Brakpan's Voice : Artificial Rainmaking and the future of South Africa.

Compiled by Lynelle Clark.

Cloud seeding, the practice of injecting certain materials into storm cells to enhance precipitation, has drawn interest from a growing number of water-strapped countries.

Also known as artificial rainmaking.

Key points about cloud seeding:

1. Purpose: Cloud seeding aims to increase the amount of precipitation in a specific area by enhancing cloud processes.

2. Methods: Dry ice or silver iodide aerosols are dispersed into the clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets can condense, leading to the formation of raindrops.

3. Debates and Research: The effectiveness of cloud seeding has been a topic of academic debate. Scientists and statisticians have conducted studies to evaluate its impact on precipitation. Recent research focuses on statistical evidence for the enhancement of precipitation through cloud seeding.

4. Evaluation Challenges: Evaluating cloud seeding involves addressing systematic errors and uncertainties. Researchers consider factors such as statistical tests, target indicators, covariates, and the design of cloud seeding experiments.

5. Global Application: Cloud seeding has been actively carried out worldwide due to the uneven distribution of natural precipitation.

In an article written by Adela Suliman, EMEA Editorial Assistant, she wrote: “To cope with searing global temperatures, protracted droughts and chronic water shortages, countries from the United States to China are turning to "cloud seeding", which aims to boost rainfall in dry areas. Still, the technology can't do much but to tease rain from a cloud-free sky, experts warn."

"In extreme heat or drought conditions, there are no clouds. Nobody can make clouds," said Roelof Bruintjes, a senior scientist who works on weather modification for the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Such artificial rainmaking is akin to giving clouds vitamins, or farmers applying fertilisers to boost their crop yields, he explained.

In "A Review of Cloud Seeding Experiments," Roelof Bruintjies look into the complex world of weather modification through cloud seeding. The comprehensive analysis covers the history, methods, and outcomes of various cloud seeding projects around the globe. Bruintjies examines the scientific principles behind inducing precipitation, including the use of silver iodide and sodium chloride as seeding agents. He addresses the environmental and ethical considerations of such interventions, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by researchers in this field. Through meticulous evaluation of data, Bruintjies presents a nuanced perspective on the effectiveness and potential of cloud seeding as a tool for weather management.

View full report here.

Challenges South Africa face:

Unless there is a significant action by 2030, there will be a projected 17% shortage in water supply, according to Cloud9 Special Mission.

The deficit, as stated by the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Master Plan, may even be under-reported.

The Master Plan's ‘call to action’ begins with a frank admission that the house is in serious trouble. It will take a substantial effort to deal with the multiple fires.

While the country does not currently face a national water crisis, there are significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable water management and availability.

Key points related to water security in South Africa:

1. Water Loss and Revenue Generation:

· Approximately 41% of municipal water does not generate any revenue, and an additional 35% is lost through leakage. These losses contribute to the financial strain on water utilities.

· Efficient water management and infrastructure maintenance are essential to reduce losses and improve revenue collection.

2. Investment Gap:

· The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) estimates that an annual investment of R33 billion over the next decade is necessary to achieve water security and prevent a 17% deficit.

· However, the current budget for DWS stands at R15.5 billion, creating a significant financial shortfall.

3. National Treasury Constraints:

· Unfortunately, the National Treasury has no immediate plans to increase the budget beyond inflation.

· This limitation poses a challenge in meeting the required investment for water security.

4. Sustainable Solutions:

To address this situation, South Africa needs a comprehensive approach that includes:
Infrastructure Upgrades: Repairing and upgrading aging water infrastructure to reduce losses.
Efficient Water Use: Encouraging responsible water use by individuals, industries, and agriculture.
Innovative Funding Models: Exploring public-private partnerships and alternative funding sources.
Climate Resilience: Preparing for climate change impacts on water availability.
Integrated Planning: Coordinated efforts across government departments, municipalities, and stakeholders.

Achieving water security commands, a combined effort from all sectors, adequate funding, and sustainable management practices. It's crucial to prioritize water as a valuable resource for the well-being of all South Africans.

How cloud seeding works.

“The Dynamic seeding concept is to seed super cooled clouds with large enough quantities of ice nuclei to cause glaciation of the cloud. Due to seeding, super cooled liquid water is converted into ice particles, releasing latent heat, increasing buoyancy, and thereby invigorating cloud updrafts. In favourable conditions, this will cause the cloud to grow larger, process more water vapour, and yield more precipitation.” Roelof Bruintjes, senior scientist, U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Cloud seeding employs substances like silver iodide and potassium iodide to expedite cloud formation, accelerating the precipitation process. This innovation is beneficial for farmers who rely on rainwater for irrigation. By inducing rainfall, cloud seeding can alleviate drought conditions, making arid regions more habitable and bolstering agricultural output, which supports the economy.

Therefore, the need for cloud seeding development is vital for the future of South Africa and needs to receive urgent attention from all sectors involved.

Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. Proverbs 24:3-4