Water quality control

Abstract

Water demand, consumption, qualities and requirements all form part of the complex utilization pattern. Water quality may best be controlled by a judicious application of all these factors. By matching qualities of water available to qualities required for particular uses, and applying the constraint of consumptive use, maximum use can be obtained from the available quantity of water. Nature's hydrological cycle and the man made water cycle can then be exploited in a rational manner. The Vaal River is at present being utilized in this way, but water supply and utilization should be investigated further in order to optimize the supply system as a whole. By the application of a systems approach, the maximum use of a water supply can be attained at minimum cost. This is the essential element of effective water quality control.