Water-saving interventions implemented at Stellenbosch University will serve as a
blueprint for establishments and businesses with a similar focus.
Water security in Maties
Stellenbosch University is seeking to reduce the campus’s water footprint
significantly through implementing a demand-side management programme
and water-sensitive urban design strategy.
By Kim Kemp*
R
ecognised for its ‘greening’
sustainability initiatives,
Stellenbosch University is
working closely with JG Afrika,
a firm of consulting engineers
and environmental scientists, on
developing a water-sensitive urban
design to identify opportunities for
harnessing and using — or recycling
— much of the water resource
on campus.
Situated in the water-stressed
We s t e r n C a p e , t h e u n i v e r s i t y
obtains its potable water from the
Stellenbosch Local Municipality.
Water-saving interventions
implemented at the facility will
8
therefore not only provide relief to
Stellenbosch, but also serve as a
blueprint for establishments and
businesses with a similar focus.
Chris Wise, a technical director
at JG Afrika and team leader on
the project, says a comprehensive
demand-side management programme
and water-sensitive urban design
strategy were implemented at
the university.
Scope of work
“There is a lot of innovation involved
that relies extensively on academic
research, while borrowing significantly
Water Sewage & Effluent September/October 2017
from what is considered international
best practice in the field of water
management to develop unique
recommendations,” says Wise.
“For example, the project
references robust relevant demand-
side management programmes that
have been successful in conserving
drinking water in Melbourne,
Australia. We also researched and
adopted suitable experience from
Singapore, which views stormwater
as an alternative water source, as
opposed to an inconvenience.” He
outlines how the country adapts
urban areas to capture, treat, and
reuse stormwater for fit for purpose