Research on the development of shale gas in Beaufort West has led to the discovery of a whole new freshwater source in the Western Cape.
The Council for Geoscience (CGS), a statutory Science Council reporting to the minister of Mineral Resources, was researching the development of shale gas when they made a massively important discovery.
The CGS found a freshwater source that has been deemed as good quality drinking water. Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, has said the discovery of a new and much-needed water resource brings a huge amount of relief to the drought-stricken Western Cape Province.
The Minister requested that the CGS do a study to help the government make better-informed decisions about the development of shale gas resources in the vast Karoo Basin of South Africa.
“A geoscientific team from the CGS has concluded the geological mapping, geophysical survey (both ground and air-borne), hydrogeological monitoring (meaning groundwater monitoring) and environmental screening.
“The water boreholes intended for the baseline studies and future monitoring of the water resource have also been used to pilot the casing methods to ensure maximum protection of the water resource in the Karoo,” the department said.
Once the process is complete in January 2018, the boreholes will be handed over to the Beaufort West municipality and surrounding communities.
“In due course, the borehole will be officially handed to the municipality to ensure that the people of Beaufort West and nearby communities can have access to water,”
We are happy to hear that the government found more freshwater for the drought-stricken province. The water is enough to last the next few years.
What are your thoughts?
by 
Once.it’s usEd up..then what?What about long term.panning?