Is Namibia's New Water Source at Risk from Unauthorized Drilling?

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SUMMARY

The discovery of a new water source in Namibia presents a significant opportunity for the local population, providing pure water for human consumption and agricultural use. However, concerns arise regarding unauthorized drilling, which poses a risk to the water quality due to the presence of a smaller salty aquifer above the new source. The natural pressure of the water makes extraction easy and inexpensive, increasing the likelihood of pollution from careless drilling practices.

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This discovery is wonderful news for all the population in the region. Finally, a source of pure water for humans and agricultural food production is below them.

What worries me is this: "The natural pressure that the water is under means that it is easy and cheap to extract. But because a smaller salty aquifer sits on top of the new find it raises the possibility that unauthorised drilling could threaten the quality of the water." Any jerk drilling for the pure water risks polluting the entire source.
 

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