taps running." South East Water's head of water resources, Nick Price, said recent warm and dry weather saw "demand for water increase to the highest levels we have ever seen for this time of year". According to Thames Water, its groundwater levels remain above average but river flow levels in its catchment area, which account for 70% of the company's supply, are below average. Thames Water figures show its catchment area saw only 42% of the long-term average rainfall in April. Although resources are currently "healthy", the company was "encouraging customers to always use water wisely," its spokesperson said. SES Water said it was "ready for summer" and its resources were "in a very strong position". "The one thing none of us can control is the weather and we know demand for water rises in warmer months, so everyone should keep using water wisely," the company added. Affinity Water said: "We're not introducing any water restrictions right now, such as hosepipe bans, and based on current conditions, we don't expect to." The water companies said customers could save water by using watering cans instead of a hose and by taking shorter showers. Parts of the South East saw hosepipe bans in 2022 and in 2023. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Farmer's yield concerns after no 'meaningful rain' UK on track for driest spring on record Hosepipe ban 'unless rain comes' - Yorkshire Water South East Water hosepipe ban: Dos and don'ts Affinity Water South East Water Southern Water SES Water Thames Water
