Cycles of Uncertainty: An Exploration of 40 Years of the Atlantis-Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme Through a Geoethical Lens

Abstract

The Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme (AWRMS) in the Municipality of Cape Town (South Africa) is recognized as one of the first large-scale-managed aquifer recharge schemes in the world. It was implemented during 1970s and ran (apparently) successfully for almost 30 years. However, in the early 2000s, it was essentially abandoned and replaced with surface water supply. Most of the infrastructure was allowed to deteriorate and monitoring of the aquifer system was carried on without proper scientific purpose. Due to the recent drought crisis, in which Cape Town almost ran out of water to supply over 3 million people, the need for groundwater as an additional source of supply was once again recognized. As one of several projects to increase the City’s resilience to drought, the AWRMS was targeted for refurbishment and re-design. Although there have been many technical challenges, perhaps the most complex to solve has been coordinating the various disjointed, and often opposed, institutions and entities that affect the functioning of the scheme. The fundamental geoethical principles of scientific practice, communication, and the education of all those who affect and are affected by the scheme are paramount to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system.