Using Modelling as a Management Tool for Water Resources: Identifying Problems and Causes and Providing Solutions to Current Eutrophication Problems in Lake Chivero.

Abstract

The PAMOLARE model can be used as an effective tool for managing water resources. Projections show that in the next 25 years Lake Chivero’s water quality will further deteriorate if there are no measures taken immediately to reduce the rapid inflow of nutrients into the lake. Reducing the phosphorous and nitrogen loadings into Lake Chivero from 24.4g/m2/year to 0.5 g/m2/year and 108.9 g/m2/year to 2 g/m2/year respectively will see the recovery of the lake within 5 years of implementing remedial steps. The failure to implement remedial measures is predicted to result in residents of Harare and neighboring towns facing escalating water charges since the costs of water treatment will increase due to the increased water pollution.