Tulbagh area farmers - Water Questions

[marlonrc]

Hi guys,

Hoping to get lucky with this shot in the dark, to at least find someone with farming knowledge in the Tulbagh area.
Seen a few 8-prop cruisers around, so I am sure you are out there

I have (yet) undeveloped property in the 10km radius outside of Tulbagh which I am in the process of buying, a farm portion under 5000m2

It has one borehole, and I will soon know it's rates and hopefully water analysis.

My question is more towards the laws and regulations, and to fit in with my community's expectations. Good neighbours....

What are the rules and restrictions for boreholes on smallholdings/small farms in the area with regards to usage, if you have to keep in mind that the property is not commercial. Vegetable gardens, fruit trees and some animals are on it, but for personal use, all of which need water. Once I know the water quality, I would like to
of course use it for personal hygiene (shower and toilet) as well. Water is life, and that's the only source there.

I would love to know if anyone knows, to make an apt decision on continuing the purchase or not.

Appreciate it

[Elders]

Traditionally Tulbagh got its water from the snow in winter. Farmers filled their dams and the rest flowed down to fill the dams that fed the municipal system.

The four year drought has taken its toll !!

2016 the dams only just managed to catch enough water for the farmers, at the very end of the winter ! Hardly any water flowed downstream to feed the municipal dams. At the time we did a project on one of the farms.


By all accounts 2017 was much worse ....


I have to wonder what this means for the ground water in the area.

The next question - how much rain and snow would it take for the situation to return to normal ?

[marlonrc]

Thanks Chris

This sheds some light on the flow and process, which I didn't know about.
I guess the drought wont last forever.

Would be nice to know who to ask about the by-laws, so I know what sort of expenses to except upon purchase of the land (borehole metering, inspections, audits) and what kind of limits would be imposed, if any.

[Prof]

Thanks Chris

This sheds some light on the flow and process, which I didn't know about.
I guess the drought wont last forever.

Would be nice to know who to ask about the by-laws, so I know what sort of expenses to except upon purchase of the land (borehole metering, inspections, audits) and what kind of limits would be imposed, if any.

You may have a borehole for domestic use - Category one. Includes water for veggies, livestock for own use.

The moment you use the water for commercial purposes, selling veggies and livestock, then you fall in a different category and will need a water licence.

As this is agricultural land you will fall under the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency.
Address: 51 Baring Str, Worcester
Tel 023-346 8000

Suggest you browse their website first: http://bgcma.co.za/

[marlonrc]

Oh what a guy, thanks Prof.
That is a great deal of info, will contact them soonest.

Much appreciated.
Didn't even know about the category 1, it's a major relief already

[georgecape]

Contact:
Who we are:
Joseph Barnard – Director: Technical Services
Tel: 023 3168540
Email: [email protected]
Nathan Jacobs – Manager: Water & Sewerage
Tel: 023 3168547
Email: [email protected]
Our key performance areas include:

• Sewerage: Main Pipes and Pump Stations
• Sewerage: Water Pollution Control
• Water : Main Pipes, Reservoirs and Pump Stations
• Water Purification
• Planning and Project Management

Where to find us
Physical address
Technical Services
Water & Sewerage
c/o Lyell and Voortrekker Street, Ceres, 6835
Postal address
P O Box 44, Ceres, 6835

[marlonrc]

This is all most helpful. I hope others can find this information in the future as well.
Contacting left right and centre.

Just been informed that the current land owner "has no idea whether the borehole even works"... so will have to have it tested. Can no deal ever be easy.

[Chuckzoo]

Just been informed that the current land owner "has no idea whether the borehole even works"... so will have to have it tested. Can no deal ever be easy.

I would do a simple test for salinity if it does.

Also, if you are planning to build on it check the distance to the nearest electrical hook up box. To run electricity the cost is calculated in metres from the box.

[marlonrc]

I would do a simple test for salinity if it does.

Also, if you are planning to build on it check the distance to the nearest electrical hook up box. To run electricity the cost is calculated in metres from the box.

Thanks Chuck.
This is good advice too, as I have heard that these costs can top 20k in no time.
I am planning log structures though, with solar power (have a bit of experience in this field), so hoping to avoid eskom and municipal connections.

As you said, salinity, so I considering doing a full analysis, in case filter systems will be needed for human and animal consumption.

This process is quickly becoming quite exhausting.

[Elders]

"log structures" ?

What do you want to build/do ?


Since 1998 building works on farms must be submitted to council for approval, same as any other building works.


You might want to speak to an architect to determine what is acceptable in terms of the National Building Regulations SANS 10400:2011 Edition 3 (much more stringent 2017 Edition 4 was out for comment and may be passed soon...)


Then speak to the Building Control Officer to confirm local By-Laws :

Witzenberg Munisipaliteit AW Daniels 023 316 1854

[marlonrc]

Thanks Chris, one more thing I did not know.
We were planning on having 'proper' Wendy's erected for weekend stays, as I have seen some of them look solid and impressive.
I guess this building thing might be the nail that seals this coffin.

[Elders]

Get your ideas sorted, then have a chat to an architect, then the BCO (building control officer). These are done without proper building plans, just to get to a point where you know if your "ideas" can work.


For "normal use" by the owner many things are possible. So dont throw in the towel just yet.


It gets EXPENSIVE if you want to use these as commercial units for guests ..... going to such a facility later today to comment on the fire layout ...... old building .... new regulations .... $$$ O-well, let's see if we can make it work for the owner .....

[EttiennedK]

This is all most helpful. I hope others can find this information in the future as well.
Contacting left right and centre.

Just been informed that the current land owner "has no idea whether the borehole even works"... so will have to have it tested. Can no deal ever be easy.

Most importantly, have the water checked for e-coli.