Water&Sanitation Africa by 3S Media

Promoting professional excellence in the water sector

Water& Sanitation The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa

Complete water resource and wastewater management

WATER WEEK SPOTLIGHT

Africa

PUMPS, PIPES & VALVES One of Durban’s biggest pump stations relocated

Sustainable development energises industry

ABECO TANKS

New offices, new technology

IN THE HOT SEAT

Blendtech, a Level 2 BBBEE contributor has, since 2001, serviced its markets by partnering with clients to optimise costs, supply credible service support and ensure ongoing results, explains managing director Bernette Sekati P18 March/April 2015 • ISSN 1990-8857 • Cover price R50.00 • Vol 10 No. 2

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r e t a W e v Sa A water saving initiative brought to you by

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Water saving tips @ home

In the garden

• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efﬁcient.

• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimise evaporation.

• When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.

• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.

• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colours.

• Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

• Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.

• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

• Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbours. • Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills. • Have your plumber re-route your grey water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. • Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 600 litres per month. • Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models. • Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 3000 litres a month. • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 1000 litres a month. • If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.

• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining. • Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region. • Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates. • Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimise weed growth that competes for water. • Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertiliser to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape. • Avoid water toys that require a constant ﬂow of water. • Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak. • If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones. • Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it’s time to water.

• Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 1200 litres a month or more.

• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

• When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.

• Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

• Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 3900 litres a month. • Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save litres every time. • For cold drinks keep a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain. • Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap. • Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants. • Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or reﬁll a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 4000 litres every time. • Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground. • Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. • Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface. • When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping. • Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

Fast fixes for households • Fix any leaks: A dripping tap losing one drop a second will waste 15 litres of water a day. • Save water when washing: take a shower rather than a bath, don’t leave the tap on when brushing your teeth and use the plug in the washbasin when shaving. • Save water in the kitchen: Use a bowl instead of leaving the tap on when washing up, boil only the amount of water you need in the kettle, and keep cool water in the fridge rather than running the tap to get a cold drink. And don’t use dishwashers or washing machines half full. • Save water in the garden: Collect rainwater from the roof in a water butt, and give your plants a soaking once a week rather than watering daily. Water your plants in the early mornings or evenings, reducing the amount lost through evaporation.

Fast fixes for businesses • Take regular metre readings: The majority of businesses are metered. By taking regular meter readings, you can monitor your water consumption. Meter readings can reveal if the amount of water used is too high. • Trace and repair leaks: Any leaks occurring in the pipes on a property will waste water and money. Leaks may be difficult to trace, but you can check if there is a leak on your premises by taking meter readings at night or at weekends when water is not normally used. Some water companies will also help business customers to check for leaks. • Water efficient taps: Dripping taps can waste a large amount of water over time. You could consider installing self-closing press taps that cut off the supply after a short period. • Water efficient toilets: Some workplace toilets are programmed to flush allthe time, even when there is no-one in the building. Reduce waste by changing the settings, or by installing a sensor-controlled flushing system. • Appoint a water monitor: Assign a member of staff to walk regularly around the site, checking • Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work for any obvious waste or excessive water use.

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Water Purification Plant & Equipment INTRODUCTION SWANSA (PTY) LTD trading as SWAN’S WATER TREATMENT is a privately owned South African company specializing in the design and manufacture of the full spectrum of water purification equipment. Cost effective innovations are incorporated in our process and equipment designs with the plant being customised for each installation. Our extensive in-house expertise, ensures that out advanced technology is applied to the clients best advantage. PRODUCT RANGE • Water filters • Moore Airlift Rapid Gravity filters • Steel pressure filters • Steel rapid gravity filters Liquid/Solid Separation • Sludge Blanket Vertical Upflow Clarifiers • Diminishing Intensity Floc Conditioners • Incline Sheet Clarifiers • Upgrading of Horizontal Flow Clarifiers Chemical Dosing • Helical screw feeders • Rotary disc dry feeders • Water operated dry feeders • Gravity solution feeders • Metering pumps • Gas Chlorinators Effluent Treatment • Biofilter rotary distributors • Aerators • Clarifiers Miscellaneous • Package plants • Ammoniators • Sulphonators • Pilot operated diaphragm valves • Laboratory floc testers • Automatic pH control • Comparators • Domestic and industrial cartridge filters

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

WETLANDS

REGULARS Editor’s comment

COVER STORY Storage beyond boundaries

WISA CEO’s comment

Volume 10. No.2

Tank specialist Abeco has operated in South Africa for 32 years, and industry members can expect a few exciting changes for this dynamic company in the year ahead. P6

President’s comment

Young Water Professionals gear up for 2015

REGIONAL PROJECT Integrated climate response reaps rewards

HOT SEAT Water and process partner builds capacity

WATER WEEK Water Show Africa in the spotlight

54 PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

GREYWATER Overcoming greywater’s grey areas

WATER BOARDS Fresh broom for Eastern Cape’s bulk supplier

WETLANDS Why wetlands matter

RAINWATER HARVESTING Spreading rainwater awareness in Africa

PUMPS, PIPES & VALVES Standards inflexible for plastic pipe field test?

59 WAR ON LEAKS

PANEL DISCUSSION Industrial effluent and mine water

Quality Filtration Systems

Bigen

Water Research Commission

Degrémont

SRK Consulting SA

Nalco

Rare Group

COMPANY NEWS Next generation takes wing

101

98 EVENT MARCH/APRIL 2015

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Frances Ringwood Head of design Hayley Mendelow Designer Frédérick Danton Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Sub-editor Morgan Carter Contributors Nicholas McDiarmid, Dr Roman Tandlich, Jo Burgess, Lester Goldman, Young Water Professionals, Chris Hartnady, Richard Wonnacott Digital & marketing manager Esther Le Roux Marketing specialist Philip Rosenberg Client services & production manager

HIS ISSUE of Water&Sanitation Africa has been one of the most exciting, informative, inclusive and dynamic publications I have had the privilege of working on. The predominant reason for this has been the serendipitous timing of National

Water Week on 16 to 22 March this year with a time in both local and world history

reflecting a renewed, energised focus on scarce resources such as water. Nationally, electrical supply disruptions have served to remind us how easy it is to take

Antois-Leigh Botma

municipal services for granted. Not only that, but recent changes to environmental impact

Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise

assessment regulations have sharpened the engineering and consulting sectors’ focus on

Distribution manager Nomsa Masina

managing water, land,

Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham

flora and fauna in a for-

Financial manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Printers United Litho Johannesburg t +27 (0)11 402 0571 Advertising sales Avé Delport t +27 (0)11 467 6224 • Cell: +27 (0)83 302 1342 f 086 502 1216 • avedel@lantic.net Publisher MEDIA Physical address: No 9, 3rd Avenue Rivonia 2191

Postal address: PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa t +27 (0)11 233 2600 • f +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 frances@3smedia.co.za Annual subscription: R300 (SA rate) subs@3smedia.co.za Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

All articles in Water&Sanitation Africa are copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publishers. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Water Institute of Southern Africa or the publishers.

WISA CONTACTS: HEAD OFFICE Tel: +27 (0)11 805 3537 Fax: +27 (0)11 315 1258 Physical address: 1st Floor, Building 5, Constantia Park, 546 16th Road, Randjiespark Ext 7, Midrand

Eastern Cape Chairman: Hennie Greeff t +27 (0)41 453 3102 Secretary/Treasurer: Chris Dickson t +27 (0)41 507 8200

www.ewisa.co.za

Free State Chairperson: D.R. Tlhomelang t +27 (0)51 403 0800 Secretary/Treasurer: Riana Wessels t +27 (0)56-515-0375 KwaZulu-Natal Chairman: Chris Fennemore t +27 (0)31 311 8734 Secretary/Treasurer: Stephanie Walsh t +27 (0)31 302-4077 Western Cape Chairman: Gareth McConkey t +27 (0)21 712 4260 Secretary/Treasurer: Eleonore Bondesio t+27 (0)21 872 0322 WISA mission statement The Water Institute of Southern Africa provides a forum for exchange of information and views to improve water resource management in Southern Africa.

Endorsed by

Internationally, just about every newspaper from The Guardian in the United Kingdom to the Sydney Morning

Herald in Australia, and even Time magazine, are running regular features on environmental conservation at an almost daily rate. People all over the world are concerned about pollution, whether enough is being done at policy level to protect the environment, and even what the Pope has to say about environmentalism as a spiritual virtue!

A great industry

ISSN: 1990 - 8857

BRANCHES

The edge of tomorrow’s water supply

ward-thinking manner.

The most remarkable thing about how the water sector has pulled together prior to Water Week is the way stakeholders have created a sense of purpose and community on the back of the event. Take, for example, the new CEO of Amatola Water, Lefadi Makibinyane. He left his lucrative private sector work to contribute towards bettering the lives of South Africans living in the Eastern Cape. It’s no secret how difficult it’s been for this province to manage its water services effectively in recent years, but now one of the industry’s brightest stars is showing his grit and determination to make things better. Read more about Makibinyane’s extraordinary journey on page 36. Then there is this month’s panel discussion on treating industrial effluent and mine water. The contributors who came forward for the discussion are some of the most impressive names in the industry. And the thoughtfulness with which panellists answered the questions posed to them reveals just what gave each of them their sterling reputations in the first place. The panels start on page 72. Without wanting to play favourites, because every article in this edition is strong, I’d like to recommend Dr Roman Tandlich’s discussion on the impediments to grey water reuse in South Africa on page 31. The article provides a fresh approach to an oft-neglected subject. There are so many more fantastic reads ahead, and I hope the reader finds in these pages, as I did, an immense sense of hope and confidence in the future of the Southern Africa’s water sector.

Frances Ringwood

COVER OPPORTUNITY In each issue, Water&Sanitation Africa offers companies the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the magazine. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story and maximum exposure. For more information on cover bookings contact Avé Delport on +27 (0)83 302 1342 or email avedel@lantic.net. MARCH/APRIL 2015

COVER STORY

Storage

beyond boundaries Duane Ramos, technical operations director at Abeco Tanks, ponders the year ahead in water storage and what’s new on the horizon for this homegrown South African business.

ANK SPECIALIST ABECO has operated in South Africa for 32 years, and industry members can expect a few exciting changes for this dynamic company in the year ahead. In order to under-

stand how far the brand has come and where it’s going, it bears remembering the business’s notable history. “Abeco was started by then founder, now CEO, Mannie Ramos, who identified a need for water supply to communities with limited resources. After his initial purchase of equipment, the company just kept on growing from strength to strength” explains Ramos. Today, Abeco boasts an impressive 20 000 tank footprint. “We deliver tanks across Africa and have provided our services in most countries on the continent. Outside of Africa, we’ve serviced islands in the Indian Ocean extensively, including Madagascar, Seychelles and Mauritius. Moving up the map towards the Caribbean, we’ve gone as far as Belize in Central America,” says Ramos.

Market response It’s no secret that the need for water storage on the African continent has increased exponentially over the last decade. Ramos characterises these changes and how they are affecting the market: “Our different tanks can hold a wide range of capacities, starting at 1 800 ℓ and going up to as much as 5 milliion ℓ. In the past, between 1 800 ℓ and 100 000 ℓ of stored water was usually sufficient for the average commercial, industrial or mining application. Today, the boundaries are stretching so that 5 million ℓ is no longer considered a big tank. It’s not unusual for people to want to go as high as 10 million ℓ to 20 million ℓ. What we’re finding is that clients no longer just want

MAIN IMAGE An elevated square tank LEFT Ground and elevated tanks combined

MARCH/APRIL 2015

COVER STORY bigger capacities; they are enquir-

ing about products for holding

needs,” says Ramos.

accommodate

their

more diverse substances, such

Construction on the new

as wastewater and solid waste,”

building started in June 2014

says Ramos.

A tank connection with a concrete base

and is anticipated to be complete by May this year.

Demand-side management Some of the reasons attributed

Stock holding

to increased investment in

The new offices are purely for

storage tanks include new

administration and personnel.

mines being established to

For increased stock-holding ca-

service growing African en-

pacity, Abeco’s manufacturing

ergy and mineral needs, and

plant based in Selby has already

the increased prevalence of

been expanded. “The expansion

water cuts, particularly in de-

enabled us to move our structur-

veloping areas in Gauteng,

al workshop down to the bottom

such

of the property. This will also give

Eastgate.

Sandton Another

and trend

us space so that we can purchase

worth watching is the in-

new machinery in order to reduce

creasing number of private

our delivery times as well as open

homeowners investing in

up space for any new solutions that

their own supply security

arise out of our R&D investment,”

through rainwater har-

explains Ramos.

vesting and grey water recycling. “If one looks at the areas where new

Tank Connection

he adds.

buildings are being constructed, it’s

Abeco’s eye-catching new head

A new product range has been

evident that developers are generally

office used to be a house, but is

introduced through Abeco’s agree-

aware of legislation requiring all new

being redone from the ground up

ment with Tank Connection to be

structures to have storage tanks on

to function as a reflection of the

its agent in Africa. “The new product

the property,” says Ramos. Increased

business and its proud history. “We

streamlines installation of our circular

storage capabilities on all properties

wanted the building to stand out,

tanks. It adds a number of benefits to

is part of the Department of Water

remembering that it is our first head

the range, including storage range

and Sanitation’s conservation drive,

office. In the past, we tended to rent

expansion. These tanks now not only

which contributes considerably to

office space but now we finally have

have capacity to store water, they can

better water management and secu-

a place of our own. One of Abeco’s

also store wastewater and dry bulk.”

rity for South Africa.

own tanks is being installed on the

says Ramos.

roof to make a visual statement. Our

Abeco’s

current

round

tanks

Change ahoy!

product has also been incorporated

include a liner for the base. One

This year is going to be an exciting

into the building from a design point

advantage of moving away from that

one for Abeco Tanks, with the com-

of view; if one looks at the architect’s

system is that company workmen

pany building a new head office in

plans, the reception is rounded,

don’t have to return to site should

the East Rand, expanding its product

echoing our round water tanks, while

there be a leak resulting from a tear

offerings, and contributing to new

the rest of the building is square to

in the liner. “We find that, with a lot

R&D in a thoroughgoing way. In spite

reflect our square tanks. The facade

of installations, plumbers might drop

of big changes, Ramos maintains

shows off our signature square panel

a tool in the tank when doing their

that the company’s existing drive for

design and so the whole building

portion of the work, which would

quality will remain the same. “We’ve

reflects what the brand is about,”

then jeopardise the liner. The beauty

kept up our standards in terms of

says Ramos.

about the new Tank Connection

SANS specifications, having been

As to why Abeco needs a new

range is that a liner will no longer be

appointed with the SABS mark of

building now, construction coin-

required, so the tank gets assembled

quality. In addition, we are ISO 9001

cides with the requirements of an

on a concrete base, and is then

accredited,” says Ramos.

expanding market. “Our employee

sealed,” explains Ramos.

“We’re also introducing a broader

base had expanded to the extent that

product range so that we can start

we’ve identified the need for bigger

servicing clients who have a need

premises. Added to this, we employ

other than water storage. In addition,

all divisions of a company in-house,

we’ll be investing into R&D to enable

including draftsmen and engineers,

us to improve wherever we can,”

which meant we needed a structure

www.abecotanks.co.za

In each issue, Water&Sanitation Africa offers advertisers the opportunity to promote their company’s products and services to an appropriate audience by booking the prime position of the front cover, which includes a feature article. The magazine offers advertisers an ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure of their brand. Please call Avé Delport on +27 (0)11 467 6224/ +27 (0)83 302 1342 to secure your booking.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

SALD

SA Leak Detection Distributors

South African team uses Sewerin equipment to trace leaks in Saudi Arabia Location: Saudi Arabia Lionel Christie traced a leak in a 300 meter Glass Fibre pipe line. The pipe lay beneath concrete that in some places was as thick as 400mm and the line up to 3.5 meters below ground. Lionel Christie was able to detect a very small leak in the pipe line using a Sewerin Aquatest T10.

How it works When pressured pipelines leak, water gushes out of the crack into the ground. The pipe material vibrates at the leakage point. These vibrations are transmitted by the pipe and can even be noticed at distant contact points, e.g. Fittings. This is known as structure-borne sound and is made audible by the Aquatest T10. The Aquatest T10 displays an accurate visual comparison of the noise intensities. The visual display is particularly helpful for novices or those Need Leak Detection Equipment? who do not use the system often. Contact us: Pipe Inspection Cameras

Ground Penetrating Radar

enquiries@saleak.co.za

Acoustic Listening Devices

Gas Detectors

087 160 0330

Correlators

www.sewerin.co.za

CEO’S LE T TER

Building a strong member base WISA CEO Lester Goldman outlines the institute’s plans for the years ahead to increase membership and engage more frequently with existing members.

EAR WISA MEMBERS and

We have three new positions within

growth of WISA will not only ensure

Water&Sanitation

the organisation, which gears us to

economies of scale, but also means

readers, I trust that you

provide prompt and pleasing inter-

that we will have a stronger voice in

had a refreshing end-of-

action with you. Adrie Krugel joins

the sector.

year break, and that you look forward

us as our operations manager, Jabu

We will be using more social media

to the challenges that the new year

Ndzumo joins us as our new finance

this year, so please do search for us

brings. I look forward to hearing from

manager, and Melissa Wheal is now

on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

you, and supporting you in any way

our branches and divisions manager.

In addition, our websites, www.wisa.

other

that I can. In his blog post, ‘Building a

We want to concentrate on grow-

org.za and www.ewisa.co.za, will

Strong Non-profit Part 7: Engagement

ing our branches and divisions, as

be updated; please do not hesitate

Pyramid and Cycle’, business mentor

they are the contact point where the

to let us hear your thoughts. Please

Michael J Brennan offers a simple

most valued interactions take place.

send them to Adrie at operations@

equation for looking at engagement

We encourage you to participate in

wisa.org.za. In addition, we want to

with members; that is: Engagement =

local branch and divisions activities.

streamline our newsletter offering

Relationship + Action.

This may require you to contact us to

to ensure that you receive as much

ensure that we have you listed under

information as possible, within a

the correct branch or division.

consolidated document. Our website

Engagement You will notice that WISA will com-

Lester Goldman comes from a finance background and was appointed WISA’s new CEO early in 2014

will soon have an events calendar,

municate with you more this year

Relationships and action

which will allow us to keep members

than ever before. We look forward to

We also request that you assist us in

updated with water sector events.

your responses, and encourage you

identifying potential new members.

Please do send us info, as well, to add

to communicate with us on what your

Please do refer them to our office, or

to the calendar.

needs are.

Conclusion In closing, I want to appeal to you to become involved in the WISA structures. Branches and divisions are an amazing means of engaging at a local level, and you will receive far more than you are able to give. The fact that the water sector has so many friendly and caring people also ensures that you will make friends, and find innovative solutions to some of the sector challenges we face being discussed. Contact Melissa at our office at Melissa@wisa.org.za or 086 111 WISA (9472), and she will get a branch or division to contact you. Wishing you a wonderfully productive year. MARCH/APRIL 2015

PRESIDENT ’S COMMENT

National Water Week and World Water Day 2015 This year, National Water Week falls on 16 to 22 March, and World Water Day will be on 22 March. ABOVE Jo Burgess, president of WISA BELOW Each year, World Water Day stakeholders vie to create ways to raise awareness. This is Unicef’s 2012 poster focusing on rural water development

ATIONAL WATER Week

learnerships,

this year. The science project com-

is an awareness week

learners from grade eight and nine.

petition is aimed at educating and

campaign to reiterate the

The research paper presentation is

creating awareness of water conser-

value of water, the need

targeted at schools and Young Water

vation and demand management.

for sustainable management of this

Professionals, who will be given an

Competitors from grade 10 and 11,

scarce resource, and the role water

opportunity to present research pa-

in teams of five, will make a model

plays in eradicating poverty and

pers about water and development.

to treat five litres of raw water to

and

internships

under-development in South Africa.

One or two learners per school

a drinkable standard. Entrants will

The celebration of the 2015 National

from grade 9 to 11 can enter the

learn about the processes and costs

Water Week will be under the theme

competition, and the proposed top-

involved in providing potable drink-

‘Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity’.

ics include how best to fight illegal

ing water to households. The models

connections, ways to bring water to

will be exhibited and tested in public

rural communities, prevention of eu-

during the National Water Week

Catchment

trophication, pollution prevention,

school competition to be hosted in

Management Agency is planning

and keeping rivers clean. Aspiring

March 2015.

three

participants are invited to submit an

2015 events The

Inkomati-Usuthu events,

presentation,

a a

research science

paper project

abstract describing their research.

The

rules

the

competition

and information on how schools

competition, and a two-day career

A circular from the Department

can register for it can be obtained

expo at which employers will exhibit

of Education will be forwarded to

from Sylvia Machimana, manager:

their career opportunities in the

schools. The competition is already

Marketing

water sector, including bursaries,

open and will be closed on 5 March

IUCMA, via email: sylviam@inko-

and

Communications,

maticma.co.za, or on the website: www.inkomaticma.co.za.

WRC plans To celebrate Water Week 2015, the Water Research Commission is planning six events: • constitutional dialogue • WRC 101 for students • municipal roadshow • launch of the Water Resources 2012 website • launch of the WRC Blue Pages • launch of a Bloemfontein hydro facility. The Water Resources 2012 study (WR2012) is the sixth comprehensive national water resource assessment to be undertaken in South Africa since the first was completed in 1952. It promises to be the most accurate national water resource

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PRESIDENT ’S COMMENT assessment of South Africa,

and

assists

decision-makers at all levels of government to

make

The celebration of the 2015 National Water Week will be under the theme ‘Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity’

informed

(approx. 300 words) about

what

their

Water Week activity was and who benefited from it, and the

choices about policies concerning

2015 includes discounted fees for

winning story and photo will be pub-

South Africa’s water resources. For

new individual members, and a

lished in the magazine. The winner

more WR2012 information, contact

members’ competition.

will win a surprise prize! So watch

Wandile Nomquphu, research man-

First, a discounted membership of

ager: Water Resources Management,

33% off will be available for all new

at wandilen@wrc.org.za.

individual membership applications

the WISA website and newsletter for more information closer to the time.

For information about the WRC

received during Water Week – this

World Water Day

events, contact Adriaan Taljaard,

will only apply to individual mem-

Each

marketing

bers, and more information can be

numerous resources to inspire cele-

and

communications

manager, at AdriaanT@wrc.org.za.

year,

UN-Water

releases

obtained on the website www.wisa.

brations for World Water Day on 22

eWISA will be launching an edu-

org.za, or from Adrie Krugel at Adrie@

March. The World Water Day website

cational package in Western Cape

wisa.org.za. A News Splash about the

(www.unwater.org/worldwaterday)

schools to teach learners about the

discount, and how to get it, will be

provides posters, leaflets, guidelines

water cycle, and how to be water

released just before Water Week.

and more, all of which can be down-

wise. If you’d like to get involved or

Second, WISA is holding a compe-

loaded from http://www.unwater.

find out more about this initiative,

tition for all WISA members for the

org/worldwaterday/materials/all/en.

visit the eWISA website at www.

best Water Week activity. Watch out

ewisa.co.za, or contact Wilma Grebe

for the News Splash during Water

tional

at ewisa@wamsys.co.za.

Week for the details of how to sub-

science

Last but not least, WISA’s cele-

mit entries. Members can submit

what’s happening in Africa, visit

bration of National Water Week

one photo and a short written article

www.unwater.org/Africa.

The day is marked by interna-

MARCH/APRIL 2015

celebrations events.

and

find

citizen out

Y WP

Gearing up for 2015 Announcing this year’s fabulous and fun South African Young Water Professionals (YWP-ZA) Workplan. BY SHANNA NIENABER, ASHTON MAHERRY, STUART WOOLLEY, SUVRITHA RAMPHAL, NELSON ODUME & BERTHA SELOANE*

HE COMPLEX challenges and the

opportunities South

sector

African

demand

facing water highly

skilled and energised community of professionals who can not only come up with technological and scientific solutions, but also implement them in a relevant and appropriate manner. In order to maintain a strong pipeline of these skilled people, capacity building and sustainable knowledge transfer are vital. The YWP-ZA is passionate about these issues and, through a series of academic, technical, outreach and skills development activities, we aim to expose our members to the issues, innovations, topics, and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the water sector while building networks that will nurture their professional passion for the sector. This is an exciting year for us, and

implementation contexts in order to

Gauteng. Readers staying nearby

this article is dedicated to giving

facilitate awareness of how to apply

wanting to participate in events

readers a taste of what to keep an

knowledge and solutions in situations

locally should be sure to pay a visit

eye out for in the coming months.

where they can make a difference.

to the Water Career Fair at Tshwane

For more information, pop on to our

There are presentation opportunities

University

website, and sign up for our news-

for both those working in academic

look out for a guided tour of the

flashes. Personal contact details for all

and occupational contexts.

eMalahleni water reclamation plant,

committee members are also available there. http://www.ywp.za.org

National flagship events YWP Africa-wide conference From 15 to 17 November 2015, the YWP-ZA committee, in partnership with YWP chapters all over Africa, will be holding the combined fourth YWP-ZA biennial conference and first ever Africa-wide YWP conference. This event will take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The conference theme is ‘Stop talking, start doing!’ – given that conference team aims to bring academic researchers together with professionals working in

Technology.

Also

A snapshot of one of the recent infamous brewery tours in the Western Cape

join in the ERWAT technical tour of

YWP entrepreneurship programme Self-starters

interested

Hartebeestfontein water care works and laboratory services, pop into in

being

the Hudson & Knight factory for a

self-employed in the water and

wastewater treatment plant and lab-

biodiversity space should take note.

oratory tour, and speak to Gauteng

Interested parties can apply to partic-

chair Stuart Woolley to hear more

ipate in a business boot camp where

about the Saturday School’s Water

YWP will analyse the business op-

Kids plans.

portunities and market drivers of the sector, refine business plans, explore

Western Cape YWPs

business funding opportunities, talk

The Western Cape chapter is already

to entrepreneurs who have learned

well known for its “professional

these lessons the hard way and more.

speed dating/meet the employer events” and has excellent access

Gauteng YWPs

to local wine farms and breweries,

There is always something fun to

which adds a fun twist to technical

learn in the bustling province of

tours. Be in touch with Ashton

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Y WP

Conference logo for YWPs for Africa-wide gathering

Maherry, Western Cape chair, to

treatment processes and the catch-

events with education institutions.

learn more about the Berg River

ment processes that provide us with

Get in touch with Bertha Seloane,

technical tour, the Integrated Water

water. Water as nexus of all fields of

Mpumalanga chair, to learn more.

Resources

work-

study will be demonstrated through

shop in September this year, the

a ‘life in the water cycle’ event, where

YWP KZN

Western Cape University roadshow,

a source-to-mouth experiment will

The

a pre-conference skills workshop

be showcased through scientific and

launched in 2009 and has grown

focusing on presentation skills and

engineering processes. This event

in stature. It has been recognised

public speaking, and the schools

will then be followed by a water im-

for its presence in the water sector

outreach mini-SASS (stream assess-

bizo in September to expose YWPs

in KwaZulu-Natal and benefits to

ment scoring system) events.

to the critical challenges and growth

young professionals both studying

pathways in the sector. Additionally,

for a degree and working in the

Eastern Cape YWPs

a financial planning toolbox work-

water sector. This year, KZN has an

After several hours of strategic brain-

shop has been planned for August.

exciting line-up of events on offer

storming in the serenity of Cannon

Notably, working groups are being

for its regional members and new

Rocks,

committee

set up in all four universities in the

members looking to join the YWP-ZA

has drawn up a work plan for the

Eastern Cape to facilitate regular

organisation.

province. The year kicks off with a

YWP meetings, exchange of ideas,

Watch the YWP’s web newsflashes

water sector leadership workshop

experiences and peer-to-peer men-

for National Water Week events

and technical tour scheduled for

torship. Contact Eastern Cape chair

in March; a series of events in

23 March. The workshop will equip

Nelson Odume for more information.

partnership with the Dusi uMngeni

the

Management

YWP-EC

YWPs with soft sectoral leadership

YWP-ZA

KZN

chapter

was

Conservation Trust, Durban Green

skills and the tour is intended to

YWP Mpumalanga

Corridor and eThekwini Metropolitan

expose YWPs to drinking water

YWP Mpumalanga chapter is calling

Municipality; the annual technical

upon youth in the water

tour in July; and a ‘Young and Old

sector within the prov-

Unite’ event in September, which

ince to form part of the

will provide an opportunity for

year’s

calendar

young professionals to engage with

of water and sanitation

more experienced experts. There

activities. New members

will

are welcomed to join this

and schools awareness activities.

voluntary network. During

Suvritha Ramphal, KZN chair, will be

National Water Week in

able to answer questions.

packed

also

ongoing

university

March, the Mpumulanga

YWPs will be involved with

*The authors: Shanna Nienaber,

school awareness events

Department of Science and

where they will be marking

Technology; Ashton Maherry, Council

learner

for Scientific and Industrial Research;

treatment

plant

projects. They will also

Stuart Woolley, Water Research

been involved in an ‘Adopt

Committee; Suvritha Ramphal,

a River’ cleaning campaign

Jeffares and Green; Nelson Odume,

in September, and vari-

Rhodes University and Bertha Seloane,

ous skills and awareness

Mbombela Metropolitan Municipality

MARCH/APRIL 2015

REGIONAL FOCUS

N the

2011, proud

Durban host

was

city

Conference of Parties (COP) 17. These COPs serve as

meetings where the parties of the Kyoto Protocol can adopt decisions and resolutions on the implementation of its provisions. The Kyoto Protocol is a binding international agreement which commits its parties to setting emissions reduction targets. As a host city of these negotiations,

Durban

has

the

opportunity to show leadership in environmental management. This vision is being expressed powerfully through the uMhlangane Catchment Management

Integrated climate response reaps rewards

Project. “As a result of those talks the municipality has taken the stance that climate change is happening and that we need to respond to what is happening. The project is, in essence, a response to the question of how to adapt,” explains Joanne Boulle, a manager at eThekwini’s Department of Environment and Climate Protection. “Changes likely to occur in the Durban rainfall

area

include

fluctuations,

greater higher

temperatures and more flooding,

however rising sea levels are not something we are concerned about at this point. In dealing with what we perceive to be the most immediate effects, we’re focussing on flood attenuation,” adds Boulle.

A team effort Enhancing natural ecosystems is one of the key components to rehabilitating the uMhlangane catchment. The project also presents an ideal opportunity to analyse the dynamics of a multi-stakeholder approach, in order to make implementation of future such projects more streamlined. “The theoretical basis behind

Catchment management with an emphasis on wetlands has been prioritised as an integral part of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s response to climate change. The uMhlangane Catchment Management Project provides a model for other municipalities to follow, writes FRANCES RINGWOOD.

the project pulls a number of departments together to provide a coordinated response,” explains Boulle. The project has already drawn together a cross-sectoral city team to work together on what it means to implement climate

adaptation

planning

at the scale of a catchment. Sectors represented in the team include the Coastal Stormwater and

Catchment Management

Department wetland

(focusing

rehabilitation

and

Aerial view of the uMhlangane catchment

MARCH/APRIL 2015

REGIONAL FOCUS

stormwater management), the Economic

will end in 2016, but the project extends

created for local community members to

Development Unit’s 'Green Corridor Project'

further into the past and future and acquir-

mitigate the problem. In uMhlangane a

(focusing on job creation and social uplift-

ing more funding is another component of

specific fund has been set up for this pur-

ment through initiatives such as rehabilita-

what the team does on an ongoing basis.

pose but, for other areas within Durban’s

tion of open space, effective management

wider climate change response, jobs have

of public open spaces and creation of sport

Four critical areas for attention

been created through the Expanded Public

and recreational opportunities), eThekwini

A whole catchment is a massive area

Works

Water Services Unit (focused on monitor-

with multiple elements that need to be

is important and, for this purpose, a new

Programme.

monitoring

ing water quality

quality testing sta-

and

tion is being built

investigating

energy

efficient

wastewater

downstream from

treat-

the

Riverhorse

ment

works),

PINK

(Phoenix,

Inanda,

Ntuzuma

There is a civils

and

KwaMashu),

component to the

the

wetland,” explains Boulle.

municipality’s

project in as far

Development

as graders have

Division

been

ABM

(focusing social

and

the

brought

in to break up

eco-

the soil at some

issues),

wetlands. In ad-

Framework

dition, the Water

nomic Planning

Division

(focused on planning issues such as densification)

and

the Environmental Planning

and

Climate Protection

Institute of South

A key factor in building the project’s momentum has been the funding we received from Bremen which assisted us in submitting a successful funding proposal to the German Federal Ministry

Department

Africa’s KwaZuluNatal

chapter

head,

Vishnu

Mabeer,

from

eThekwini’s Water and

Sanitation

Department,

(focused on the overall climate change

considered, particularly in uMhlangane’s

in charge of ensuring that the Riverhorse

adaptation objectives, and the coordination

case because it encompasses some der-

testing station, vital for quality monitoring,

of the project).

elict areas and also land with low-income

is constructed and equipped for purpose.

The international and governance rela-

earning inhabitants. Empowering the local

tions department is also involved in help-

community to become environment advo-

Summing up

ing to facilitate an ongoing climate change

cates is a fundamental piece of the puzzle.

The project has already shown signs of

partnership with the Free Hanseatic City

Four critical areas identified for targeted

budding success and the development of

of Bremen in Germany, a climate-change

intervention are:

opportunities. These include implementing

sister city that is currently working with

• water quality

the principles of the Durban Adaptation

Durban in implementing certain compo-

• invasive alien plants

Charter (DAC). One of the most significant

nents of the project.

• job creation

outputs from COP 17 for Durban was the

This partnership with Bremen has also

Finally,

• testing and monitoring. uMhlangane

DAC, which committed its signatories to

facilitated a number of technical exchange

“The

Catchment

a number of actions towards enhanced

visits between the two cities and has

Management Project comprises wetlands

adaptation, including incorporating climate

provided funding for pilot projects within

rehabilitation among other components.

change adaptation into city planning.

the uMhlangane catchment. These inter-

Wetlands act as filters and also contribute

It also aims to address governance and

actions have been critical opportunities

towards flood attenuation and so looking

institutional issues in relation to project

for learning and exchange of ideas within

at the improvement of water quality in

implementation and prioritising the en-

the programme.

the uMhlangane is essential. Invasive

hancement of natural ecosystems as part

“A key factor in building the project’s

alien plant control is also important since

of a climate change response. Building

momentum has been the funding we

Durban, in particular, has a problem

government and non-government partner-

received from Bremen which assisted us in

with this issue but in this catchment the

ships and developing suitable measuring,

submitting a successful funding proposal

presence of these unwelcome species is

reporting

to the German Federal Ministry. That fund-

particularly bad.

assess the progress made is also critical.

and

verification

systems

ing has been a significant help in assuring

This is problematic because of foreign

The project serves as an example of what it

the project’s sustainability,” says Boulle.

species' different abilities to hold water and

means to take ownership of, and manage, a

The funding period started in 2013 and

soil for erosion prevention. Jobs have been

defined ecosystem.

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KELLER

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HOT SEAT BLENDTECH

Water and process partner

builds capacity

Since it was established in 2001, Blendtech, a Level 2 BBBEE contributor, has serviced its markets by partnering with clients to optimise costs, supply credible service support and ensure ongoing results. Blendtech MD Bernette Sekati discusses the company's offerings, relationships and what lies ahead.

HAT MARKETS does Blendtech service?

plants for drinking and

BS Drinking

Part of that approach is to em-

previously disadvantaged

wastewater applications. We

phasise health and safety com-

people to play a key role in

provide dosing, monitoring and

pliance. Our drive is to instil and

the water sector in line with

control equipment. These are

improve a safety culture within

government objectives.

water and sewage, industrial

sourced from our technology

our employees. Externally, this

applications covering cooling

partner, ImproChem, utilising

entails forming partnerships

ber of employee development

and boiler water treatment

GE Technology on some of the

with our customers to create

programmes in place as well

applications, as well as drinking

products and applications. They

a continuous improvement of

as leveraging partnerships

and sewage packaged plants.

provide in-house fabrication on

operating standards in line with

with other organisations to

most of the equipment we offer.

their objectives.

develop and train students.

What is the full range of products and services that Blendtech provides?

What is Blendtech’s corporate philosophy?

What is Blendtech’s vision for the future? To be the

the need for more qualified

We provide coagulants and

Blendtech partners with its

preferred empowered company

at Blendtech provide in-service

flocculants, disinfectants and

customers to ensure safe

supplier of choice and technical

training to students to bridge

biocides, anti-scalants and

process efficiencies within the

excellence in the various

the gap. In addition, we’re also

corrosion inhibitors, reverse

environment while promoting

water sectors. We also want

looking forward to sponsoring

osmosis plants, and packaged

sustainable plant operation.

to develop and capacitate

students wanting to pursue

To this end, we have a num-

One thing we’ve noticed is chemists in South Africa, so we

water and chemical treatment careers in the future.

In the Water Research Commission’s latest ‘gap’ report in South African laboratories, it was found that degreed chemists don’t always meet the skills requirements of industry. How do you ensure new graduates are up to the task? We work closely with our technology partner, utilising their facilities to

General Electric’s modular package plants, known for their enhanced usability, are available in South Africa through the Improchem and Blendtech partnership

MARCH/APRIL 2015

HOT SEAT

innovation technologies. This is achieved through ongoing business reviews held internally and externally. We make sure we understand our customers’ key objectives in order to execute projects optimally. As for product assurances, all of our products are SABS approved and our flocculants are NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) compliant. We also have other strategic partners for the supply of other related products. This is necessary to provide

ABOVE GE reverse osmosis plant LEFT Blendtech provides a full range of potable and wastewater treatment solutions

technology and support levels

and new employees can play

can meet any market need.

one-stop-shop service.

clients to determine the most appropriate costing models,

plants and the engineering

providing various options. These

capabilities that we have

models can vary widely because

access to through ImproChem

of the vast range of different

have enabled us to provide

industries we service.

both drinking water and

types of services, we work with

In these facilities, students

package when they require a

Since Blendtech has the capacity to be a one-stop total solution provider, what specialised products and services are you capable of supplying? The package

tangible results. For these

create learning opportunities.

customers with a complete

sewage package plants. This

process. Blendtech also

is advantageous for Blendtech

broadens their experience

because it enables the compa-

What is Blendtech’s key differentiator in the South African market? Our key

by encouraging new staff to

ny to punch above its weight

differentiators are the role

these applications, enhancing

interact with clients so they

when it comes to market

Blendtech plays as a BBBEE

Blendtech’s service offering.

have experience with customer

access. The environment we

contributor and the people

interface. This imparts a holistic

participate in is complex and

we have acquired throughout

can be used for industrial ap-

understanding of what the

specialised after all.

the years. We aim to continue

plications, the technology and

to achieve even better

monitoring systems that come

Part of the company’s strategy over the years has been to provide a total water solution. Does that continue to be a guiding principle?

empowerment results moving

standard with the product cre-

forward, in anticipation of the

ate a singularly satisfying user

new codes starting in April this

experience. Along with GE’s

year. Our service levels and

package plants, we also supply

quality products hold us in

reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration,

Our overall strategy has shifted

good stead with our customers.

and a range of other systems

a role in the manufacturing

In essence, the arrangement

business is about.

What is the business relationship between Blendtech and ImproChem, and how do the brands interact? As a distributor of water treatment chemicals,

so that it is now more about

Blendtech has partnered with

customer-specific solutions.

ImproChem, as a credible

However, providing total water

manufacturer of various

partnership has also given us access to General Electric’s world-leading technology for

GE’s package treatment plants

common to the technology. GE, through ImproChem,

solutions remains applicable,

What value-adds and assurances do you offer clients? In terms of our

specialty products, to ensure

especially for our industrial

value-adds, we offer optimised

skills enhancement.

that we supply quality products

division. In the commercial

costs, safety (health and

safely and within compliance

sector, clients will often want

environmental safety, and

norms and standards. Another

Blendtech to start servicing

managing resource quality),

benefit of the partnership is

and operating plants right up

credible service support levels,

that it provides our clients with

to the point where we are able

and ensuring our customers

the added assurance that our

to record and demonstrate

are kept up to speed with our MARCH/APRIL 2015

supports our roll-out of these systems by providing necessary

www.blendtech.co.za

WATER WEEK

Water Show Africa

Conference organiser Pearl Marsh and business development manager Tamsyn Briscoe talk to FRANCES RINGWOOD

leading

marketplace

idea-exchange

and

platform

for water utilities, opera-

is also South Africa’s youngest patent holder. Lester Goldman, CEO of WISA and Professor Hamanth Kasan, GM: Scientific Services Division at Rand Water and vicepresident of the African Water Association.

tors, water boards and authorities, large

Dr Sudhir Murthy, innovations chief from

end users and governments hungry for

the District of Columbia’s Water and

innovative solutions.

Sewer Authority, Washington DC, will be

It is the place where Africa’s water community

meets

discuss

water

our opening keynote. Sigmund Larsen, founder and GM of EnviroNor, will be our

about the first annual

transmission and distribution challenges

Water Show Africa,

make decisions to invest in new solutions.

Silver Mugisha from the National Sewer

It is a platform for thought leaders and

Corporation of Uganda. Dr Obolokile

disruptors to showcase solutions to the

Obakeng, deputy director of the Water

& Electricity World

African water sector’s buyer community.

Ministry of Minerals Energy and Water

In addition, the show presents a lucrative

Affairs in Botswana; Dr Kaliki Kambanda,

Africa, including

opportunity for the continent’s foremost

senior scientist at the Namibia Water

solution providers to meet new customers

Corporation; and Buba Musa Siam, general

and grow their client base in Africa.

manager of Taraba State Water Supply

collocated with Power

what delegates can expect from this highly thoughtprovoking event. 20

What is Water Show Africa? ATER SHOW AFRICA is the

and opportunities, as well as where they

opening keynote on day two. Also gracing the conference is Dr

Agency in Nigeria, will also be speaking at

Can you name some of the confirmed keynote speakers? We have Ludwick Marishane, inventor of DryBath and founder of Headboy Industries – he MARCH/APRIL 2015

the conference.

What do you anticipate will be some of the major topics in the

WATER WEEK

OPPOSITE Water Show Africa, which runs parallel to Power & Electricity World Africa, saw 5 000 attendees last year. This year, the show returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 24 to 25 March

roundtable discussions? The topics will cover: • how to improve water quality • how to combat water leakage • how to plan around water scarcity • how to guarantee rural water supply • how to attract investment.

ow many exhibitors will H there be? Our Water Show Africa

How many visitors do you expect? Last year’s event, also

basis. A number of looming threats

collocated with Power & Electricity

at risk and that is why it is vital

World Africa, had 5 000 attendees.

to influence positive consumer

This year, we’re aiming for 6 000.

behavioural change.

may soon put our drinking water

Last year’s event, also collocated with Power & Electricity World Africa, had 5 000 attendees. This year, we’re aiming for 6 000

What do you think will be some of the most important outcomes of the event? This will be the key connections made between thought leaders and water executives.

event, collocated with Power

What

will

also

come out of this event is knowledge

hundreds of exhibitors, and we

Why is it so crucial that the show be held now? Clean, fresh

aim to increase this with each

drinking water is something that

opportunities and solutions, and

passing year.

many take for granted on a daily

future trends.

& Electricity World Africa, has

about the water sector’s current

MARCH/APRIL 2015

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WATER WEEK HYSON CELLS

It's ‘udderly’ incredible An affordable plan to clean wastewater to potable standards that also produces high-quality fertiliser, creates meaningful employment in agriculture and actually generates electricity instead of consuming it.

NGINEERING FIRM Hyson Cells

crossbred with the more delicate Swiss

improved

Saanen goats. The resultant hybrid vigour

method

produces a hardier, healthier animal capable

workshopping

wastewater

treatment

based on its existing design used for

of producing greater milk yields.

the Wolmaransstad wastewater treatment

“The catch is these goats need good-qual-

plant. The Wolmaransstad plant has been

ity fodder, irrigated with clean water and

operating successfully for the past 15 years

nutrient-rich fertiliser,” explains Hall.

and was built on the basis of a concept

This is where the science of Hyson Cells’

financed through the Department of Trade

original design comes into play, as it uses

and Industry’s SPII Fund. It is now running at

50% over design capacity, yet still discharges

ogy, which simultaneously provides the

clean water to the river.

unique

methane-generation

technol-

No kidding! Using wastewater treatment plants as a means for goat farming is a new concept with a great deal of potential

power needed to run a sewage plant,

utilising generated methane to heat the

Hyson Cells has significantly improved on

while also being cost-effective, energy

input ‘solution’ and maintain the large-vol-

the original idea of wastewater treatment

efficient, low maintenance and producing

ume digestion ponds’ temperature. Some

while maintaining the existing high-per-

potable water, plus high-quality, sterile and

of the activated, semi-digested material

formance design. MD Sally Hall explains

manageable fertiliser.

is also recirculated and injected into the

her company’s concept for a new build

input stream to kick-start the digestion

that would be capable of digesting organic

Methane generation

process. The system is a vast ‘thermophilic’

waste to divert bulk from landfills, as well as

Hall explains how so many advantages are

process, but does not require electricity

promoting better safety at wastewater plants.

achieved in one single design. “Borrowing

for heating and high-speed mixing. Gravity

“Sewage plants are often dangerous places

from international precedents, our plants

feeding is used and the system requires

to work because of volatile gasses being in

are constructed underground and this in-

only one submersible pump to move any

close proximity to electromechanical ma-

sulation increases the ambient temperature

undigested waste back to the first digester.

chinery and other health and safety issues,”

of the plant, aiding faster breakdown into

Water from the top of the system is sent to

she explains. Automation provides one

methane, as well as having a much smaller

settlement dams where it can be treated to

possible solution – but one that is not fre-

overall footprint,” says Hall. “The final solids

a high standard using conventional reverse

quently used in South Africa because of the

output is a valuable, odourless granular fer-

osmosis (RO). It is important to note that

job creation imperative.

tiliser that is easily handled – not the slime

the expensive RO process is only used to

you may be familiar with,” she adds.

‘polish’ the already processed water, and

Better water and sterilised fodder for goats

Hyson Cells offers a design, build and

is not used to treat the raw water. Sludge

operate service, providing a fully automated

from the bottom of the digesters is sent to

“The problem that goes hand in hand with

plant capable of sending a message to the

algae ponds, and electronically monitored

automation is that job creation is denied

plant manager’s cellular telephone or smart

to ensure it has the right chemical balance

in the types of areas where wastewater

device as soon as the motor amps, pH,

and is sterile for safe use as fertiliser.

treatment plants are situated – usually near

water levels or fertiliser chemistry indicate

human settlements where jobs are needed

unusual activity.

This system will not only result in cleaner rivers and better water quality for commu-

most. What I’m proposing is that sterilised

“The system incorporates a muncher,

nities, but will significantly reduce municipal

polished water and fertiliser, produced from

which crushes and mashes broken bot-

energy consumption, due to it being gravity

Hyson Cells’ proprietary system, be used for

tles, cans and other debris in the influent

fed as a result of being underground. With

the cultivation of goats for milk production.

stream. Floating debris and deposited in-

additional equipment installed, such a plant

“People living in townships already have

soluble solids are separated to waste while

could even generate its own biogas, result-

much experience farming African goat

the fluid solution passes into heated

ing in a further economic opportunity.

breeds for meat. ‘Township’ goats may be

methane digesters. Unheated digesters

hardy but they don’t provide very much milk

are much less efficient than heated ones,

– nor meat, for that matter! The Boerbok

and utilise entirely different and incompat-

has excellent carcass qualities and can be

ible bacteria. The secret of our system is in MARCH/APRIL 2015

HYSON CELLS t +27 (0)11 957 2478 • info@hysoncells.co.za

WATER WEEK QUALITY FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Quality service provider Quality Filtration Systems (QFS) has been in the industrial effluent, mine water and wastewater treatment business since 1996. Company founder and MD Herman Smit tells Water&Sanitation about how QFS technologies are continuing to contribute towards sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. company boasts a diverse array of market-leading offerings.

Some examples include: The GEM (gas-energy-mixing) technology

for

wastewater

with high fats, oil and grease (FOG) and chemical oxygen demand

(COD)

content

capable of effecting massive improvements in the removal percentages of FOG and COD compared

conventional

flotation technologies Heavy metal removal from a waste stream has been achieved down to levels of less than 0.1 milligrams per litre using tubular membrane technology. QFS offers excellent reverse osmosis

(RO)

membrane

protection with ultrafiltration membranes that extend the RO membrane life. In addition, QFS offers a manufacturing

design

FS MANUFACTURES a

way to keep up with internation-

nologies. “We differentiate ourselves

complete range of water

through our international partner

treatment equipment for

adds Smit.

technology

developments,”

support and access to their design

potable as well as any, and

QFS signed its first technology

software. This allows us to maintain

all, wastewater streams.MD Herman

transfer agreement in 1998 and man-

an extensive operational database

Smit founded the business on his

ufactured the first membrane plant

of plants installed, which is used in

belief in the need to make world-class

under licence in 1999. Today, it has

our design software, and therefore

treatment standards available to the

24 employees at its offices and man-

we can provide a more accurate first

developing market. “QFS started out

ufacturing facility in Cape Town. QFS

round of sizing,” explains Smit.

in the 1990s when there were very

distributes and installs equipment

“QFS bases its designs on pre-engi-

few international water technology

across the whole of South Africa and

neered skid technology localised for

companies

the rest of the sub-Saharan region.

cost savings and suitability to local

represented

South

Africa. I then signed license agree-

and

service for membrane-based tech-

conditions. Developed by Evoqua

ments for local manufacturing to

Product versatility

Water Technologies, the technology

make it more affordable for the South

Having been established on the basis

has been implemented worldwide

African client,” he explains.

of providing superior technology, QFS

and allows QFS to tap into valuable

“All of these principles are still the

aims to provide water treatment prod-

experience

same today and the most affordable

ucts for the future and, to this end, the

international partners,” he adds.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

and

knowledge

from

WATER WEEK

secures quality results QFS offers manufacturing and design services for membrane-based technology such as reverse osmosis

Quality guarantees QFS supplies speciality equipment and provides the full service, from manufacturing to final commissioning and after-sales support. “The company’s core equipment is manufactured under the ISO 9001 quality certification and QFS make use of a quality control process for the assembly of equipment in South Africa,” explains Smit.

Technical expertise At the heart of any business is its people, and QFS offers technical expertise at the highest level. Smit and his technical director, Rob Holmes, both have extensive experience implementing advanced technologies on a number of projects. Smit focuses his efforts on advanced technologies for water treatment. “I have been involved in the implementation of a

during initial on-site studies and then offer

water treatment. Such an approach is not

related services like flow measurements,

just beneficial to individual clients, but ul-

analytical services and process design.

timately to any entity that establishes itself

“A

holistic

approach

are looking for the best technologies the

“Extensive testing needs

“The company’s core equipment is manufactured under the ISO 9001 quality certification and QFS make use of a quality control process for the assembly of equipment in South Africa.”

global market has to offer, adapted to local

to be done in the facility to

Herman Smit, MD and founder, QFS

conditions,” says Smit.

determine the wastewater

number of advanced technology projects

is necessary to reach a

in South Africa, assisting industry to accept

solution

membrane technologies as an alternative

wastewater stream.

to conventional technologies,” says Smit. Holmes has worked in the water treat-

for

Characterisation water

through

specific of

the

analytical

ment industry for more than 16 years

processes and understand-

and

advanced

ing the origin of the con-

technologies. “His experience gained and

tamination is integral to pro-

exposure in the international water market

viding a suitable treatment

is valuable to clients in South Africa who

solution,” explains Smit.

also

concentrates

origin and individual streams that combine

in a developing country wanting quality

Industrial effluent and mine water

to form the total volume. This characteri-

assurances that meet global standards.

QFS’s potable and wastewater solutions for

sation study will provide results showing

Moreover, treating water is never a once-

the public sector are well known and highly

areas of contamination, flows and water

off. To properly secure sustainable supply,

regarded. On par with these is the com-

quality,” he adds.

water quality needs to be continuously monitored and maintained.

pany’s contribution to wastewater management and water conservation through

Conclusion

working with the private sector.

In order to maintain water quality and

QFS take the drudgery out of this task so

Technologies such as those provided by

As sub-Saharan African countries face

contribute meaningfully towards protect-

that clients can focus on their core business-

increasing pressure to maintain the quality

ing future supply, new and innovative

es while being assured of protecting a scarce

of their water supply due to rapid urbanisa-

technologies, such as those imported by

and precious resource.

tion, growing populations and the increase

QFS, are needed.

of effluents and new contaminants entering

However, technology on its own is not

waterways, there is a greater need to un-

a panacea, and having access to global

derstand and treat new types of wet waste.

support and highly trained technicians is

For this reason, QFS prefers to get involved

key to unlocking the benefits of advanced MARCH/APRIL 2015

www.qualityfilters.co.za

WATER WEEK

One of these is safe enough to drink. Would you know which one?

Does your company have an environmental, analytical or plant operations treatment challenge? Identifying potential problems with water and wastewater is Talbot & Talbot’s area of expertise. Our team of specialists are dedicated to creating and implementing scientifically engineered solutions, that reduce your environmental footprint and conform to legislation. The team is also proactive in maintaining your water or wastewater treatment plant and identifying alternative energy resources that are key to driving down production costs. So if you are looking for solutions, call Talbot & Talbot - it’s a simple choice.

+27 (0) 33 346 1444

•

talbot@talbot.co.za

•

www.talbot.co.za

WATER WEEK TALBOT & TALBOT

Leading water science With over 25 years of experience in water and wastewater analysis and treatment, Talbot & Talbot is well positioned to provide sustainable solutions to water issues being faced today – not only in industry and municipalities, but also in the private sector.

ALBOT

TALBOT,

based

KwaZulu Natal, is distinguished by its four divisions that both independently and together provide

industries and municipalities with environmental solutions, mainly in the water and wastewater fields. The Engineering & Green Energy Division designs water and wastewater treatment solutions, on a turnkey basis, according to clients’ site-specific conditions and requirements, in South Africa and Africa. The Operations Division offers outsourced management and operations of wastewater treatment

plants,

ensuring

performance

sustainability. Through this approach, Talbot & Talbot

Talbot Laboratories play a role in assessing

water for reuse within a particular industry.

the quality of water.

The laboratory analyses water and interprets

“Quality is paramount to the laboratory. Maintaining

our

the customer. Plant Operations assists mu-

streams, and identify beneficiation and

credibility to our clients and the laboratory

nicipalities and industries to comply with the

recovery options that will result in the

proudly

relevant standards. Talbot & Talbot’s services

cost-efficient operation of plants. Talbot

results. This is not the only thing that differ-

Laboratories delivers rapid and reliable ISO/

entiates us,” says Henman. “The laboratory

IEC 17025:2005 accredited chemical and

is customer-service driven, and prides itself

Community involvement

microbiological analyses on a variety of ma-

on personalised service delivery.” Four

To ensure sustainability of water resources,

trices. Accreditation has been maintained for

competent and dedicated teams within the

it will be important to manage and promote

the last 15 years and ensures the analytical

laboratory – Quality, Technical, Sales And

projects such as wastewater reuse, desalina-

methods used and the results produced

Customer Care – deliver an efficient and

tion, conservation and rainwater harvesting.

are according to international standards.

effective service encompassing the whole

Citizens can engage in minimising risks

“Everything we do is associated with water

water analysis laboratory experience, from

caused by pollutants entering our rivers by

and wastewater, so anything water-related is

sales to meaningful results, to its customers.

playing a role in clearing rivers and habi-

of interest to us,” says Liane Henman, labora-

“We want the experience that stakeholders

tats, assisting in education within informal

tory sales manager.

have with us to be meaningful, valuable and

settlements, being conservative with using

helpful,” says Henman.

detergents, not disposing of their waste into

Sustainable development

accreditation

ensures

proves

results in order to provide interpretation to

proactively manage water and wastewater

dependable

analytical

extend throughout Africa.

rivers, and generally being vigilant in water

The importance of water quality for global

Water Week

use. Talbot & Talbot supports National Water

sustainability is crucial due to increasing

While National Water Week focuses on water

Week and encourages all stakeholders to

populations and therefore increasing pollu-

and associated issues, Talbot Laboratories

become involved in order to promote and

tion. Water quality includes chemical, phys-

views every week as ‘Water Week’. According

improve sustainable development.

ical, biological, organic and radiological pa-

to the Department of Water Affairs, this year’s

rameters, and is usually analysed to ascertain

theme for International Water Week is ‘Water

whether it complies with a set of standards.

has no substitute’. Talbot & Talbot contributes

Standards used are usually to assess how

to sustainable development in the water

safe the water is for human consumption,

sector through its divisions as follows: the

for recreational purposes, for ensuring eco-

Engineering Division reduces volumes and

systems remain healthy and for acceptability

concentrations of water containing pollut-

to discharge. Testing laboratories such as

ants for discharge to river by treating the MARCH/APRIL 2015

www.talbot.co.za

WATER WEEK

Bringing water to caught up with Bosch Stemele’s sector head of water, Andy Knox (pictured left), to find out a little more about the company’s major recent project, the Mhlabatshane Bulk Water Supply Scheme. FRANCES RINGWOOD

hat recent water projects has Stemele Bosch completed? AK The most

project revolved around the

clients and communities, our

contracts was delayed due to

large and requires project alignment and careful planning. What were the planning objectives, and how were they achieved?

notable was the Mhlabatshane Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The

various legal challenges, which

The planning objective was to

international best practice with

scope included the construction

delayed the overall completion

find a technically, financially

local requirements.

of a 25 m high composite

of the works by more than

economical, socially and

concrete central spillway and

18 months.

environmentally effective

participate in professional

earth embankment dam, a

procurement process and the lack of suitably skilled contractors. The awarding of

experienced engineering staff, and their support teams, are easily able to integrate

We encourage our staff to

solution to supply over 100

institutions such as the Water

raw water pump station at the

contractors was liquidated

000 citizens in rural KwaZulu-

Institute of Southern Africa

dam, a raw water intermediate/

and a second contract

Natal with a reliable supply of

and the Institute of Municipal

booster pump station and 500

was terminated due to

potable bulk water. This was

Engineers of Southern Africa,

kl reservoir, a 400 mm diameter

poor performance. This

achieved by investigations,

where best practice ideas

steel raw water rising main, a

provided administration and

feasibility studies and

are shared.

new 4 Ml/d water treatment

management challenges, which

assessments of various water

works that can be upgraded to

were solved by placing one of

resource sourcing options,

8 Ml/day, a clear water pump

our most experienced project

development thereof and

station, a 355 mm diameter

managers on the project.

the bulk water infrastructure

uPVC clear water rising main

The issue of poor contracting

necessary to ensure an

and a 2 000 Kl reservoir, which

skills was resolved by using

effective supply. Once the

can be upgraded to a capacity

experienced resident engineers,

optimal solution that ticked

As a multidisciplinary engineering company, what are the advantages and unique capabilities Bosch Stemele bring to the water and wastewater sectors?

of 4 000 Kl and 355/200 mm

who also have experience in

all the social, environmental,

One of the benefits of having

diameter uPVC/steel

the contracting field. By doing

technical and financial

a wide range of engineering

rising main.

this, the resident engineers

boxes was determined, the

disciplines within a company

were able to provide hands-on

project was taken through

is the cross-pollination of ideas

guidance to successfully

the normal detailed design,

and the ability to apply the

complete the project.

procurement, construction and

most appropriate approach

commissioning phases, before

to a problem. It also allows

being handed over to the

for the formation of closely

client, Umgeni Water.

knit project teams in close

What challenges did the project present and what combination of skills and expertise were brought on board to solve them? The major challenges on this

Furthermore, one of the

teams of professional and

The scope of the Mhlabatshane Bulk Water Supply Scheme is extremely

proximity to each other. In

How does Bosch Stemele integrate international best practice and engineering design with local conditions specific to this project? Bosch

most cases, the entire project

Stemele has an internationally

under one roof, which provides

accredited quality management

significant advantages in

system, meeting ISO 9001:2008

effective communication,

requirements, which is

understanding, risk limitation

implemented on all projects

and fast-tracking projects.

that we undertake. Combined

team of project managers, civil, structural, process, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and operational engineers all sit

Our unique offering also

with our 54-year history,

comes by having Bosch

knowledge of local conditions

Munitech within the Bosch

and the requirements of local

Holdings group. Bosch Munitech provides operational

A recent successful Bosch Stemele project in the Eastern Cape

MARCH/APRIL 2015

and maintenance services to municipalities in the water and sanitation sector and, in doing

WATER WEEK

100Â 000 citizens

Milestone water loss management projects include the Umlazi and KwaMashu bulk water supply and reticulation

so, is able to provide significant

and selected towns within the

with the Wesley, Chalumna

upgrade/rehabilitation and

O&M input during the design

coastal Â region.

and Mbashe regional water

water loss control management

schemes and Mhlathuze Water

programme, for the then

withÂ Simdlangentsha.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of

stage of projects.

Our numerous milestone water projects over the last 54

What is Bosch Stemeleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach across Africa, and what important milestone water projects has the company delivered over its 54-year history? Bosch Stemele has worked in 14 different countries across Africa over the last 15 to 20 years, but

years are difficult to summarise

Further milestone projects

Works; Operation Gcinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;amanzi

in such a short article, but must

include the large-diameter

for Johannesburg Water, and

include a number of regional

(1Â 700 mm and 1 800 mm)

eThekwini Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AC mains

water supply schemes we have

steel pipelines for Rand Water

replacement programme. Milestone sanitation projects

We encourage our staff to participate in professional institutions such as the Water Institute of Southern Africa

include major upgrades to eThekwiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wastewater treatment plants at Phoenix, Northern Works, Tongaat and

it is only recently that Bosch

completed for Umgeni Water;

Holdings has opened an office

these include Mhlabatshane,

outside South Africa, with the

North Coast Bulk Water Supply,

development perspective, our

have made major differences to

opening of our East African

Vulamehlo, Adams Bapheli,

most notable dam is the 68 m

the poorer areas of our country

office in Nairobi,Â Kenya. We

Vulindlela and Ndwedwe, to

high double-curvature-arch

include eThekwini Sanitationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

recently received our first water

name a few.

Bivane Dam in northern

rapid roll-out programme

KwaZulu-Natal, completed

providing ablutions for informal

and wastewater appointment

on the S4 and H39Â pipelines.

complete design of the new

From a water resources

There have also been

Umdloti works. Projects that

in East Africa, with the Waste

similar projects for Amatola

for the Impala Water

settlements in the greater

Water Master Plan for Mombasa

Water in the Eastern Cape,

UsersÂ Association.

eThekwiniÂ area.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

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WATER WATER WEEK WEEK

T acquire from

HE MAJORITY of South African c i t i z e n s their

water

remote

dams,

generally constructed out of the way of the concentration of users.

Rainwater’s Water Week connection

As a result, expensive pipelines are built over long distances to distribute that water. Pumping costs and maintenance costs are high, and more strain is placed on national planning and budgeting as a result. Also worth considering is that household water consumption is increasing across Africa as populations grow. Therefore, new ways must be found to reduce, reuse and store water.

Collecting rainwater from our own roofs may eventually be the only way to ensure adequate water supply during droughts.

be forced upon us. We need to think of rainwater harvesting as part of a sustainable water

strategy.

With water prices under

pressure

to sustain infra-

structure, and water interruptions occurring more often, rainwater harvesting systems offer significant benefits

including

convenience,

water security and value.” While rainwater harvesting is an important measure for maintaining supply stability, water conservation and

demand-side

management

should be concerned citizens’ and entities’ first port of call in protect-

Making the connection

ing the country’s scarce reserves.

National Water Week, 16 to 22

March, will culminate in World

end,

users

Water Day on 22 March (citi-

tigate replacing the

zens interested in following

high-quality drinking

the debates of the day can

water used for low-

search on Twitter for the

grade purposes – such

#WorldWaterDay hashtag),

which offers an opportunity

irrigation,

toilet

flushing, household

to reconsider the value of

cleaning and car wash-

water and the need for

ing – by installing rain-

sustainable management

water-harvesting tanks.

of this scarce resource.

It is also the right time to

reassess

rainwater

strates

mindful

to the many competing

Rainwater harvesting simple,

water use, being sensitive

prime solutions. is

adopting

approach that demon-

harvesting as one of the

easy

demands placed on this

and

fragile resource, combined

offers advantages over

with

reticulated water. For

non-potable water usage

supplementing

consumers, it offers

with rainwater, this country

self-sufficiency

can successfully overcome

convenience,

and espe-

its present water challenges.

cially in areas that experience

this

may wish to inves-

Cairns

concludes,

“Water

frequent service disruptions or intermit-

water. “We live in a

tent delivery. For the environment, it

relatively arid country, with an average

offers a reduction in flooding and erosion

annual rainfall of about 464 mm (compared to a

shift our reliance from centralised

caused by covered and sealed surfaces.

world average of about 860 mm). Furthermore,

water supply lines to decentralised

rain tends to be concentrated in certain areas

rainwater harvesting at the point

Water saving

and does not fall consistently throughout the

of use – a more robust, resilient and

Managing director of JoJo Tanks Rod

year. These facts, combined with increasing

planet-friendly approach. Collecting

Cairns believes that a water-secure coun-

pressures on water resources and infrastructure

rainwater

try is the collective responsibility of every

in South Africa and worldwide, indicate that

may eventually be the only way to

South African, and that all citizens should

there may simply not be enough water to meet

ensure adequate water supply dur-

invest in some sort of system to save

our future needs, and the need to save water will

ing droughts.”

MARCH/APRIL 2015

is the lifeblood of the planet. To conserve it, we need to

from

our

own

roofs

GREY WATER

Overcoming grey water’s

grey areas

Chemistry expert Dr Roman Tandlich from Rhodes University identifies greywater recycling challenges in South Africa and proposes possible solutions.

REY WATER RECYCLING has been deemed a potential solution to water scarcity in South Africa.

The concept is not new; it has been around since at least the 1970s and has been implemented in different countries around the world. In South Africa, the latest research and development drive into grey water recycling was initiated in the early 2000s. The

Water

Research

Commission

(WRC) has funded the development of guidelines for use of grey water in irrigation and subsistence farming. A multitude of research articles have been published by South African scientists and academics on grey water, and some relevant initiatives have been implemented. However, major obstacles to the use of grey water in

on the faecal sludge porosity and

grey water before disposal or reuse.

the wider context remain.

its overall composition. Moreover,

However, very little research on the

the majority of VIPs in South Africa

scope of these effects has been

Human settlements

are unlined and so faecal sludge

conducted in South Africa. Therefore,

The first one is the disposal of grey

is in contact with the underlying

at least some major effects of grey

water into improved toilet facilities

soil. Under these conditions, and if

water disposal in VIPs on soils and the

that have not been designed to re-

macropores are present in the faecal

environment in South Africa remain

ceive it. An example is the ventilated

sludge, E. coli and other pathogens

unknown. More research funding is

improved pit latrines (VIPs), which

can percolate down the soil profile,

needed to address these questions

are still considered the minimum

potentially resulting in groundwater

before the widespread reuse of grey

standard for improved sanitation in

contamination.

water becomes possible.

South Africa. VIPs often serve as the

accounts for about 15% of South

preferred option in sanitation service

Africa’s potable water, grey water

Unique South African advantage

delivery in informal settlements and

disposal in VIPs can result in micro-

Data from studies conducted in the

RDP housing developments. Grey

bial contamination of potable water.

Eastern Cape indicates that grey

water is disposed of in VIPs because

This can in turn lead to outbreaks of

water in South Africa may contain

the residents of the settlements in

waterborne diseases. Besides that

much higher levels of phosphates

question often times do not have

risk, international research indicates

and inorganic nitrogen species than

access to grey water or sewage

that grey water movement through

that observed in other countries,

collection infrastructure.

the soil profile causes changes in

where grey water recycling has re-

the soil’s water repellency and water

ceived substantial research and policy

retention characteristics.

attention. Since these chemical com-

The moisture content and chemical composition of the faecal sludge in

groundwater

the VIP pit changes in the presence of

Suggested guidelines for grey water

ponents are in liquid form, grey water

grey water. This in turn can increase

reuse, which have been published

can be used as fertiliser. The fact that

the mobility of faecal sludge com-

and peer reviewed, indicate that oils

funding has gone into the develop-

ponents such as E. coli, depending

and grease must be removed from

ment and proposal of management

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Improper disposal of grey water in pit latrines may result in groundwater contamination

GREY WATER Gardens: The use of grey water for ornamental gardening will result in improved plant health due to higher phosphate and other plant nutrient presence delivery is complicated in informal settlements due to conflicts about land ownership, the rapid and uncontrolled nature of the informal settlement development process, and other factors. Residents’ frustrations over inadequate sanitation facilities and their management often lead to service delivery protests. This in turn reduces buy-in into new sanitation projects by residents and can delay the provision of sanitation infrastructure, which includes grey water disposal infrastrucguidelines for grey water in irrigation serves

It was then further developed and scaled up

as recognition of grey water’s potential as a

by researchers at the University of KwaZulu-

ture. Therefore residents’ buy-in is key. Low-income settlement residents’ buy-in

fertiliser. The value proposition of the wide-

Natal. The latter system has been developed

into grey water recycling and the reduction

spread reuse of grey water in various agricul-

and is being scaled up to household level

of the potential public health threats from

tural activities is further strengthened by the

by the environmental health and biotech-

inferior grey water management could be

simple truth that grey water is produced in

nology research group from the Faculty of

drastically improved if grey water were

all settlements in South Africa.

Pharmacy at Rhodes University and Goadex.

purchased from participating households as

Towns and cities

Better management

Households could be paid per litre of grey

In middle- and high-income settlements,

A common feature of grey water recycling

water or based on the liquid’s plant nutrient

large volumes of water are used for orna-

in low-, middle- and high-income segments

content, such as nitrogen, phosphorus

mental gardening and, in these contexts,

of the population is the need for safe man-

and potassium. Once bought by local gov-

grey water use can reduce potable water

agement and disposal. However, disposal

ernment or commercial entities, the grey

signif-

of grey water in

water in question could be used to improve

icantly. This type of

low-income house-

food security of the inhabitants through

reuse should be en-

holds does not take

its use in the irrigation of subsistence

couraged by all levels

place in gardens or

(agriculture) gardens.

of government. At the

through a formal

same time, awareness

sewage

campaigns must be run

infrastructure, as is

Grey water has been shown to contain high

to educate households

the case for their

concentrations of rare plant nutrients such

on the proper use of

wealthier counter-

as boron, which is required by sugar beet for

grey water. These pro-

parts. Besides using

plant growth. That means that if grey water is

grammes must ensure

VIPs,

settlement

produced in the vicinity of sugar beet plan-

that minimum treat-

dwellers use soak-

tations it could be bought out from the pro-

ment

are

aways and spillage

ducers, i.e. informal settlement residents, and

promoted, as proposed

onto the soil, road

used for irrigating sugar beet fields. Sugar

a valuable agricultural resource – fertiliser.

consumption

standards

Biofuel opportunity

WRC

irrigation

and other surfaces

beet has been earmarked as a potential bio-

guidelines.

Moreover,

in the vicinity of

fuel crop in South Africa and so growth yields

the potential presence

dwellings for grey

could be improved by grey water irrigation.

water

opportunistic

pathogens needs be managed and one way

disposal.

Challenges of this approach include the

Because sanitation

necessity of grey water storage and trans-

infrastructure

port to plantations. The main reason for this

missing, this is an

is the potential for regrowth of indicator

understandable

and potentially pathogenic microorganisms

outcome. Disposal

during storage. However, research at Rhodes

water treatment systems that have been

on ground surfaces in inhabited areas can

University shows that indicator microor-

developed or adapted to local conditions.

lead to ponding and other conditions that

ganisms can be eliminated from grey water

stimulate the spread of disease.

through disinfection with trichloroisocya-

of achieving this is the installation of low-cost, decentralised

Sugar beet may be used as a source of biofuel and benefits from the boron present in South Africa’s grey water

grey

These systems include the mulch tower

collection

with resorption bed (MT-RB) and the fly-

Thus low-income areas and informal settle-

ash-lime filter tower (FLFT). The former

ments, which are commonly built in urban

was originally introduced into the country

areas and in close proximity to economic

would

through a project funded by the Swedish

opportunities, should be provided with de-

direction from the Department of Water

International Development Agency and pi-

centralised grey water management systems

and

loted by Rhodes University and its affiliates.

like the MT-RB and FLFT. Sanitation service

of Agriculture.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

nuric acid. Any implementation of the above ideas require Sanitation,

cooperation and

the

and

policy

Department

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373_14_0091_Ersatzteilservice_AD_210x297_EN.indd 1

08.10.14 13:41

WATER BOARDS SEDIBENG WATER

Since the Department of Water and Sanitation’s strategic realignment of South Africa’s water boards, Sedibeng Water has been promoting public sector service excellence across a much bigger footprint.

Extending operations

STABLISHED IN 1979, Sedibeng Water primarily serviced the Free State Goldfields and parts of the former

Western

Transvaal.

1996, the area of operation was extended to include parts of North West, and the eastern and central Free State. At the end of 2008, Sedibeng Water grew to include the Vaal Gamagara water scheme in the Northern Cape. In 2011, Sedibeng Water expanded its the

operational

area

incorporation

It has been government’s objective to realign the water value chain in order to establish equitable water access and the optimum use of water for social and economic benefits

with

Mokonyane,

promulgated

in the Government Gazette of

October

2014

the

extension of the operational area of Sedibeng Water to include parts of the former

the

Botshelo Water.

Namakwa Water Board.

Service promise

Sedibeng Water recently incorporated

the

former

Sedibeng Water is committed

Pelladrift Water Board and

to making sure that the basic

Botshelo Water Board areas

right to access potable water

into its operations, and oper-

is enjoyed by all, through

ates across three provinces,

continuous provision of water

namely the Free State, North

services in line with the Water

West and Northern Cape. The

Services Act. The organisation

main functions of Sedibeng

also plays a role in contrib-

Water are the supply of

uting towards the social and

bulk and retail water, as well as wastewater

to realign the water value chain in order to

economic growth of the country by provid-

treatment. It also provides bulk raw water

establish equitable water access and the

ing approximately 121.5 million kilolitres of

to some clients, and maintains and operates

optimal use of water for social and eco-

water to municipalities, farms, mines and

boreholes for poor rural communities. In

nomic benefits. In order to achieve this, the

other industries. The official handover of

addition, the water board constantly mon-

Department of Water and Sanitation has em-

the former Botshelo Water Board areas took

itors the quality of the water it supplies to

barked on a process of institutional reform

place during a glittering ceremony held in

communities and industries through its

and realignment, to improve water resource

Mahikeng on 3 December 2014.

SANAS-accredited laboratory.

management and water services in order to address challenges such as the rising cost of

Policy alignment

water resource infrastructure development,

The former Botshelo Water Board, estab-

varying capacity and sustainability, as well as

lished in 1997, provided water services to

a lack of regulation and compliance.

parts of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and

Against this background, and on the com-

Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipalities

pletion of a due-diligence study conducted

in terms of the Water Services Act, 108 of

by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Minister

1997. It has been government’s objective

of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula MARCH/APRIL 2015

t +27 (0)56 515 0200 • www.sedibengwater.co.za f + 27 (0)56 515 0369 • ceosec@sedibengwater.co.za

FEATURE WATER BOARDS AMATOLA WATER

Fresh broom for Early this year, members of the engineering fraternity were surprised to hear that former Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Lefadi Makibinyane resigned in order to head up the Eastern Cape’s biggest bulk water utility, Amatola. FRANCES RINGWOOD talks to Makibinyane about what the future holds.

MATOLA WATER is poised in a position of strategic

Gauteng, where my wife has

boards as part of a plan for

national importance to deliver on much-needed infra-

her own successful career. I

institutional reform, which was

structure for continued economic development and

made the difficult decision to

announced in Minister Nomvula

job creation in the Eastern Cape – one of South Africa’s

live in a different province from

Mokonyane’s budget speech

poorest provinces but also the area with the most growth poten-

my family because I realised

last year.

tial in the country.

the national imperative had

Given the Eastern Cape’s strategic importance – with the Coega Industrial Development Zone’s gains in investor confidence, soaring population growth in Jeffreys Bay, increasing tourism in Grahamstown due to the National Arts Festival, and the province’s heritage significance – why is Amatola’s role so critically

Amatola’s primary role is to

to supersede my personal

provide provisional bulk water

imperatives. Yes, I still see my

services, as mandated in the

important now? And what do you hope to achieve in your new leadership role?

family fairly regularly when I

Access to Water Services Act

travel to Gauteng for business,

(No. 108 of 1997). Part of what

but working so far away from

constitutes that mandate is to

LM The reason I chose to take

home is a sacrifice I chose to

provide good-quality potable

on the position as Amatola’s

make because I have a mission

water to the people. In spite of

CEO is because I am aware

and a purpose here.

this being the utility’s role, there

of the need for bulk water

are a number of municipalities in this part of the country that

people. As you know, I grew

What is your first order of business as Amatola’s new CEO? Government is in

up in KwaZulu-Natal, and

the process of strategically

entities are running their

my work and my family is in

realigning South Africa’s water

infrastructure into the ground

provision to unlock sustainable, uninterrupted supply to the

continue to manage their own bulk water. Some of these

and we need to formulate improvement strategies. My intention is to elevate Amatola into a rational, well-respected utility. I believe this is the only way to assure bulk water supplies from source to tap. Yes, WSAs do still manage their own water and sanitation, but they need to have an organisation they can call on for the requisite skills and technical expertise to make their departments successful.

There have been allegations of corruption in a number Skills development under the banner of Amatola’s Doors of Learning initiative will be high on the agenda for the utility’s new CEO and board

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WATER BOARDS

bulk supplier of local municipalities in Amatola’s service area, as there have been in other municipalities in South Africa; indeed, it is a global problem. How do you aim to tackle this issue? As your

“As a leader in the province, Amatola must be ethically above par, as corruption robs us of our dignity and compromises the value of our services.”

bringing my own character to their implementation. What you must understand is that, at the same time as I am coming in as the new CEO, we are also in the process of electing a new board,

readers may know from my

which will be announced by

time as the CEO of CESA, I have

the minister soon. The new

long been against corruption,

board will also be bringing its

driving home the idea of the

own priorities to bear.

need to conduct business

I expect that the decision

ethically. It is difficult to control

we will come to regarding

what other water authorities

the 20-year strategy is that

do, but I believe that we at

taking 20 years for these

Amatola can lead by example.

objectives is too long; these

We will be interacting with

goals need to be achieved

municipalities regularly where

in the shortest possible

we will promote a higher ethical standard. I have already set what I

time. In my opinion, these organisational systems and it

do is use my background as a

aspirations should be the basic

should be a basic expectation

former investment banker to

steps that need to be in place

hope is an example to other

that an organisation has the

liberate more of this money at

for the proper running of the

engineers, by moving out of the

right systems in place to

once to unlock new opportu-

water board.

highly profitable private sector

manage its finances.

nities, build new infrastructure

government in order to improve

initiative where we are working

service delivery.

closely with the Development

can’t be wasted. If used correctly

How will Amatola function as a leading light in the province? Amatola has not

Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs

to unlock further funding, it has

yet reached its full potential

Amatola must be ethically

Fund. In Gauteng, Rand Water

the potential to liberate infra-

in terms of job creation,

above par, as corruption robs us

has something similar called the

structure development in the

transformation and reputation.

of our dignity and compromises

Rand Water Academy, which is

Eastern Cape worth R2 billion.

the value of our services.

a learning academy where the

and lending my expertise to

As a leader in the province,

The Doors of Learning is an

and even go to market. Most importantly, that money

I want us to grow into a formidable, respected organisation. We already manage between

exposure to what could become

You took over the position in the second year of Amatola’s 20-year strategy; what is it the utility hopes to achieve in the next 20 years and what will you be bringing to the plan?

a conduit for their employment

Amatola’s strategy comprises a

the youth.

in local government. Some

number of goals, which include

of these graduates will be

production quality, customer

absorbed into Amatola.

satisfaction, employee

youth are provided with the

Before your appointment, Amatola was already celebrating some considerable achievements, including being awarded an unqualified audit report, the inauguration of its new ‘Doors of Learning’ initiative and being allocated about half-a-billion rand by Treasury. How will you be taking this success further?

necessary training to contribute

Treasury, it is a credit to my

community stability, water

First, I take exception to the fact

predecessor, interim CEO of

resource adequacy, financial

that we celebrate unqualified

Amatola Mzimkulu Msiwa, that

viability, infrastructure stability,

audits because these should be

he secured these funds to aug-

stakeholder engagement,

a standard where organisations

ment and refurbish Amatola’s

operational resilience,

are implementing policies

engine infrastructure. But that

operational optimisation and

effectively. Financial success

money is allocated to us in dribs

stakeholder support. These are

speaks to the prudence of

and drabs and what I hope to

fine goals but I will of course be

towards water and sanitation provision. The initiative will specifically target recent matric graduates and give them

As for the money from

150 and 160 Mℓ of water per day and it is my intention to maintain bulk water management as our thrust, while at the same time participating in skills development and capacitating

leadership and development,

MARCH/APRIL 2015

www.amatolawater.co.za

WE TLANDS

Why wetlands matter Wetlands are one of nature’s greatest and most underrated natural phenomena. They act as the Earth’s natural sponges, filtering pollution and providing 100% natural flood attenuation. They even have their own international day of observation – 2 February. FRANCES RINGWOOD rhapsodises on what makes wetlands wonderful.

EVELOPERS AND farmers will frequently fill wetlands, as this type of land is more commercially valuable when it has a housing

development on top of it, or when it can be ordered into rows for better crop rotation. But too often the commercial justification trumps the environmental case – a fact which has for many years prompted the international community to take a stand against short-sighted destruction.

World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day occurs annually on 2 February. The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the Caspian Sea. The convention defines wetlands broadly, including all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs

TOP The Thalangama tank in Sri Lanka is one of IWMI’s featured 2015 wetlands. It is about 83 hectares and was built for paddy cultivation during the era of King Parakramabahu VI (AD 1551 to AD 1547) (Photo: Neil Palmer/IWMI) LEFT A red-listed endangered spinelegged redbolt dragonfly in the riprarian zone of the Thalangama tank (Photo: Jagath Gunawardena)

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WE TLANDS

and salt pans. There is now a significant wealth of information available in libraries, and on the Internet, providing statistical measurements and documentation concerning how much land is occupied by wetlands, what the current (fluctuating) levels of degradation amount to, and how this affects the resilience of ecosystems and people to climate change, floods and droughts. Simply because World Wetlands Day has already passed for 2015 doesn’t mean there’s any reason to stop promoting awareness concerning the plight of wetlands.

‘Wetlands on the move’ For

example,

the

International

Water

Management Institute (IWMI) has released its latest tool for measuring the extent of wetlands on the back of awareness raised by World Wetlands Day. According to IWMI:

(The method) gives scientists a clearer view of where these watery landscapes lie. Data that characterises the dynamic nature of wetlands is crucial for the study of large floodplain and wetland ecosystems. Measuring a wetland might seem relatively straightforward but it can be more like a game of hide-and-seek. That’s because wetlands are dynamic. They move; they change shape; they expand and contract with the seasons and their intensity.

They can hide under vegetation, be hard to access and difficult to navigate. A wetland can even be dry land depending on when you observe it. It’s partly this dynamism that makes wetlands so ecologically important. But it can also make it difficult to manage them sustainably. Through a project led by McGill University, IWMI scientists have used this data to create what is probably the most authoritative map of the world’s wetlands. The map is generated from satellite images taken over 12 years and distinguishes between permanent and temporary wetlands, and measures patterns of inundation (the extent to which the areas hold water over time). The significance of these findings is fundamental to our understanding of what a wetland actually is; according to IWMI scientists, “It means that for the first time they can answer the question, ‘Is it a wetland?’, on a scale of probability.” Moreover, the data provides a definitive assessment of global freshwater resources. Without such information, it would be extremely difficult – if not impossible – for A satellite-generated map, which distinguishes between permanent and temporary wetlands, taken over a 12-year period (Source: IWMI, 2005)

MARCH/APRIL 2015

TOP LEFT The openbill stork uses the Thalangama tank as its breeding ground (Photo: Neil Palmer/IWMI) ABOVE The Thalangama tank, like many South African wetlands, is also the source of many local livelihoods; here a farmer bathes his cattle to soothe their bites from pests (Photo: Neil Palmer/IWMI) national governments to create relevant policies for the wise use of wetlands, ensuring the ecosystem services they provide respond to the right drivers.

Photographic competition There have been many supportive initiatives created by public, private, civil and media organisations since the Ramsar Convention was first adopted. One of the most visually rich, launched just this year, has been Star Alliance’s CSI wetlands youth photo contest. Riprarian zones around natural water bodies are often extraordinarily beautiful – entrants’ images can be viewed on the Ramsar website and the overall winner will be announced on 26 March this year. The contest was held in conjunction with UNESCO‘s Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The prize is a free flight to a famous wetland.

Rainwater Harvesting. Solve your water problem yourself.

Experts in water.

Save up to 40% of your precious mains water by connecting your tank to your toilet, washing machine and garden tap. Davey’s new Generation RainBank® can take advantage of the rainwater which falls on our homes. Recycling this rain water significantly reduces the demand on our reservoirs, lowers your own costs and goes a long way to protecting the environment. The system automatically selects the water source with rainwater given the priority over mains supply. Mains water is supplied when the tank is empty or in the event of a power outage only using mains water as a backup helping to conserve this precious resource and lower water bills. Davey has pioneered rainwater harvesting with the RainBank®. The original, and the best, tank to mains interconnection device. Available in kits with surface mounted pumps or for dwellings located closer together, a submersible pump option to keep the neighbours happy. The range also now includes some neat configurations such as having it enclosed in a cabinet, or in the top of your tank. To find out more about our rainwater harvesting solutions or to explore the rest of Davey’s range of products mail us on davey@safequip.co.za to find your nearest Davey dealer. Gauteng: 011 397 7723 | Western Cape: 021 907 2500 | Kwazulu-Natal: 031 563 8807 | Eastern Cape: 041 451 0026

QUALITY FIRE SOLUTIONS

Davey is exclusively distributed by Safequip.

RAINWATER FEATURE SAFEQUIP

Coordinating conservation

at national level The Australian government responded to its own water scarcity by endorsing and subsidising specialised rainwater harvesting equipment for residential use. The same technology could benefit South Africa’s water conservation effort, writes FRANCES RINGWOOD.

Davey brand has offices all over the world, we anticipate that the product will have the most benefit in Southern Africa, because of the region’s aridity. Davey is not yet working with any governments in the SADC community. If any department wants to approach us for a pilot project we are willing to donate the equipment, perhaps to a school,” says Corns.

Treatment add-ons In South Africa’s rural communities, resi-

HE LATEST iteration of South

such as toilets and/or laundry, with au-

dents are often unaware that the rainwater

Africa’s National Water Resource

tomatic mains water backup. The system

in their barrels and tanks needs to be treat-

Management

(NWRS2)

automatically switches between rainwater

ed in order to make it safe for potable use.

has put water conservation at the

and mains water supply, so there is no need

“For this reason, we developed a hygienic

for consumer intervention.

and cost-effective product that can assist

Strategy

top of government’s agenda for creating a sustainable water supply in the next 10

RainBanks can save up to 40% of house-

treating water to potable standards. The

years. Among the strategies outlined in the

hold drinking water. If a system such as this

strength of the product comes into play

NWRS2, demand-side management (incen-

were to be implemented at local govern-

with its ability to kill over 170 different types

tivising consumers to use less municipal

ment level, this would equate to significant

of bacteria.

water) features prominently. One strategy

savings across an entire given municipal

We will produce the Acquasafe product in

for reducing demand is to promote rain-

a range of sizes so that sachets can be dis-

water harvesting among homeowners

tributed to residents in the event of extend-

– a strategy that has proved effective

ed water supply disruptions,” says Corns.

in Australia.

Acquasafe is a disinfectant that uses

Australian company Davey is responsible

for

the

hydrogen peroxide as its active in-

development

gredient to kill viruses and bacteria

of this technology and already

caused by organic matter and dust

has an established presence in

inside rainwater receptacles.

South Africa through the com-

The cost saving offered by this product

pany’s firefighting pump range

is most apparent at economies of scale,

marketed under the SafeQuip

with one litre of Acquasafe capable of

brand. Davey Water Products

disinfecting 15 000 litres of water. The

Southern Africa’s brand product

product is also odourless, tasteless,

manager, Malcolm Corns, spoke to

and dissolves into oxygen after use,

Water&Sanitation about the potential

making it nontoxic for humans and

for rolling out a similar demand-side management

and

water

the environment.

conservation

Full treatment array

plan locally.

Rainwater technology

Davey Water Products’ RainBank was pioneered in Australia

Harvesting rainwater is not simply a matter

As well as the RainBank and Aquasafe, Davey offers a full range of treatment packages for those who want off-grid solutions;

of installing a tank and tapping it; to make

area. An added advantage of the RainBank is

these include pumps, coarse filtration, fine

water safe and convenient for other forms of

that it can be used in conjunction with grey

filtration and ultraviolet disinfection. “While

household reuse – such as water for flush-

water collection. In addition, the product is

our products continue to rely on mains

ing, washing dishes and laundry – harvested

easy to install and maintain, with some units

electricity, the company is also investing

rainwater needs to be effectively managed.

in the field lasting as long as 10 years.

in research into solar power options, al-

That’s why Davey developed the RainBank

“The RainBank is also available in industrial

though homeowners can adapt the system

dual source controller, specifically designed

sizes for educational institutions, retail cen-

to use their own solar panels if they wish,”

to source rainwater for water applications

tres, complexes and office parks. While the

concludes Corns.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

RAINWATER

Rainwater awareness SamSamWater is a foundation from the Netherlands that aims to increase the number of people with sustainable and reliable access to water and sanitation. ‘SamSam’ means ‘together’, and – working together – the organisation’s members strive to find practical solutions, realised in close collaboration with partners and beneficiary communities.

OST OF OUR projects are small in scale and practical;

is less suitable. We always

demand, the tool calculates it

our projects don’t need to be grand and ‘sexy’,” ex-

carefully weigh the effect of the

for you. The tool is free to use

plains Cedrick Gijsbertsen, hydrologist and treasurer

use of possible water sources

and can be downloaded on our

at SamSam.

against the social impact (i.e.

website (www.samsamwater.

“For example, we develop free web-based tools – a climate tool, for

health and water needs) and

com). There is also an Android

example, which can be used to gain local climate data; or a rainwater

feasibility. For a durable and

app of the tool available.

harvesting tool or app, which easily determines the optimum size of

sustainable water system, it is

the rainwater harvesting reservoir. These tools have helped us in earli-

very important that the water

er projects and advisory services. Now they are free to download and

sources are replenished. This

use, so everyone can benefit.

usually works for rainwater har-

The following questions and answers pertain to SamSam’s rainwa-

vesting systems. For example,

What other resources do you have for people wanting to secure the benefits of rainwater harvesting? In

ter harvesting efforts, specifically in an effort to find out how foreign

extracting from groundwater

our online library you can filter

NGOs and other organisations are assisting to promote the use of

bodies (boreholes) needs more

for the category rainwater

this method to secure sustainable water supply for remote commu-

careful consideration.

harvesting. You will find all kinds

nities in Africa.

toolboxes, scientific reports,

will become more and more important in the future.

through rooftops is an easy

research institutes, companies,

Rainwater harvesting not only

way to collect water during the

NGOs and government

involves catching water from

rainy season and store it for use

organisations, and is free

rooftops or solid surfaces, it also

during the dry season. Using this

to download.

amSam is involved in a number of different projects for creating greater water sustainability on the African continent; are many of them rainwater harvesting related? CG For

think that rainwater harvesting

involves temporarily recharging

tool, you can easily determine

each project, we carefully analyse

the groundwater system so

the optimum size of your

all possible water sources, social

that the water can be used in

rainwater harvesting reservoir,

impacts and feasibilty. Yes,

dry periods.

based on local meteorological

many of our projects are related to rainwater harvesting. We

of practical guides, GIS data,

What is the purpose of your rainwater harvesting web tool? Who can access it and how? Rainwater harvesting

However, for some projects or locations, rainwater harvesting

guidelines and the like. This information has been gathered from numerous sources, such as

statistics. Just by assigning your

What types of communities are most likely to use rainwater harvesting and why? In many cases, rainwater

location, roof size and water

harvesting is successfully

MARCH/APRIL 2015

RAINWATER applied at a smaller

communities where

vegetation for large areas might

scale. For larger

rainwater harvesting

even contribute to cooling of

applications such

is unsuitable?

a sub-climate and more evenly

as a bigger village,

It is almost always

spread rain patterns. More in-

often a backup is

suitable for some

formation can be found online

needed because

periods of the year. In

at nagafoundation.org.

the water demand isn’t in balance with the available rainfall storage capacity. This backup can be a different

“Most of our projects are small in scale and practical; our projects don’t need to be grand and ‘sexy’.” Cedrick Gijsbertsen, hydrologist and

water source, e.g.

treasurer, SamSamWater

groundwater. One should be careful

large parts of Africa, the dry season is too long to be entirely dependent on rainwater harvesting. An interesting

Is rainwater harvesting a particularly expensive or inexpensive way to provide household potable water and why? Rainwater harvesting

new development

is often expensive, compared

is to influence the

to most groundwater

rainfall patterns

boreholes. However, because

that a local community is aware

keep the water quality constant

by changing vegetation at

the groundwater is exploited

of how to use their water sources

over the seasons. Another

catchment scale. SamSamWater

throughout the continent of

hazard is

contributes to research on the

Africa, the costs of fresh and

unevenly

effect of re-greening parts of

high-quality groundwater

distributed

Africa, along with the Naga

will increase in the future. It

rain events and

Foundation and local organ-

will become more and more

long periods

isations. Through rainwater

difficult to maintain sustainable

without rain.

harvesting techniques, we aim

groundwater sources. For the

There are rainy

to replenish groundwater and

long term, rainwater harvesting

in Africa and how to sustain their systems.

seasons with no rain at all, so

subsurface water. As a result of

is a good option to meet

In the case of combined water

there needs to be a backup.

increased soil moisture, vege-

increasing water demands and

sources, it must be borne in

Obviously, climate change will

tation can reappear and grow

decrease the exploitation of

mind that groundwater can be

contribute to this hazard. The

for a longer period. Increased

other water sources.

more favourable for drinking and

inefficient use of the available

the water from the rainwater

water is another hazard.

harvesting systems may be

Rainwater harvesting is a

better for domestic use.

very good option to reduce

Rainwater harvesting is also applicable in areas where no other water sources are availa-

pressure on other, more scarce water sources. The success of rainwater

ble; for example, in very remote

harvesting itself is also a

areas where groundwater levels

hazard. If more water is

are too low and when there

available the demand will

is only little replenishment. In

increase automatically.

these areas, it is very important possible to overcome dry peri-

How can these challenges be overcome? Water quality

ods. An example are the berkads

can be improved, for example,

we designed for a project in

by draining the (polluted)

Puntland, Somalia.

first flush, which carries the

to store as much rainwater as

It’s important that the systems

majority of the pollution

are maintained and used

from the collection surface.

properly. You need a sense of

A technique to harvest

responsibility and knowledge.

rainwater more evenly is

Therefore, communities that

sand dams in dry river beds.

are well organised are more

With these constructions, you

likely to apply rainwater

can hold water just under

harvesting successfully.

the surface a little longer so that evaporation losses

What are some of the problems associated with this type of supply security? With

are reduced.

respect to supply security, water

with a backup system like

quality and rainfall distribution

groundwater wells, as I

over the year are important

previously mentioned.

aspects. Often it is difficult to

In addition, supply security can be improved

Are there any types of

MARCH/APRIL 2015

RAINWATER

The case for rain

enhancement United Arab Emirates representatives are putting the word out globally: we need to work together to develop rain enhancement technologies for better global water management. Here’s why.

ATER SCARCITY today af-

UAE’s National Center for Meteorology

fects every continent and

and Seismology. “Since the first cloud

nearly three billion people

seeding experiments were conducted

around the world. One of

over 50 years ago, there remains a gap

every six people in the world does not

in scientific understanding and research

have access to clean drinking water.

about the field and its related technolo-

Water use has grown at more than twice

gies. The ambition of our programme is

the rate of population increase in the

to begin to fill this gap.”

Cloud seeding, shown here, and developing the predictive capabilities of cloud seeding operations are example of rainwater enhancement BELOW Cessna 210 with cloud seeding equipment

last century, and a number of regions face chronic shortages. It is a cause of

Search for scientific understanding

local and regional conflicts as well as

The UAE’s leaders are currently offering

social strife.

funding and research opportunities to

Water is also key to food security.

the value of $5 million for those who

Crops and livestock need water to grow.

are pioneering methods to reliably

Agriculture requires large quantities of

measure and predict the effectiveness

water for irrigation and other processes

of cloud seeding, and to develop new

and accounts for nearly 70% of all fresh-

cloud seeding technologies for fresh-

water consumption.

water augmentation. Those wanting to explore these opportunities can visit

Water Week

www.uaerep.ae.

One of the themes the United Nations’

The

UAE

Research

Program

for

World Water Day has focalised is water

Rain Enhancement Science has been

and dissemination of research results to

and food security. It sought to raise

launched by the UAE’s Ministry of

accelerate advancement of the field.

awareness of the emerging crisis, and

Presidential

being

Public or private, non-profit or for-profit

to encourage leaders to address these

managed by the National Center for

organisations, as well as individuals from

global challenges. The UN has stated

Meteorology and Seismology.

any country, have been invited to send in

Affairs

and

that water scarcity is one of the critical

The programme is designed to attract

challenges the world is facing in the

diverse new researchers, technologists

21st century.

their proposals to the programme.

and entrepreneurs in pursuit of new

Urgent need

scarcity

scientific understanding of cloud physics

Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,

should be addressed by better man-

and dynamics, cloud-cloud interactions,

Minister of Presidential Affairs and Deputy

agement and conservation policies, but

cloud systems, precipitation production,

Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates,

also that there are tremendous societal

and other relevant processes. It will aim

comments, “As a subtropical arid country,

benefits from increasing water supplies,

to create an archive of knowledge and

access to sustainable water supplies is

especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

share all experimental data through an

one of our defining challenges. Through a

open-source system.

focus on innovative, cutting-edge science

Experts

agree

that

water

A report by the US National Academy of Sciences has stated that “searching

that addresses the multiple challenges of

for ways to enhance precipitation... is

Knowledge transfer

water security, we will provide leadership

one of the most important challenges

According to UAE representatives, an

in addressing and mitigating the social and

that can be tackled by science.”

integral aspect of the technology’s de-

economic effects of water scarcity. This pro-

“Improving the science and tech-

velopment will be training and capacity

gramme will have a significant ripple effect,

nology underlying rain enhancement

building, both in the UAE and globally. It

directly increasing the level of research and

is an urgent need,” said Dr Abdullah

is maintaining an open data policy, which

action in the critical area of rain enhance-

Al Mandoos, executive director of the

is intended to facilitate the translation

ment, on a global scale.”

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

Pump station

relocation The Mahatma Gandhi Road sewer pump station microtunnel project necessitated relocating one of Durban’s largest pump stations, providing the opportunity for a number of engineering firsts for South Africa.

HE OLD MAHATMA Gandhi Road

be controlled within the station, sewage

to the north shaft of the recently commis-

sewage pump station occupied a

entering the system smelled, which would

sioned Durban harbour tunnel.

prime site within the Durban Point

have also caused a problem due to it being

In order to supply the new pump station,

Development Corporation’s (DPDC)

situated right next to the proposed new

the gravity sewer needed to be extended by

upmarket development zone, of which the

harbour passenger terminal. So the practical

221 m. The new pump station was built 13 m

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality holds

decision was made to build a new station

below ground level and part of the construc-

a 50% stake. Bounded by Mahatma Gandhi

250 m away,” says Larkin.

tion used the existing shaft from the 2006

Road and Albert Terrace, the 60-year-old

The original pump station was supplied by

site was heading for the end of its useful life

a concrete gravity sewer of 1 350 mm in di-

and needed a complete overhaul,” explains

ameter. This gravity sewer and pump station

Design

David Larkin, design manager at eThekwini

service the greater Durban catchment area,

According to Kendall Slater at Hatch Goba,

Metropolitan Municipality.

including the CBD and Berea areas, from the

the site allocated for the

“The concrete in the sump was starting

Umgeni River in the north to the Umbilo

to get soft. In addition, while odour could

River to the south. The new site is adjacent

MARCH/APRIL 2015

construction of the harbour tunnel.

Aerial view of project

station was negotiated between DPDC and eThekwini

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES Modified shaft structure with microtunnel exiting

container to ma-

at three equal orientations on the internal

chine, so, as a re-

surface of the pipe. Through the system,

sult, an electrically

the operator is notified where additional

driven

hydraulic

lubrication is needed through a feedback

power pack within the microtunnel was used

system alerting the control cabin regarding

to accommodate the extra distance. Due to

lubrication flows at each position.”

the length of the tunnel as well as its curved

PROJECT TEAM

• Client: eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality • Consultant: Hatch Goba • Subconsultants: Drennan Maud Associates • Main contractors : Group Five, Hidro-Tech Systems • Principle Subcontractors: Coleman Tunnelling, Esor Franki

section, two intermediate jacking stations

Pressurised slurry system

were installed to reduce jacking pressures

An important part of the operation required

on the front pipes. Intermediate jacks were

the TBM to use a pressurised slurry system.

installed at 33 m and 133 m behind the ma-

There was a need for positive pressure at

chine by Coleman to best overcome friction.

the cutting face of the excavation. Since

“The control cabin on the site surface

the horizontal alignment of the tunnel was

facilitates uninterrupted views of the jacking

some 5 m to 6 m below the natural water

pit bottom where the hydraulic rams effec-

table, this resulted in a positive pressure at

tively ‘push’ the pipes forward. Equipped

the cutting face. To prevent the face from

with an operator control panel, the cabin

collapsing, slurry was pumped into this area

comprises a programmable logic controller

to maintain a pressure slightly higher than

and computer control system, on-screen vis-

the ground pressure.

Water Services in what was effectively a

ualisation, an operator window to view shaft

The excavated material was then trans-

swap of land between the current and

and jobsite, a remote control for the jacking

ported back to the surface via a slurry-return

proposed pump station sites. A result was

frame, and two intermediate jack hydraulics.

pipeline into a separation plant. Water was

that design constraints for the pump station

“In order to set the reference alignment

used initially as the transportation medium,

were mainly determined by what space

and grade to monitor the relative position

although the addition of bentonite where

was available.

of the TBM cutting head, a laser-guidance

extreme ground conditions existed was al-

The property for the new pump station

system was fixed in the jacking pit, allowing

lowed for, as conditions became increasingly

was relatively small with a footprint of 40

the operator to make steering adjustments

unsuitable for the use of water. The sepa-

m by 20 m. Also, the new pump station had

as necessary. A gyroscopic guidance system

ration plant, with a capacity of 250 m3/ hr,

to fit on the same lot as the harbour tunnel

was used to con-

entrance building, taking consideration of

trol the line and

underground structures both temporary

level

and permanent.

tunnel

Furthermore, the design review committee

when

the

reached

the curve. These

representing the Point precinct forced a

systems

height restriction on the pump station such

checked manually

were

that the surface structure had to be partially

every 40 m using

submerged below ground.

standard survey-

In addition, hydraulics were a constraint

ing equipment to

in that the invert level of the pump station’s

ensure that the

sumps was determined by the inlet level of

positioning

the extended gravity pipe.

mained accurate.

re-

As a testament

Microtunnelling

to the accuracy

A microtunnel boring machine (micro-TBM)

of the guidance

manufactured by Herrenknecht and op-

system, the TBM

erated by Coleman Tunnelling Africa, was

reached the end

used for the project: the micro-TBM was an

point with a devi-

AVN 1 200TC, with a ‘mixed ground’ cutting

ation of less than

wheel, for 1 200 mm internal diameter

20 mm.

jacking pipes.

“To

The tunnel length is 221 m, and consists of: • a

113

straight

section

from

the

jacking pit

reduce

stress on the jacking pipe due to friction between

• a 102 m arc length with 350 m radius;

the jacked pipes

curved section to bypass the protected

and surrounding

historical Harbour Master building

ground, benton-

• a 6 m straight section, breaking into the existing harbour tunnel north shaft.

ite

lubrication

was used. Every

Montso Lebitsa from Hatch Goba explains,

third

“The length of the tunnel is longer than

bentonite

that of a conventional hydraulic drive from

tion

MARCH/APRIL 2015

pipe

had injec-

positions

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES then closed on

Pump station

to the other end

The pump station consists of four main

of the pipe and

components:

the

• screening chamber

drive

was

then continued.

• wet well • dry well

Loading forces

• surface structure.

The entire pipeline was jacked

Screening chamber

forward from the

Slater explains: “The screening chamber is

rear end of the

the structure where the raw sewage first

line. Pipes needed to be designed not only

enters the pump station. This chamber

for permanent loading conditions but also

consists of a common channel that splits

was equipped with a vibrating shaker screen

for temporary loading forces during instal-

the flow into four separate channels.

rack, two 15” hydrocyclones, and an agitator

lation. Should the forces on the jacks have

Three of these channels contain front-rake

(to prevent solids from settling out) and

become too high, then the operator would

screens that filter the sewage to a size of

was connected to a sedimentation tank.

have had the option of using the inter-jack

50 mm. The fourth channel is for overflow.

The excavated material was separated from

stations to reduce these forces on the pipes.

Among other things, these screens protect

Tunnel boring machine

the slurry medium, which was recycled and reused in the system.

with a double rubber ring seal facilitated

the pumps from boulders, bricks, rags and tree branches.

Each pipe was lowered into the jacking pit

the TBM’s breakthrough at the end of the

“As mentioned above, space was a con-

using a crane and inserted into the collar

drive in the ‘reception shaft’. As the TBM

straint on the site, which included under-

of the previously inserted pipe. To prevent

was driven through this ring, the rubber

ground structures from a previous project.

the concrete pipes from cracking, wooden

seal prevented groundwater and slurry from

To maximise site use, the existing shaft

packing material was inserted between the

draining into the shaft.

structure used to install the harbour tunnel

two pipes so that no point loads occurred during jacking. The hydraulic jacks were

A specially designed steel receiving eye

Installation of the 221 m microtunnel took 24 days, starting on 1 May 2012. MARCH/APRIL 2015

was modified. The inside of this structure was excavated down to the required level

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES and has been used to house the screening

the top. A concrete capping beam was then

structure was semi-submerged 2 m below

equipment mentioned above.

built over the top of the walls to provide

ground level.

“Repurposed shaft space also doubled as the receiving chamber for the microtunnelling portion of the project.

structural integrity.

Mechanical and electrical

“Once the walls were complete, the ground within the walls was removed, using a

The pump station houses four immersible

combination of excavation and dredging,

pumps, each with a power rating of 227

Dry and wet wells

to a depth of 14.5 m. As the structure is well

kW. These immersible pumps (supplied by

“The dry and wet wells make up the main

below the water table, what remained was a

Sulzer/ABS) were then connected to a com-

chamber in the pump station. This was

deep hole filled with water.

bination of stainless steel and high-density

constructed adjacent to the existing har-

plug

polyurethane manifold pipework, ranging

bour tunnel shaft structure, resulting in

was poured using the tremie method

in diameter from 600 mm to 1 000 mm.

a three-sided rectangular structure with

to form the base of the structure. This

These pumps are connected to two 1 000

dimensions of 16 m wide by 40 m long. As

1 100 m3 continuous concrete pour is

mm diameter rising mains, which cross the

a result, three new walls were built using

one of the largest underwater pours ever

harbour through the tunnel.

the diaphragm-wall technique to a depth

done in South Africa. The water was then

of 17.5 m.

pumped out leaving the outer shell of the

Conclusion

subterranean structure.

Implementation of the project took three

“A diaphragm wall is built by digging up

“A

3.5

thick

mass-concrete

the ground and replacing the excavated

“Internal walls, access stairs and mezzanine

years by the time the station was commis-

material with bentonite, which gives the

floors were then built within this shell to

sioned in June last year. There had been

remaining ground stability, preventing the

form the various internal components of the

extensions to the contract duration for ad-

trench from collapsing. Once the trench was

pump station.”

ditional works as well as unforeseen factors

deep and wide enough, a preassembled

and rainfall delays. Taking all contractual

reinforcing cage was lowered into the ben-

Surface structure

delays into consideration, the project was

tonite and concrete was then poured via

The DPDC’s design review board’s brief

completed on time.

tremie pipes into the bottom of the trench.

was for the pump station to blend into

Financially, there were also some additions

As the concrete level rose, the bentonite

its surroundings, which imposed a height

to the original price. However, the final cost

was displaced until the concrete reached

limitation. Therefore, the 5 m high surface

came very close to the budget.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

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AFRICA

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

Inflexible testing standards? but the fact that engineers

STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS OF SANS 2001: DP2 • Pressure = 1.5 x working pressure, up to 10 bar, then working pressure + 5 bar [e.g. 16 bar test pressure = 16 + 5 = 21 bar]. • Test pressure shall be between 1.25 x and 1.5 x working pressure at any point in the pipeline. • Test pressure shall not exceed 75% of the hydrostatic pressure of the pipe [e.g. PVC-M Class 20, tested at 44 bar; 75% = 33 bar). • For > 400 mm Ø pipe = 3 hours. • For < 400 mm Ø pipe = < 3 hours, not < 1 hour. Subsequent 1 hour for ALR test. If problem is encountered during testing, repair and start again! (Remember to bleed out air).

aren’t familiar enough with its specifics.

Underground

everything works before covering it.

Solutions,

pre-

citing proposed changes to the United Arab Emirates’ standards, promulgated with plastics pressure testing in mind. He was also the one to point out Australia’s standards amendments. The standard in question is 2001:DP2

Construction:

Medium pressure pipelines.

sential to determine whether

But the wording in the SANS documenta-

It is written in such a way so as to cover

pipes are properly installed,

tion on how pressure tests should be carried

every possible requirement, leaving nothing

available standards may not

out can be confusing and may not be wholly

to chance (see text box). This high level of

relevant when testing certain plastic pipes.

specificity is what makes the standard diffi-

be entirely appropriate for the properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.

cult to understand.

Standards challenge

At last year’s South African Plastic Pipe

“In the 17 years I’ve been in the industry,

Too much pressure?

Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) Pipes

I’ve never really come across anyone who

The average service life of an HDPE or PVC

VIII conference, one of the more controver-

hasn’t had difficulty interpreting one or

pipeline is about 50 years minimum, under

sial presentations was by Renier Snyman,

more aspects of the SANS pressure test

normal conditions, according to Snyman.

technical manager of SAPPMA’s founding

standards.

misunderstandings

However, when pressure testing with exces-

member company and major sponsor,

are encountered with regards to the correct

sively high pressure for an extended period,

DPI Plastics.

pressure at which a pipeline should be test-

the service life of a pipeline could potentially

In a non-gravity-fed reticulation system,

ed, and the length of time testing should

be adversely affected due to the fact that a

pipes need to be pressure tested for a cer-

last. These two points can affect the perfor-

pipeline’s service life is determined by the

tain length of time with a calculated water

mance of the pipe, as well as the outcome

sum of its stresses. In addition, construction

pressure before being commissioned. This

of the test,” explains Snyman.

components such as thrust blocks and

Common

makes sense as digging up infrastructure

He believes that it may not be the stand-

is costly; so installers need to know that

ard’s wording itself that is the problem

valves may also be damaged under excessive conditions.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

NOW AVAILABLE up to 630mm

SANS 791 PVC-U (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) solid wall sewer and drain pipe systems • • • • • •

American

sented an alternate position,

SANS

HILE PRESSURE testing is es-

However,

guest Andrew Seidel, CEO of

Resistance to abrasion and scouring Resistance to attack from acid or alkaline soils Impervious to chemicals found in all sewage Good flow characteristics Not damaged by modern cleaning methods Good impact properties, an important factor in installation, transportation and use

DETAILED PIPELINE DESIGN TECHNICAL INFO CONTAINED IN CD OR PDF FORMAT IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM DPI PLASTICS AND CONTAINING, INTER ALIA: • Trenching, bedding & backfilling • Repairs • Testing • Handling & storage • Soil / pipe Interaction • Deflection, live loads & wall stress • Velocity & flow charts

• www.dpiplastics.co.za • info@dpiplastics.co.za

•Tel: +27 21 957 5600 •Tel: +27 11 345 5600

Member of the Dawn Group

Southern African Vinyls Association

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

Striking the right Corde Corde is a relatively new family-owned pumps, pipes and valves business in Southern Africa, founded by Errol Cornelius and his wife, Debby, both of whom are well known and knowledgeable water sector contributors. FRANCES RINGWOOD finds out more about the company.

soon as a corporate culture starts to take root, staff turnover becomes higher and the organisation’s ability to listen to clients and adapt to what they want is eroded,” says Cornelius. He adds that his intention is for Corde to remain a people-centred business, no matter how large it grows and who its client base is, so that the team can remain flexible and responsive.

HE NAME CORDE comes from a

to differentiate between those products

Quality range

concatenation of the Cornelius’s

coming out of China, for example, which

Although Corde currently supplies distinc-

surnames and the first letter of

are effective and well-priced, and those

tive ranges, Cornelius says he is in the pro-

each of their first names. Errol

that simply don’t work,” explains Cornelius.

cess of vetting a number of new products

sector

and intends to be able to supply complete

at various water solutions corporations,

service providers have had difficulty in the

and diverse pump, pipe and valve offerings

including at least one major German multi-

past distinguishing between bargains and

catering to all markets across the sector.

national. He and Debby struck out on their

duds emerging from highly competitive

own two years ago and, today, the gutsy

Asian economies.

Cornelius started out 26 years ago working

Numerous

fly-by-night

water

“We are finding the agricultural market particularly receptive. For example, our

For Corde, a blanket avoidance of these

range of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride

country’s products is not an option and,

(uPVC) borehole pipes for rising mains is

“My wife and I decided to make the

by doing their homework, the Corde team

popular among farmers because of their

change when we realised that if we want-

is able to exploit the technological and

superiority to the old galvanised steel op-

ed to work 18-hour per day shifts, then

cost-saving benefits offered by leading

tion,” says Cornelius.

we wanted to be doing it for ourselves,”

water sector product manufacturers the

laughs Cornelius. The company functions

world over.

business boasts a profit increase of 350% year-on-year from 2013 to 2014.

“uPVC pipes are non-corrosive, more energy efficient – which translates to fewer rands spent on electricity – and lighter

as a bulk distributor of a wide range of

Face-to-face first

to transport. The biggest plus is that they

directly to dealers around the whole of

Another gain Cornelius’s experience has

cost 40% less than galvanised steel pipes,”

South Africa and parts of Namibia. “We

secured him is to know how to speak to

he adds.

want to move into the rest of the SADC

people rather than faceless firms. “I can

The company also imports the Corde

countries in the long term but right now

tell you that in South Africa, business is

(powered by Sumoto) range of motors

we’re concentrating on maintaining our

done on the strength of relationships and

from Europe, and a wide range of submers-

existing South African distribution and the

trust built over many years. What my time

ible sewage, cutter and grinder pumps for

relationships that are our business’s foun-

in large companies showed me is that as

municipalities, among others.

quality

fluid

transportation

products

dation,” says Cornelius.

Quality from experience Corde’s biggest market contribution is the founders’ commitment to quality and thorough knowledge concerning which products work

well

and

which

don’t.

“Although we are bulk suppliers and sell based on our large import capacities, I don’t see my main role as simply to sell large numbers of products. For me, if I can sell 10 products that stay sold then I have done my job better than someone who sells 100 products where the warranties void and clients complain. This approach is

“We are finding the agricultural market particularly receptive. For example, our range of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) borehole pipes for rising mains is popular among farmers” Errol Cornelius, co-owner and founder, Corde

fundamental to us because we are practiced and skilled in being able MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS

Facilitating greener buildings Xylem Water Solutions’ pump range for municipal applications is well known, but building managers will be pleased to know that an energy-efficient, costeffective range of pumps is also available for greener facilities management. BY FRANCES RINGWOOD

efficiency of up to 13% higher than other market leaders is the reason our e-HM and e-NSC ranges have been much anticipated by the market,” says Viljoen.

Service benefit The service life of a Lowara Vogel series pump may extend up to 20 years if the correct pump is selected for the right

YLEM’S LOWARA range of pumps

European market has meant that the compa-

application, and correctly installed and

is specially designed for use in

ny has the capacity to continuously reinvest

maintained. In addition, maintenance is

building water supply and reticu-

in R&D for greater efficiency. “Some of the

minimal. Viljoen recommends that checks

lation systems in the commercial,

ways our pumps are designed to meet South

be done on an annual basis, in accordance

industrial and residential sectors. Examples

Africa’s current need for energy-efficient

with industry standards.

of applications include booster pump sys-

and cost-effective solutions is to use smaller

“However, our pumps need little mainte-

tems and heating, ventilation and air-con-

motors and incorporate variable-speed drives

nance. For the conscientious building man-

ditioning (HVAC) applications. In order to

(VSDs),”

strengthen the company’s total building

plains Viljoen.

ex-

ager who wants to streamline their preventative maintenance

management systems portfolio, the Vogel

plan, Xylem offers Total Care

Pumpen series has recently been incorpo-

Services.

rated under the Lowara range. “The

new

strengthen

range

the

This

maintenance

contract works similarly to

will

a motor plan for

brand’s

one’s car, mak-

total offering for con-

ing it Xylem’s

sulting engineers on

responsibility

green

to check the

buildings

and in industrial

pump

applications.

year

Known

ensure it is

the

Lowara Vogel series, the

new

range casted

operating

will

optimally,”

include heavy end-suction pumps,

each

says Viljoen.

multi-stage

Total

pumps and large casted borehole pumps,”

Care

Services

forms part of Xylem’s value-add and

says Ernst Viljoen, GC manager: Applied

can be contracted for a predetermined

Water Systems, Xylem Water Solutions

period to suit customers’ needs. The ethos

South Africa. He adds that the company

Xylem's Lowara e-HM

expects to see the industrial and commercial markets for these pumps grow considerably

behind this service offering coincides with Xylem’s overall service ethos.

Xylem’s

VSD

microprocessor-based

pumping system, called Hydrovar, is able to

Market advantage

The Lowara Vogel series pumps will sig-

adjust the pump’s operation automatically,

“Xylem shares certain fundamental ob-

nificantly increase the Lowara offering, wid-

according to fluctuations in demand. This

jectives with its customers: creating new

ening its potential field of applications into

means that the pump uses more energy

products, optimising quality and improv-

new industrial sectors such as oil and gas,

in usage peaks but less energy during off-

ing processes. These shared values make

mining, power generation and steel mills.

peak times.

Xylem a customer-oriented company. We

in the future.

In addition, the e-series features nu-

provide efficient and reliable products,

Increased efficiencies

merous benefits over older technologies,

services and solutions across a broad

The introduction of the new range has

including up to 22% increase in hydraulic

range of sectors to worldwide markets,

come at the same time as the launch of the

efficiency, 30% more energy savings per

while maximising value to our customers,”

new e-series. Xylem’s unique position in the

annum and 40% more flow. “Improved

concludes Viljoen.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

Piping perfection The Xonxa Dam Transfer Scheme and Bulk Water Supply project comprises the augmentation of the Queenstown bulk water supply through the inter-regional transfer of raw water from the Xonxa Dam to the Queenstown Water Treatment Works.

HE MAIN PURPOSE of this project is to augment the current water supply shortfall within the municipality and open up the urgently needed supply of bulk potable water to indigent areas within and surrounding Queenstown. Without this project and

its components, the service delivery as a whole within the Lukhanji Local Municipality cannot be extended to eradicate current service delivery backlogs. The water supply shortfall also has a major impact on the social as well as economic development within this region and currently impacts

The 22.3 km Xonxa pipeline will run from Xonxa Dam to the Queenstown Water Treatment Works

greatly on the future social and economic growth, and sustainability within the municipality. Esor Pipelines, a division of civil engineering and construction group Esor, is on schedule to complete the installation of a 22.3 km DN600 cement-mortar-lined steel water pipeline from the Xonxa Dam to Queenstown Water Treatment Works.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

at Xonxa

and trained in various facets of pipeline construction, where applicable. Esor Pipelines operates mainly in the gas and petrochemical, water, stormwater and sewerage sectors. With specialist expertise in laying and welding steel pipelines as well as in pipeline refurbishment, including me-

Urgent supply

pump station to the top of the mountain

chanical, linings and coatings, the division

This project, awarded in November 2012 by

section is 400 m static.

services both public and private sector cli-

the Chris Hani District Council, is part of the

Ian Foord, Esor Pipelines’ site agent, says,

ents, from top mining and industrial groups

greater Xonxa Dam Transfer Scheme and

“This is our first project for the Chris Hani

to regional and municipal government. A

Bulk Water Supply project initiated by the

District Council and we’re delighted to be

fully equipped workshop and yard to sup-

Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern

partnering with such a progressive and for-

port fleet maintenance operates on-site at

Cape to augment the Queenstown bulk

ward-thinking organisation on an important

the business unit’s head office.

water supply.

project like this.”

Esor expects to conclude the project this coming September.

Scope of project

Environment and safety challenges

Esor’s scope of work includes site clear-

Special environmental requirements on

ance for the new pipeline, connections

the project include demarcating and en-

to the pump station delivery line intake

suring the protection of two very old trees,

and reservoir intake, as well as road and

and the preservation of a collection of

river crossings.

Bushman paintings on the rock faces near

The route for the pipeline includes two above-ground/surface

sections.

One

the mountainous section and an ancient

Bushman stone tool factory at the top of the

a 900 m long concrete-encased section

mountain. Stringent safety procedures have

traversing along the base of the hill oppo-

ensured that the project recorded more than

site the Xonxa Dam, with the other portion

253 530 LTI-free hours by mid-March.

being only 100 m in length but going over

Supplementing the Esor project team of

a mountainous rise. This 100 m piece of the

30 skilled personnel, including operators,

pipeline is to be supported on concrete

coded welders, foremen and supervisors, are

plinths. The difference in elevation from the

165 local labourers that have been recruited

MARCH/APRIL 2015

The Xonxa pipeline project is part of the greater Xonxa Dam Transfer Scheme and Bulk Water Supply project initiated by the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

Quality plastic piping

in the spotlight High-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the transportation of fluids must conform to a certain set of standards in order to be fit for purpose and ensure longterm usefulness. For this reason the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers' Association (SAPPMA) conducts regular quality surveys.

manufacturers,

installers,

merchants,

contractors, consulting engineers, and any other interested parties to submit pipes – whether it be their own or their competitors’ product – for testing by an autonomous body and according to the relevant

Despite our efforts, we still frequently receive queries from our members or installers regarding questionable or substandard pipes used in projects

standards,”

Venter

says. Sample submissions can be made anonymously, although SAPPMA assures that all information about individuals or companies submitting

products

for

testing will be kept in the strictest confidence.

How to test

APPMA, THE ASSOCIATION of leading plastics

the plastic pipes being installed are man-

Physical samples of the pipes must be

ufactured according to industry standards

delivered to SAPPMA’s offices (Plastics|SA

piping businesses promoting ethics and

and that they will last for at least 50 years,”

Building, 18 Gazelle Avenue, Corporate

quality, is inviting industry participation

explains SAPPMA chairman Jan Venter.

Park South, Midrand) by 30 April this

in its seventh official Pipe Quality Survey.

SAPPMA launched its first Pipe Quality

year. They should preferably be large-di-

The organisation is calling on members,

Survey in 2011, during which random

ameter HDPE pipe (>110 mm diameter),

non-members and those interested in

samples of plastic pipes were tested for

but sample length can be as short as 100

becoming members to submit their HDPE

product quality and consistency. The or-

mm. Pipes should contain all the infor-

pipe samples for selective quality testing

ganisation undertook this activity on the

mation that is normally printed on them

by a third-party, independent laboratory.

basis of its leadership position, represent-

and must be clearly marked. Testing will

ing more than 80% of the country’s plastic

begin in May and results are expected to

pipe manufacturers.

be released by July this year, along with a

Quality and ethics “The plastics piping business is an industry

final report, which will be a consolidated

of strategic national importance where

Urgent appeal

hardware needs to be reliable for extended

“We have repeated this survey at regular

“SAPPMA strongly supports the SABS as

Long-term

intervals over the last four years by pur-

custodian of the national product stand-

product quality can-

chasing a number of HDPE pipes bearing

ards. It is our vision to create absolute

not be compromised

the SABS mark of quality from merchants

quality, trust and integrity throughout

and, as a result, we

around the country. Despite our efforts,

the value chain of the Southern African

need to ensure that

we still frequently receive queries from

plastics pipe industry. To this end, we

our

regarding

will continue in our efforts to weed out

questionable or substandard pipes used

inferior-quality plastic piping systems,”

in projects. We are therefore inviting pipe

concludes Venter.

periods.

SAPPMA chairman Jan Venter

SANS

members

summary of the findings.

installers

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES Dura Blue PVC for underground piping

PVC recycling prioritised When assessing whether to specify polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping for a particular project, life-cycle environmental impact is an important consideration. For this reason, PVC’s recyclability is crucial to its continued growth and popularity in water reticulation.

N THE DISTANT PAST, vinyls had a bum rap among environmentalists because unscrupulous or ignorant manufacturers used hazardous additives to lend certain characteristics to their products. These included poisonous elements such as

lead, chromium and cadmium, as well as other unwanted plastic additives. Today, it is virtually impossible that any of these substances would be found in a pipe for the conveyance of potable water. This fact is assured by the SAB’s mark of approval on piping products. In addition, industry watchdogs such as the South African Plastic Pipe Manufacturer’s Association continuously test random sample products to ensure that the mark isn’t forged. This is done to protect the credibility of the industry and broaden the acceptance of a material that, contrary to many older beliefs, possesses superior green credentials. For example, it is a little-known fact that vinyl is a 100% reusable, recyclable material, if manufactured and disposed of responsibly. In Southern Africa’s PVC piping market, there is at least one major manufacturer with its own recycling initiative on-site, where the manufacturers take it upon themselves to collect their own and other PVC pipes to ensure proper, safe and environmentally friendly disposal. However, cases such as the one described above are anecdotal and there has not yet been a measure for how well local companies are doing when it comes to the proper recycling of PVC. That is about to change as a result of a bold new initiative being undertaken by the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA).

National survey “Both rigid and flexible PVC products are ideal for in-house and pre-consumer recycling. We know that factories and manufacturers recycle their factory waste products instead MARCH/APRIL 2015

PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES

“By knowing the size of the market and the challenges they face, we will be able to provide better support and have stronger bargaining power when fighting for the future of the PVC industry.” Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of SAVA

is currently left out. SAVA will be reporting on the recycling of all locally manufactured PVC products, ranging from pipes to gumboots. “This will, in all likelihood, be one of the challenges we come up against when comparing our figures with the rest of the world. Few countries report on all PVC products, but choose instead to focus on one or two products that have a good recycling and recovery rate, such as PVC pipes

of sending it to landfill. But, we need to

be finalised by the end of March 2015 and

find out the exact size of these markets

provide us with an average figure that will

Raw material suppliers and compound

and what amounts are being recycled in

be our base line for recycling surveys in the

producers will be contacted personally

order to have more credible data when

future”, says Bezuidenhout.

as part of the survey. Each company will

speaking to government about national

and cables,” says Bezuidenhout.

receive the list of questions ahead of time

projects and negotiating funding,” explains

Recycling reach

so that they can see the type of informa-

Delanie

SAVA.

Data provided by the South African Plastics

tion SAVA is looking for. The answers and

Each year, Plastics|SA Plastix 911 researcher

Recycling Organisation reveals that there

feedback received from respondents will be

Annabé Pretorius is tasked with the re-

are about 40 recyclers in South Africa with

kept confidential.

sponsibility of quantifying the amount of

the capacity to recycle PVC products. “These

“By knowing the size of the market and

plastics being produced and recycled in the

sites focus exclusively on building and

the challenges that are faced, we will be

country. Products made from vinyl have, in

construction products,” explains Pretorius.

able to provide better support and have

past years, been included with other types

That’s good news for those who manu-

stronger bargaining power when fight-

of plastics. “We are hoping that this new

facture, specify and use plastic pipes; but

ing for the future of the PVC industry,”

survey – looking exclusively at vinyls – will

post-consumer packaging made from PVC

Bezuidenhout concludes.

Bezuidenhout,

CEO

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WAR ON LEAKS

Johannesburg reflects on

upgrade successes “The first phase of the City of Johannesburg Water

The city is currently buying 573 billion litres

Infrastructure Upgrade and Renewal Project, to the

per year of which 131 billion litres (23%) are

value of R1.7 billion, has saved R700 million,” according

supplied to Soweto was billed on a flat rate

to a press statement by Johannesburg Water.

of the amount of water consumed, with only

supplied to Soweto. About 90% of water of R169 per household per month regardless 15% of flat rate payments realised,” says Johannesburg Water MD Lungile Dhlamini.

Significant savings According

Dhlamini,

Johannesburg

Water has already saved about R222 million per year (equivalent to 40.5 billion litres) from bulk purchases. He says R1.1 billion of the R1.7 billion has been invested since 2004, and states that the project will be extended to other deemed consumption areas (unmetered areas billed on a flat rate), including Orange Farm and Ivory Park. The main objective is to change the behaviour of water consumers to conserve water and pay for the water consumed through prepaid metering.” “The Water Reconciliation Strategy Study, conducted by the Directorate of National Water Resource Planning of the Department of Water and Sanitation, forecast that water demand will outstrip supply by 2020 if we do nothing to conserve water,” Dhlamini says. Despite resistance over the implementation of Phase-I, which culminated in the Constitutional Court ruling in favour of the

HILE GOVERNMENT’S official War on Leaks campaign was launched just two years

Before the implementation of Phase-I in Soweto, about 40% of the water supplied to Soweto was lost through physical and commercial losses

ago, South Africa’s cities have,

City of Johannesburg, the company is forging ahead by conducting ongoing education and awareness programmes, public meetings and door-to-door campaigns at the start and during the phases of the project

for many years already, been conducting

Losses countered

where households then commit by signing a

maintenance, replacements and cost-ben-

Before the implementation of Phase-I in

service level agreement where a success rate

efit analyses on an ongoing basis. One

Soweto, about 40% of the water supplied to

of about 85% for Phase-I has been realised.

such example is the Johannesburg Water

Soweto was lost through physical (i.e. pipe

Thus far, Johannesburg Water has success-

Infrastructure Upgrade and Renewal.

leakages) and commercial losses (i.e. cost re-

fully installed 131 244 prepaid meters and

The project began in Soweto more than 10

covery). As a result of the intervention, the

replaced 144 kilometres of pipes in Soweto,

years ago with the objective to tackle what

average water consumption dropped from

including fixing of internal plumbing. Meter

were then already deemed massive physical

66 kilolitres per household per month to 12

tampering and bypassing, however, remains

losses – from pipe leaks, pipe bursts and

kilolitres – an improvement of more than

a major challenge resulting in under-recov-

commercial losses from what is believed

80%. Prior to the project, Johannesburg

ery of revenue.

to have been consumption at a flat rate –

Water purchased 469 billion litres each year

Penalties in the form of fines are im-

through the installation of prepaid metering,

from Rand Water for the entire city, of which

posed for meter tampering and education

fixing and repairing internal plumbing, and

129 billion litres (27.5%) per year were sup-

sessions are held at community level to

pipe replacement.

plied to Soweto.

change behaviour. MARCH/APRIL 2015

WAR ON LEAKS

Larger flow meters

speak volumes RICHARD LOWRIE*

provides a cost-benefits analysis for maintaining the accuracy of

large flow meters from a global perspective.

ATER

FIGURE 1 Block diagram of a master meter calibration rig

Accreditation

to oversight by an authoritative

The price of water is

MONEY.

One of the best methods to ensure

body. The International Laboratory

increasing all over the

that a measurement is accurate is

Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) is

world. As a result of

through

primary

an international cooperation of lab-

these price increases it is necessary for

measuring device on a calibration

oratory and inspection accreditation

the water industry to have the most

rig. Accreditation is the independent

bodies. It was formed more than 30

accurate methods of flow measure-

evaluation of conformity for that

years ago and each of its member

ment available. In large distribution

calibration rig against recognised

organisations is evaluated by peers

networks, flow meters over 48 inches

industry standards. Certifying the

for acceptance to ensure conformity

in diameter measure tremendous

accuracy of the calibration rig should

of products and services to support

volumes of water and, within this

only be done by a recognised entity

international

diameter class, the smallest error will

to ensure compliance.

the United Kingdom Accreditation

calibrating

the

trade.

For

example,

be significantly magnified. Meters in

Each country has their own organ-

Service (UKAS) is equivalent to the

these large diameters are a challenge

isation responsible for accrediting

Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS),

to calibrate because there are few

calibration facilities.

and both are comparable to the

suitable facilities able to accommo-

Depending on the location, the

American Association for Laboratory

date them. This article presents the

actual calibration rig accreditation

Accreditation (A2LA) in the United

different types of calibration and ac-

comes from that individual country’s

States and the Raad Voor Accreditatie

creditation methods used to explain

metrological

organisation.

(RvA) in the Netherlands.

how volumetric flow measuring accu-

accreditation

bodies

racies can be achieved and certified.

many

countries

These

established are

subject

So how would a flow meter user know if their measuring device has been calibrated to the stated accuracy by an accredited calibration facility? A user can determine this by looking at the flow meter manufacturer’s calibration facility accreditation organisation to see if it is registered as a member of ILAC. Then the user must also verify that all available meter sizes have been calibrated.

Flow meter calibration methods Now that accreditation and competence have been discussed, let’s look at some of the actual calibration methods used. Most manufacturers use one of the two available methods. They use either the master meter method or the direct volume comparison method.

Master meter method A master meter is a unit that has had its measurement performance

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WAR ON LEAKS proven by a recognised standard

prover, high-accu-

for the purpose of being used as a

racy switches are

calibration device. Normally, these

used to identify the

meters are highly accurate and

precisely

stable but must be verified and

volume and flow-

periodically recalibrated to ensure

ing time between

their performance remains valid.

two points of the

Calibration rigs using the master

level in the tank or

meter method can achieve accurate

tower. The volume

calibrations.

are

and flow rate are

greater uncertainties with this meth-

compared to the

od. If there are any uncertainties

total reported on

with the calibration rig, these will be

the flow meter be-

passed along to the meters they are

ing calibrated and

calibrating. Also, in order to be truly

a meter factor, or

effective, the master meter should

calibration

be comparable in size to the meter

is determined. Tank

under test. For example, calibrating

calibrations use the

an 84 inch meter with a master

same methods, but

meter of 42 inches cannot achieve

measurements between the switch-

the expected maximum velocity and

the requisite volumes or velocities

es are recorded while filling the tank

therefore there is high confidence

for calibration.

rather than by emptying it.

with the measurement throughout

Direct volume comparison

Large-diameter challenge

The other most commonly used

Why is calibration important to a

Conclusion

calibration method is by direct vol-

design engineer or an end user? In

From

ume comparison. This can be done

a nutshell, accuracy equals money.

becomes apparent that if a large-di-

with the use of a prover, a tower, or

Take large-diameter magnetic flow

ameter meter is selected to measure

a tank. This method involves passing

meters for example.

flowing velocities ranging between

However,

there

known

factor,

the full performance range.

this

brief

description,

a known volume of liquid though a

A magnetic flow meter is actually a

2.1 mps to 3.7 mps, a flow rig with

meter, recording the meter’s output

velocity device because it measures

the ability to reach those velocities

(usually a pulse per volume count),

the velocity of the conductive fluid

should be used for that particular

and comparing it to the known

product passing through a magnetic

meter’s

volume of the chamber used for

field. As it travels through this field,

that meter can only be calibrated at

the calibration.

the fluid’s velocity creates

On a prover, the flow is timed by

proportional

induced

calibration.

However,

The price of water is increasing all over the world. As a result... it is necessary for the water industry to have the most accurate methods of flow measurement available

the use of high-accuracy switches.

voltage at two electrodes in

The first switch is activated upon

the meter. The volumetric

the piston or ball passing and the

flow rate is determined by

second high accuracy switch is

multiplying the fluid velocity

activated when the piston passes

by the cross-sectional area of

it. Measurement of the meter’s flow

the measured section. Most

is compared to the known volume

of the time, with large diameters, the

10% to 20% of that velocity range,

of the prover chamber and a meter

meter’s size is selected to operate

it would not be easy to have the

factor, or a calibration factor, is

at about 3 to 3.7 metres per second

same high degree of confidence in

developed. This calibration method

(mps) for the maximum volumetric

its performance.

is widely used and accepted. These

flow rate.

provers must be calibrated (water

Magnetic

FIGURE 2 Block diagram of a piston prover calibration rig

As mentioned earlier, in order to flow

meter

accuracy

produce a recognised calibration

drawn) each year. The uncertainties

is normally stated as a function

certificate, each flow meter man-

of provers are normally lower than

of measured value or rate of flow.

ufacturer’s calibration rig should

those of the master meters because

For example, a small meter with a

be accredited by an appropriate,

the volume of the chamber is veri-

stated accuracy of 0.5% measuring

recognised agency.

fied directly.

a flow rate of 45 m3 per hour can be

The accreditation certificate will

The final direct volume method to

reasonably expected to be within

list the total volume and the sizes of

discuss is the tower or tank calibra-

3.79 litres. However, a large-diameter

the calibration rigs. The certificate

tion. Much higher volumes of liquid

meter with that same stated accuracy

also lists the verified uncertainty of

are normally available for calibration

measuring a flow rate of 0.04 m3 per

the calibration rig.

with this method, although it can

second is expected to be within 1.9

also be scaled down for use with

million litres per day or 131 513 litres.

For a full list of references and additional

manager: Water

very low liquid volumes for small-di-

A calibration done to a smaller-di-

information, please contact the editor on

and Wastewater

ameter meters. Like in the piston

ameter meter can be readily done at

frances@3smedia.co.za.

Industry, Krohne

* Richard Lowrie,

MARCH/APRIL 2015

A strong foundation for infrastructure success

WAR ON LEAKS

A call

to work A review of advances made in South Africa’s War on Leaks. BY FRANCES RINGWOOD

HE IMPLEMENTATION of water-use efficiency, conservation and water demand management comprise South Africa’s official strategy for avoiding a crisis point. The potable water value chain has many links, each potential

contributors to the unaccounted-for-water problem. Fixing broken pipes and replacing leaking pipes is perhaps the

most impactful way municipalities can contribute towards the conservation effort. Research bears this out. In 2013, the Water Research Commission (WRC) found that as much as 37% of South Africa’s non-revenue water is being wasted. Causes include physical leaks in pipes, which account for 25% of water lost. Nonreplacement of underground municipal water meters has also been cited as a reason for a significant proportion of these losses by members of the South African Water Meter Manufacturers’ Association (WMMA). While 37% is on par with global averages, the WRC report

Concrete Culverts

also estimates that the number could be much higher, as more than half of the municipalities in the country did not respond to survey questions.

Better monitoring practice The WRC report offers the following insight on the problem: “Ultimately, local authorities have a mandate to generate revenue and operate in a self-sustaining manner, and this can only be achieved through proper monitoring of water supply systems in the form of metering and creating

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The South African government’s War on Leaks was ushered in by former Deputy Minister of Water Affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi and the momentum will continue in the soon-to-bereleased No Leak report

a culture of payment for services to

enable

sound

consumer service.” It is widely known that municipalities around the country do not spend their maintenance budgets

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maintenance

activities and a high standard of

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WAR ON LEAKS Environmental Technology Forum Africa

DEFINITION due to capacity issues, among other factors. However, spending these funds on pipeline maintenance isn’t just about good financial management at local level; it’s about securing the country’s water security and eco-

Non-revenue water is all water lost through physical leakage or commercial losses (e.g. meter underregistration, billing errors and theft) as well as any unbilled authorised consumption.

nomic future too. While the National Water Resource Strategy 2 sets a target to reduce

event, the then deputy minister said that

non-revenue water in municipalities to 15%

unemployed youth would be trained and

by 2014, one of the WRC report’s original

appointed as ‘Water Conservation Warriors’

writers, Dr Ronnie McKenzie, has suggested

to implement the education and awareness

that a more realistic and achievable target

programme, as well as the retrofitting and

would be to reduce wastage by 25% in the

leak-repair initiative.

next 10 years – simply by spending existing budgets more effectively.

Over and above that, the DWS has promised to release its No Drop report later this year. This will partner with the already

Government response

existing Blue and Green Drop certifications

South Africa’s national Government was

for improving overall water management

quick to respond to the WRC’s findings,

in the country. The report will serve as a

formulating the War on Leaks campaign.

benchmarking and monitoring tool to meet

The initiative was first launched in the City of

national goals.

Be part of Africa’s premier Environmental Technology Forum BOOK YOUR STAND NOW www.ifatforum-africa.com/application-documents.php Application Deadline: April 17, 2015

Matlosana in the North West, by the former Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi. At the launch

Authorised consumption 68.2%

FIGURE 1 The national water balance, as recorded by the WRC

Billed authorised 63.2%

IFAT Environmental Technology Forum Africa

Revenue water 63.2%

September 15-18, 2015 Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa

System Input Volume 100.00%

Water, Sewage, Refuse and Recycling Solutions for the Mining and Construction Industry

www.ifatforum-africa.com

Unbilled authorised 5.0% Commercial losses 6.4%

Water losses 31.8%

Real or physical losses 25.4%

Non-revenue water 36.8% Co-located with

September 15-18

MARCH/APRIL 2015

FEATURE

WAR ON LEAKS

Modern meters The implementation of advanced global metering solutions will not only aid the South African government in its War on Leaks, but could have significant benefits for end users’ facilities management too. FRANCES RINGWOOD reports.

N 2013, the Water Research Commission (WRC) found that as much as 37% of South Africa’s non-revenue water (NRW) is being wasted. Pipe repair is not the only way to fight NRW losses. Accurate measurement through the use of new and

technologically advanced metering solutions can also contribute significantly to reducing water wastage.

Causes of water losses Klaus Gruebl, managing director of metering solutions provider Sensus SA, explains how looking at metering holistically has the potential to drastically reduce NRW losses. “It’s not only ageing infrastructure that creates the problem of NRW losses. Underregistration of water meters is another factor. “The level of losses South Africa experiences is not unusual if one looks at other countries around the world. And in Germany – which is the home of Sensus – they have already developed advanced meters that have longer lifespans and also deter tampering with water meters by triggering an alarm,” says Gruebl. Many different types of meters, especially mechanical ones, lose accuracy over time because higher water flow rates cause wear on moving parts, but Sensus’ solid-state iPerl meter, for example, features unique remnant magnetic field technology. This smart meter combines automated meter reading (AMR) technology with a design that allows for longer equipment lifespans and lower

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WAR ON LEAKS

aid ‘War

on Leaks’

replacement rates. The meter lasts as long as

Municipalities have been slow compared to the private sector when it comes to adopting these technologies, not just in South Africa but the world over

response to the cost concerns raised by

for shifting meters. AMR technology is

property managers can collate it to reduce

unreliable reed switch with an accurate,

only a part of what we see as a promising

overall water consumption for an entire

high-resolution, inductive interface and

solution. The other part is meter data man-

complex or housing estate. “Shopping cen-

ensures accurate billing. Just like an

agement (MDM) – the use of accurate data

tres too are finding this type of information

AMR meter, it allows water utilities to

to control and manage the reticulation

useful for managing costs. For this service,

warn consumers of possible leaks and

network,” says Gruebl.

Sensus can be called on-site. We also have

excessive consumption in near real time,”

the capability to monitor electricity con-

explains Gruebl.

the battery, which is about 15 years.

It’s not just about technology However, Gruebl notes that some of the biggest advantages to be gained from using the latest technology are not inherent to the meters themselves, but how they are managed. “Sensus isn’t just an entity

In addition, smart meters eliminate the need for door-to-door meter readings,

sumption,” states Gruebl.

local municipal clients, Sensus also offers a volumetric meter that has been ‘smart meter enabled’. “This entails a more sensitive volumetric meter with better wear resistance, but more importantly, can be fitted with an

‘intelligent’

radio

frequency

mod-

ule. The module replaces the old and

“The impact of implementing smart tech-

thereby offering greater safety to home

Municipalities have been slow compared

nologies and good management practices

owners. Through the incorporation of a

to the private sector when it comes to

to reduce NRW losses across South Africa

radio frequency (RF) module and GPRS,

adopting these technologies, not just

could be as much as 15% to 20%,” esti-

data can be sent to a central point where

in South Africa but the world over. In

mates Gruebl.

Sensus iPerl Ad2014.pdf

9/15/14

4:15 PM

MARCH/APRIL 2015

The Leader in Water Management Technologies

iPerl

Water Management Tool Simple l Smart l Sensus

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Johannesburg Head Office www.sensus.com Sensus South Africa (Pty) Ltd, 17 Monza Close, Kyalami, Park PO Box 31720, Kyalami, 1684 Tel: +27(0)11 466 1680 Fax: +27(0)11 466 1695 Email: sales.za@sensus.com

WAR ON LEAKS

Water under the

Wawiel bridge

The Wawiel bridge over the Vals River in Kroonstad, Free State

The Sarel Cilliers bridge in the northern Free State is known locally as the Wawiel because of its rounded and spoked design resembling an ox wagon wheel. Built in 1941, it spans the Vals River in Kroonstad, one of the towns under the jurisdiction of the Moqhaka Local Municipality.

ATER SOMETIMES FLOWS

requiring the construction of floating scaf-

Pipe preparation

under bridges in more ways

folding in the turbulent water beneath the

Before installing a new liner, the host pipe

than one, which is specifi-

bridge. This costly method would have been

must be properly cleaned and prepared.

cally the case at the Wawiel

a necessity had there been no other, more

For the Wawiel bridge mains, a push cam-

cost-effective option available.

era was used to inspect the inside of the

bridge, due to a potable water main being suspended beneath its soffit. As a result of

length of pipe to be relined. The line was

the pipe’s position above the Vals River, the

Relining rescue

then inspected once again after the pipe

pipeline had been subjected to excessive

Nu Flow saved the municipality a con-

had been cleaned, as is standard practice,

buffeting from floating objects. This resulted

siderable amount of time and money by

to ensure that all debris had been properly

in multiple leaks in the pipe, particularly in

instead proposing the use of its structural

removed before winching the new lining

the vicinity of the biggest indentation.

pipe relining technology. For this process,

into place.

a standard structural liner, incorporating a

In this case, the old pipe had a bitumen

Call to action

purpose-made felt tube, was used. This was

lining that was removed with Nu Flow’s

In order to remedy the situation, experienced

then saturated in a red epoxy – certified for

specialised pipe cleaning tools. The pipe

leak detection and pipe maintenance firm Nu

use in potable water pipelines – that was

cleaning process removed the old lining,

Flow South Africa was called on to repair a

pulled into place with an integral disposable

internal corrosion and sediment build-up.

96 m section of the steel pipeline, with a 230

bladder. The bladder was inflated to form an

Once the new lining had been cured in

mm diameter. The traditional solution to this

epoxy-saturated felt against the inside of the

place, a final inspection was completed

type of challenge would be to replace the en-

host pipe. Once cured, this became a ‘pipe

to ensure that the lining was properly

tire length of leaking pipe, which would have

within a pipe’, with a new potential lifespan

installed

been complicated and expensive, possibly

of more than 50 years.

pipe section.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

before

recommissioning

the

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ME TERS

Water flow management

gets sharper

Growing technological challenges in water supply networks and facilities call for industry-optimised design.

HETHER water,

IT’S process

drinking water

self-diagnosis tions

func-

increase

the

wastewater, in urban or rural

plant reliability and

areas,

provide

water

has

become

maximum

a scarce and valuable commodity. The

transparency.

The

aims of sustainable water management

verifiability

the

have been clearly set: supplying sufficient

measurement results

quantities,

is based on traceable

with

area-wide

distribution,

allocation and optimum cleaning. The result

verification

is an increase in the demands placed on the

monitoring and clear fault categorisation for

facility operators.

specific maintenance measures.

Integration and intelligent data manage-

Compatible

concepts,

analog

permanent

output

fault

signals

–

Endress+Hauser has released new, cuttingedge flow measurement technology called the Promag 400, which easily exceeds basic measuring requirements

ment are becoming increasingly important

HART@, PROFIBUS@ DP, MODBUS RS485

on account of the growing degree of auto-

– through to Ethernet IP enable seamless

mation in water and wastewater treatment

integration into existing process control sys-

plants. However, what is crucial is the precise

tems, including documentation. Since the

underwater or underground. The Promag

measurement of water flows. To do this,

device drivers are available throughout the

W 400 is specially designed for these harsh

plant operators need robust, high-quality

technology’s entire life cycle, compatibility

conditions

flow meters. Global measurement instrumentation, services and solutions company Endress+Hauser has released new, cutting-edge flow measurement technology called the Promag 400, which easily exceeds these basic measuring requirements. This device series represents industry-optimised design and impresses with its simplicity and reliable operation. Where the accurate

The device configuration and checking is simple – and the latest web server technology enables time-saving operation without additional software

measurement of water quantities is essen-

guarantees

consistently

protective measures or costs. To this end, Promag W 400 boasts the following assurances: • certified corrosion protection for device installation underwater, underground, and in regions with a saline environment with strong moisture or temperature fluctuations (such as deserts or the tropics) • reliable, long-term operation due to ro-

tial, the Promag 400 is the key to optimal

between the field device and the process

quantity balancing, process regulation and

control system is guaranteed at all times.

billing for measuring points.

Uncomplicated

and

reliable operation without any additional

bust, fully welded sensors • anti-corrosion connection housing made from Lexan polycarbonate with a multi-

Life-cycle management

sealing concept.

In addition, the company’s tried and tested

The device configuration and checking is

W@M information system provides efficient

Promag range

simple – and the latest web server technol-

life-cycle management for design, mainte-

The following solutions are available in the

ogy enables time-saving operation without

nance and service. The power supply is also

Promag range. The Promag L is a versatile

additional software. Uploading and down-

new: the same device can be used for alter-

standard instrument featuring a unique

loading parameters can be easily performed

nating voltages of between 18 V and 260 V,

loose-flange concept (DN300 and smaller);

for data storage and the fast commissioning

and for direct current voltages between 18 V

the product offers maximum flexibility for

of multiple, identical measuring points.

and 30 V. By using just one wide-range pow-

installation, regardless of the orientation of

er unit, the risk of damage due to incorrect

the tube flange pitch diameter.

Also, data storage (HistoROM) with trend analysis and process monitoring is carried

wiring in the field is ruled out.

The Promag W is a specialist for every occa-

out automatically. This ensures the rapid re-

Consistent measuring devices are often

sion, with certified corrosion resistance. The

covery of device data in the event of servic-

installed outdoors and are exposed to heat,

Promag D is a compact intermediate-flange

ing and enables electronic components to

dust and fluctuating climatic conditions.

device with a space-saving design for use in

be replaced without adjustment. Extensive

Even more of a challenge is permanent use

the smallest spaces.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Water& Sanitation Complete water resource and wastewater management

Africa

www.infrastructurene.ws

Stay current with new developments and technical information on the water industry

The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA)

ME TERS

Accurate flow measurement for partially filled pipes Industrial process and instrumentation supplier Krohne has significant experience in flow measurement in partially filled pipes. The company’s Tidalflux 2300 F continues the line of Tidalflux flowmeters that have been in the market for more than 16 years.

HE NEW Tidalflux 2300 F is de-

especially

signed to provide reliable flow

partially

measurement for flow streams

electromagnet-

from 10% of the pipe diameter.

ic flow meters:

The accuracy in partially filled pipes is <1%

their electrodes

of full scale, and the accuracy in full pipes is

may have only

<1% of the measured value. Tidalflux 2300

very

short

F does not require on-site calibration as it

lifespan

when

is wet-calibrated at the factory in a direct

in contact with the strongly corrosive H2S.

Although municipal or industrial waste-

comparison of volumes.

The electrodes of the Tidalflux 2300 F are

water transport is its main area of applica-

for filled

Tidalflux 2300 F electromagnetic flow meter with integrated level measurement for partially filled pipes

Due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide

mounted at a height of 10% from the pipe

tion, Tidalflux 2300 F can also be used for

(H2S) in many wastewater applications,

bottom, ensuring that they are always wet-

the measurement of effluent brine from

the new Tidalflux 2300 F features an ATEX

ted to avoid corrosion. The capacitive-level

dredging, mining or sea/well water injec-

zone 1 approval. Here, the in-line flow

sensors are integrated in the liner and have

tion applications. Ranging from diameters

meter is a closed measurement solution

no contact with the medium. Therefore

DN200 to DN1 600, the measuring tube of

for a safe and clean working environment,

they are unaffected by H2S and any res-

Tidalflux 2300 F comes with a polyurethane

replacing open-channel measurements. In

idues that may be floating on the water

liner, which is resistant to abrasion that may

addition to creating a toxic and explosive

surface (for example fat or oil) or particles in

be caused by particles such as sand and

atmosphere, H2S presents another problem

the water.

stones suspended in the brine.

Measuring the future

UE TO A NUMBER

components is always going

investment where there is a

of global economic

to be the deciding factor in

strong drive to build and buy

factors, including

where investors choose to place

meters locally.

increasing Chinese

their bets. Leading developing

Ultimately, metering in

labour costs, the meter

countries with strong

emerging markets shows the

manufacturing sector has fallen

manufacturing credentials, such

most promise in the short to

into something of a slump

as South Africa and Ethiopia in

medium term in countries such

the imperative to stimulate

in recent years. However, by

Africa, and India and Vietnam in

as Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia,

the economy through local

reacting to the situation with

Asia, have the potential to gain

South Africa and the central

production is itself a factor

agility and a sound business-

a huge chunk of the European

East African region. Bringing

that could increase the need

minded approach, African

market share if they position

production to these countries

for water meters – creating

meter manufacturers may soon

themselves correctly. It’s worth

and regions would reduce the

growth in markets where

be ahead of the curve. Lower

noting that this is unlikely to

carbon cost of creating these

the infrastructure has not yet

manufacturing costs of meter

be the case with American

products, provide valuable skills

been installed.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

development, and create jobs. Over and above that,

PANEL DISCUSSION | INTRO

Noting the diversity of

effluent approaches

Southern Africa boasts a number of talented people in the fields of engineering, research, hydrology, policy and consulting. Water&Sanitation Africa focuses on how these talents are being exercised in the fields of industrial water and mine water treatment.

HE VAST RANGE of technologies

potable reserves. Reasons for this include

the challenge is not only an issue of water

available for the treatment of water

mine water pollution, mine closures, and

availability; it is, perhaps first and foremost,

reflects the diversity of industries

increased carbon-based energy production,

an issue of declining water quality. The

and mining practices in need of

among others. Furthermore, the issue of

quality of freshwater resources has been

effluent treatment. While the specific treat-

poor water quality has been tipped to

on a steady decline owing to increased pol-

ment protocols and technologies lie in the

become the biggest factor determining

lution and 40% of the freshwater systems

specialists’ hands, water sector professionals

whether the country’s economy will flourish

are now in a critical condition, while 80%

as a whole also have a compelling need to

or fail in the future.

are threatened.”

understand them in order to proactively

Water quality priority

Working together

The reason for this is that pollutants are

According to a recent WWF report, entitled

The more the water industry as a whole

entering the country’s water reserves at a

‘The Food Energy Water Nexus’, “Fresh wa-

takes a convergent approach to industrial

rate faster than they can be treated, drasti-

ter is predicted to become the determining

and mining water treatment, the more

cally reducing the quality of South Africa’s

constraint

effectively and economically the urgent

maintain South Africa’s water security.

development.

However,

matter of water security will be solved. This notion is backed up by some of the latest international research suggesting that

combining

effluent

streams

with

municipal wastewater treatment is a feasible cost-saving mechanism, as long as industrial and mining wastewaters are first tested to determine whether there are any hazardous or intractable contaminants that require special treatment technologies, either before or after the municipal sewage treatment process.

Legal compliance South African environmental legislation supports the convergent approach, urging companies to provide “a detailed description of the waste stream in terms of both volume (quantity) and quality (i.e. listing all substances present, and their concentrations and loads).” The legislation also makes explicit provision for companies that use municipal facilities when treating their wet waste. In order to ensure best practice and optimise the treatment of industrial and mine water, water professionals across the industry want to know more about the latest innovations and services available in South Africa today.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER

Herman Smit

QFS

Managing Director

hat effluent and/or mine water streams does your company specialise in treating? HS QFS has a suite of technologies available that

For industrial wastewater, QFS uses membrane-softening, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and electrodeionisation. Food and beverage

target specific contaminants

effluents, with a different

found in the different

set of contaminants, require

wastewater streams. As a

technologies like screening

leading water treatment

and flotation. QFS has a

company in South Africa,

revolutionary approach to

QFS is able to treat any

the removal of fat, oils and

effluent from any industry.

grease with the installation of its GEM flotation technology.

Which two types of waste streams does your company treat most often? Industrial

for which QFS has installed

Does your company manufacture or provide specific products and components to facilitate these processes and, if so, can you describe them? QFS bases its designs

treatment equipment.

on pre-engineered skid

wastewater, and food and beverage effluents are two good examples of streams

technology – localised for

What processes does your company recommend for these waste streams?

cost savings and suitability.

The two abovementioned

has been implemented

processes are diverse

worldwide and allows QFS to

and show the different

tap into valuable experience

technologies available

and knowledge from interna-

from QFS.

tional partners.

Developed by Evoqua Water Technologies, the equipment

Reverse osmosis membrane systems for industrial waste water treatment

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

“Clean water?”

“Infrastructure!”

Delivering sustainable infrastructure that improves our world. “DOING GOOD WHILE DOING BUSINESS”

Contact www.bigenafrica.com, or the office most convenient to you: Pretoria (012) 842 8700; Johannesburg (011) 802 0560; Bloemfontein (051) 430 1423; Cape Town (021) 919 6976; Durban (031) 717 2571; East London (043) 748 6230; Gabarone gaborone@bigenafrica.com; Kuruman (053) 712 2882; Mafikeng (018) 386 2111; Mthatha (047) 532 5234; Nelspruit (013) 755 1421; Polokwane (015) 297 4055; Richards Bay (035) 753 1235; Rustenburg (014) 597 3655; Windhoek +26 461 237 346.

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER

Dr Mias van der Walt Managing Principal: Water & Sanitation

BIGEN AFRICA

area but there wasn’t adequate sewage treatment for the plan

Bigen is traditionally considered

to go ahead.

an engineering services

velop are primarily for platinum,

What success have you had in the convergent water treatment space, where municipal and industrial interests are combined for better water security? We

Does your company manufacture or provide specific products and components to facilitate these processes and, if so, can you describe them?

ferrochrome and coal mines, but

TREATMENT TYPES What effluent and/mine water streams does your company specialise in treating?

a problem in a way that was

to this effort since

cost-effective, as opposed to

the first phase

implementing some expensive

of the Rustenburg project.

desalination technology.

Government had wanted to

MvdW We design systems to treat a broad range of different water types including raw river water, municipal and industrial effluent as well as mine water.

build human settlements in the

So, we developed a system

company, so we do not have

to sell treated wastewater to

a manufacturing facility to

the local mines for industrial

produce ‘products’. We view

often say to clients, perceptions

(non-potable) use. This inno-

ourselves as an agent assisting

we have also been involved in

of wastewater are changing

vative approach to transform

our clients with infrastructure

creating treatment systems for

and it’s no longer a nuisance

a local ‘liability’ into an ‘asset’

development. However, we

managing water in gold mines.

by-product to be disposed of

enabled the municipality to

live in a dynamic environment

but an asset with value that

fund the necessary upgrades

and so Bigen is also reviewing

What is your company’s professional approach?

needs to be managed – espe-

required to build the sewage

the potential of developing

cially in a water-scarce country

treatment systems. Not only

in-house technologies.

Bigen Africa takes an analytical

like South Africa.

that, but we also upgraded

The mine water systems we de-

approach based on the fact

For example, Bigen is currently

what was at that time a defunct

that we have to understand

involved in the second phase of

water treatment works to create

Do you offer specialist services? The company has an

the water balance of a system

a project to deliver reticulated

a sustainable supply to the area.

engineering wing specialising in

– what’s going in and what’s

water to Rustenburg com-

The profits from these initiates

water, energy, roads, structures,

coming out – and elements of

munities. As President Jacob

were ring-fenced and this was

land and human settlements

the water balance where water

Zuma mentioned in his recent

used to pay for the bulk water

development, and we have a

can be reused. Without that, it’s

State of the Nation Address,

and wastewater infrastructure.

second wing that focuses on

impossible to claim a holistic

the South African government

approach and address the

is prioritising the provision of

ject is currently underway and

such as municipal revenue

real issues.

water infrastructure for human

will see the capacity of the local

enhancement services from

settlements that developed as a

wastewater treatment works

infrastructure asset manage-

the company worked on water

result of mining activities. Bigen

extended, creating further

ment, and operations and

balance for a mine some years

has already been contributing

development opportunities.

maintenance monitoring.

I think back to a project where

The second phase of the pro-

downstream client services,

back. We travelled down a shaft and found an old drilling from the exploration stages that was never plugged. This one hole led to excessive surface water infiltration and flooding at the bottom of the shaft, as well as extensive mixing of clean and dirty water systems. I’ve heard

The mine water systems we develop are primarily for platinum, ferrochrome and coal mines, but we have also been involved in creating treatment systems for managing water in gold mines

of wet mine shafts and dry mine shafts but this was a really wet shaft! So we fixed the problem and this led to a reduction of water and energy use, and pollution. This is a good example of how our experience enabled us to apply common sense to solve

Bigen Africa specialises in engineering, management consulting and development finance to develop Africa’s infrastructure MARCH/APRIL 2015

The Water Research Commission (WRC) has dedicated many years of research to improving the quality of life of all South Africans, combating water poverty, through improving water productivity while managing water scarcity.

Now in its fifth decade, the WRC research funds are channelled towards studies aiming at achieving excellence in the production of knowledge required for the sustainable management of our water resources, water-linked ecosystems, and domestic, agricultural, mining and industrial water use and waste. This includes research focused on water service delivery, O&M, on-site and offsite sanitation. The WRC actively builds and supports the development of research capacity in previously disadvantaged universities while ensuring that water is one of the core research themes in South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic and research organisations. In all research fields, the WRC addresses key challenges facing our country on water security, sustainability of resource ecosystems and the water energy nexus, water quality, water use efficiency and development of new technologies.

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER

WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION (WRC)

Dr Valerie Naidoo Research Manager: Water Use & Waste Management

ow does your stateowned organisation specialise in industrial effluent and mine water, and the impacts these have on national water quality?

What is the parastatal’s approach to waste-stream management? There are

types of pollution

VN The WRC’s role is an iterative

a wide variety of different

ent loads like phosphate loads

to optimise the use of water

one which takes place through-

approaches. That being said,

entering a water system is that

within industrial processes.

out a broader decision-making

one of the biggest water

it can cause eutrophication,

framework. It starts with the

users is agriculture, so, in that

causing algal blooms in dams

evaluation of open- or direct-

instance, the WRC has a strong

and rivers.

ed-call research proposals from

portfolio of projects that

sector professionals pertaining

evaluate water-use efficiencies,

to new research that may be

water conservation and

required for water, including

demand management.

can comprise nitrogen, phos-

pollution load before it reaches

phates and metals, among

a critical condition. In addition,

a range of waste streams as

other contaminants such

due to water constraints in

these can be fairly specific per

as pesticides.

key areas of the country, we

industry type, and may entail

The problem with high nutri-

also look at models and tools

Can you provide a case study of where the WRC has contributed towards the betterment of a particular river/catchment/ water-related issue? If you

We have offered the sector

Does your organisation offer assessment services and, if so, what services are offered? The WRC does

‘Open call’ means that every

a series of models that can be

research and offers tools and

a legacy issue caused by

year at a certain cycle we receive

used for analysing non-point-

knowledge that could be

over 100 years of mining. As

proposals where water experts

source (diffused) pollution.

used by the private sector

a result, acid mine water is a

the industrial or mining sector.

look at mine water, we have

(researchers) outline a specific

major issue in South Africa and

sector challenge and then it is

acid mine drainage (AMD) has

our job, together with reviewers,

already started decanting in

to evaluate if the issue is

certain areas.

relevant and decide whether it

The WRC’s research indicates

warrants further investigation.

that we can’t simply solve

If it is decided that is the case,

the problem using one piece

we would then go to other

of technology or another,

relevant bodies, such as national

because this particular prob-

and local government, for

lem is ongoing and requires

example, and begin to organise

continuous attention, research

other stakeholders affected by

and intervention due to the

the issue.

nature of acid mine water.

Through this process, we

In the case of AMD, we’re not

highlight important facets of the issue for future intervention. Within our broader mandate, the WRC is funding research into a number of water activities affecting the

just looking at how to solve it

The WRC does research and offers tools and knowledge that could be used by the private sector to complete assessments for industry

entire water cycle. These range

today with a single approach or solution, but we are looking at the issue holistically in order to promote sustainability. So we asked the questions, “Do we have a range of technol-

from resource management to

Non-point-source pollution

to complete assessments for

ogies we can draw on? How

institutional arrangements at

occurs when it rains, creating

industry on the different types

effective are these? Are there

a regulatory and service-pro-

run-off from building sites and

of effluent that emanate from

different or smarter ways of

vision level, to the protection

roads (built environments) and

industrial complexes and the

handling acid mine water and

of the environment through

large land spaces like farms,

mining sector. Our analyses

its treatment?”

understanding water-linked

which may have pesticides

are directly linked to existing

In response, my colleague –

ecosystems, biodiversity and

or fertilisers. Point-source

bodies of research that either

Dr Jo Burgess – is conducting

water quality. In the case of

pollution from industry can

look at quantifying or solving

demonstrations of four differ-

the latter, we look at chemical,

also come from a pipe and may

water industry issues. This

ent technologies for treating

physical and microbiological

go into a river system, sewer

encompasses reviewing

AMD, with the aim of assessing

parameters as well as the

or land after treatment based

technologies, reviewing the

their effectiveness so that we

use of natural biomarkers to

on regulations administered

approaches used to treat and

have more data from which

determine whether water

by either local government or

manage pollution, as well

to draw our conclusions and

quality is being affected in a

the Department of Water and

as asking how we would go

more options for the treatment

specific system.

Sanitation, for example. These

about managing a particular

of acid mine water in future.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Degrémont, a subsidiary of SUEZ

ENVIRONNEMENT

is the world specialist in the design and construction of water treatment plants Degrémont Industry, your partner in sustainable, efficient and cost-effective water management

WATER TREATMENT FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY OPTIMUM WATER MANAGEMENT AND VALUE CREATION

• Understanding of the specific needs of mining industrialists • In-house expertise in water treatment and project management allowing you to stay focused on your core business challenges

• Water quality and quantity guarantee • Acid mine drainage • Worldwide presence, locally-adapted, and custom solutions

• Safe and reliable technologies • Expertise in stakeholder management: improving your image and your community relations by enhancing re-use of reclaimed effluents

• Ensuring compliance and continuous operations at the mine sites with sufficient servicing capabilities

• Optimum OPEX and asset preservation • Continuous improvement in both design and operation

COMMITTED TOGETHER TO WATER, A SOURCE OF LIFE Tel: +27 (0) 11 807 1983 • Fax: +27 (0)10 591 5095 www.degremont.com

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER Antonie De Bruin

DEGRÉMONT, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT GROUP

hat effluent and/or mine water streams does your company specialise in treating?

Therefore, for the purposes of

New Business Development Manager: Mining

been the world wa-

activities: design and

effluent and mine water treat-

ter treatment specialist for local

build, operation and services,

ment, our sludge treatment and

authorities and industrial com-

equipment and technologies,

industrial water treatment units

panies for more than 70 years.

and BOT (build, operate and

ADB Degrémont, a subsidiary

would come into play, drawing

Present in over 70 countries, the

transfer)/PPP (public-private

of the Suez Environnement

on expertise and knowledge

company has 5 000 employees

partnerships).

Group, has five areas of

throughout the other disciplines

and posted a revenue of €1.110

expertise in drinking water

to treat any type of wet waste.

billion in 2013.

What value assurances does your company offer regarding waste-stream management? Degrémont has

Africa for the construction of a

mining industry, from design,

drinking water plant at Djoué-

manufacturing, supply, instal-

Brazzaville in the Republic of

lation and after-sales service

the Congo in 1952, Degrémont

and support.

production, desalination by reverse osmosis (RO), wastewater treatment and recycling, and sludge and industrial water treatment units.

Since its first installation in

In addition, the company offers full turnkey solutions for all commodities in the

has been involved in over 500

Degrémont has been the world water treatment specialist for local authorities and industrial companies for more than 70 years

treatment plants, Degrémont

Does your company boast any specific in-house capabilities to facilitate these processes and, if so, can you describe them? Within the

works with its African clients to

company’s water treatment

meet their need for efficient,

and solutions portfolio for the

reliable, robust and economical

mining industry, we offer:

solutions for treating all types

• optimum water management

projects on the continent. With its excellent reputation for the quality of its design and build offering for wastewater

of wet waste. The company also provides environmental assurances. Within Suez Environnement, Degrémont is the group’s global water treatment specialist and, as such, is a key player in sustainable development.

and added value through Degrémont’s advanced technologies • understanding the specific needs of the mining industry • wastewater to drinkable water solutions • in-house expertise in water treatment and project man-

What is your company’s method for approaching the treatment of industrial effluent and mine water? Degrémont partners with its clients to ensure optimum sustainable, efficient and costeffective water management.

agement, relieving clients of their environmental burden • water quality and quantity guarantee • cost-effective strategies for dealing with acid mine drainage • safe and reliable technologies • expertise in stakeholder man-

Does your company offer assessment services and, if so, what services are offered?

agement: improving clients’

Yes, we do a complete water

reuse of reclaimed effluents

analysis on clients’ request.

and sustainable water

Normally, clients will have an

management practices for

indication of what is in their water and ask us how to rectify the problem.

image and their community relations by enhancing the

mine closure • ensuring compliance and continuous operations at the mine sites with sufficient

Seawater reverse osmosis skid

What services does your company offer and how are these beneficial to clients? Degrémont has four MARCH/APRIL 2015

servicing capabilities and cost-effectiveness • optimum operating expenses and asset preservation.

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER Peter Shepherd

SRK CONSULTING (SA)

Director, Partner & Principal Hydrologist

What effluent and mine water streams does your company specialise in treating? PS Mine water

contamination of groundwater

mitigation efforts

from facilities such as tailings

to allow reuse.

management is a key strength

environmental reasons,

of our organisation. SRK

dams, return-water dams

the forefront of these designs and negotiations with municipalities. Sedimentation or scaling is often costly to

it is vital that we prevent

What is your company’s approach to waste-stream management? We take a

is a niche specialist in the

groundwater from entering

cradle-to-grave approach,

incentive for mines to imple-

treatment of wastewater

underground mines; and we

which can be called life-cycle

ment strategies for the reuse

and polluted surface and

have also been very successful

planning. Before a mine is even

and conservation of water.

groundwater. Our integrated

in developing solutions to

sited, we’re already looking at

approach makes us a one-stop

minimise groundwater inflow

closure costs; because a mine

shop for the design and

into underground and pit

won’t be cost-efficient if it

implementation of solutions to

workings, and in fact reusing

needs expensive waste-stream

What services does your company offer and how are these beneficial to clients?

complex water problems.

this water in other areas of

management further down the

Aside from those already

the mine. The ability of our

line. In addition, if too much

mentioned, SRK Consulting

studies and solutions might

principal hydrogeologists to

pollution is created, that land

also provides data on the level

require us to minimise con-

carry out groundwater flow

will be affected for many years

at which a particular waste

taminated run-off from mine

modelling is key to providing

after closure; so a proper EIA

stream needs to be treated.

areas by diverting clean water

this type of service.

and cost analysis have to be

Different waste streams have

undertaken right at the start.

different properties, and while

For example, surface water

away from dirty or polluted

and dumps. For safety and

By taking an integrated

areas. This would involve the

approach and considering

design of containment canals

both surface and groundwater

as well as lined stormwater and

issues, we can provide an

effluent dams.

clean from the inside of towers and pipes, and so there is a cost

some of these can be reused in cooling, others can be treated

optimal solution for both mine

Which types of waste streams does your company treat most often? Sewage is

We are often called upon

water supply and to assist local

the most common waste

scaling cannot be used in

to assist in the positioning of

communities to find a reliable

stream that we address,

cooling, but it could be used for

mine infrastructure so that it

source of water.

especially around mines. It

flocculation. Water unsuitable

has become standard practice

for this purpose might be more

for slightly different purposes. For example, water that causes

does not encroach below the

SRK also provides services

1 in 100-year flood lines. The

relating to compliance with

in mining to use wastewater

suited to tailings. Providing

placement of infrastructure has

regulatory requirements. For

in mines because of its low

data that allows the appropri-

both cost and environmental

example, any abstraction,

salt content and suspended

ate level of treatment is there-

implications, which require spe-

storage and discharge of

sedimentation. Mines work

fore a vital aspect of choosing

cialist input into Environmental

water needs to be licensed.

with municipalities to set aside

the appropriate intervention.

Impact Assessment (EIA)

Our team of water experts

a capital contribution towards

services provided by our

assists in the licensing of water

their wastewater treatment

own environmental team.

uses for mines, agriculture,

plants and we have been at

This assists in mitigating the

industries and municipalities.

overall impact of a mine on its

This is often the first step in a

surrounding environment and

longer process that requires

reduces rehabilitation costs

the design of water treatment

when the mine reaches the end

facilities, waste management

of its useful life.

and the assessment of entire

The careful management

mine or industrial water

of surface water is closely

management systems. Working

related to the management

with technology providers, SRK

of groundwater resources.

provides consulting services for

Our services in groundwater

this type of project.

are varied and solution-driven

Once the initial planning

to minimise groundwater

and design of the water

pollution, and provide supply

solutions is completed, our

and dewatering solutions. Led

civil engineers are able to

by principal hydrogeologist

investigate the building of

Di Duthe, we have developed

culverts to reduce flooding, the

groundwater remediation

use of groundwater barriers

solutions to minimise the

to line a trench, and similar

SRK Consulting (SA) specialises in environmental protection, water conservation and cost mitigation on mines

MARCH/APRIL 2015

1 minute. 1 technology. 808,000 liters

of water saved. The numbers are truly astounding. Looking at just one of Nalco’s innovations, 3D TRASAR™ Technology, these are the water savings experienced every minute by our customers worldwide. In fact, since its introduction 3D TRASAR Automation alone has saved over two trillion gallons of water. It’s only one of a broad offering of Nalco technologies and services that save water and reduce energy consumption, helping companies reduce operational costs and environmental footprints.

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Let us show you how to operate more sustainably, and more profitably. Contact Nalco today.

R E I N V E N T I N G T H E WAY WAT E R I S M A N A G E D Nalco Africa Operations 1 AMPÈRE ROAD, CHLOORKOP, EDENGLEN 1624 Tel: +27 (0)11 578 5000 Fax: +27 (0)11 393 1567 nalcoafricareception@nalco.com www.nalco.com/sa © 2015 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved

PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER

Casimiro da Silva Santos, Regional Sales &

NALCO

Marketing Manager: Water & Process Services Africa

An Ecolab Company

What effluent and/or mine water streams does your company specialise in treating? CSS Nalco has the

and then do a site survey; this is

of water chemistry

made in conjunction with two

and microbiology, and is also

types of analysis. The first uses

able to calculate flows, as well

samples we’ve collected and

as addressing stresses in the

innovations and expertise to

sent to the Nalco laboratories

system. This platform has been

What do clients need to know when choosing a service provider to manage their effluent streams? Good risk analysis

treat all types of industrial

in Leiden, the Netherlands, for a

continually improved and

requires the right information.

effluent. Some of the industries

full-scope, detailed analysis. For

adapted; so where it was pri-

That means looking at in-

we are well known for pursuing

this service, we contract a cou-

marily used in cooling water, it

house talent and determining

include pulp and paper, power,

rier and normally the samples

can now be applied to boilers,

the gaps.

chemicals, pharmaceuticals,

will be shipped and received

membrane treatment and also

manufacturing, the automotive

back within 24 to 48 hours. The

wastewater streams.

industry and mining.

second comprises a complete

We also cover primary metals.

Customers have access

From there, a service provider needs to be chosen to fill that gap; that partner needs to

analysis, which takes 10 days at

to these parameters online

be trustworthy. I’m proud to

the most, where a preliminary

through our website, where

say that I work for a global

What is your company’s approach to waste-stream management? We look at

report is issued 48 hours after

they are able to do bench-

company with more than 90

the samples are received.

marking analyses and have

years’ experience, and we can

access to the dashboard of

provide the necessary client

the components of specific

modelling software to enter

important parameters.

assurances.

wastewater streams and try to

these data analyses, we can use

make the water balanced by

those specifications to design

understanding which compo-

a programme for mechanical,

nents should go for treatment

chemical or operational

and what can be recycled.

solutions to treat water.

Nalco is predominantly

After using mathematical

Nalco’s 3D TRASAR technology provides complete automated control where parameter information is updated every 24 hours and accessible from any terminal with an Internet connection

In addition, we have the

involved in cooling and boiling

capacity to offer a consulting

water, and influent treatment.

service, called ‘Best Practices

To assist the relevant sectors to

Gap Analysis’. For this solution,

reuse greater volumes, we start

we work together with

by analysing water for its recy-

clients, spending a full week

cling and reuse potential before

at their property, doing a

it enters the plant. Through this

full-scope analysis, after which

process, we assist industry to

we generate a report with

achieve greater concentration

our recommendations.

cycles, which diminishes the

as separation, or anaerobic and

Does your company manufacture or provide specific products and components to facilitate these processes and, if so, can you describe them? In our chemistry port-

aerobic digestion.

folio, we have a comprehensive

amount of effluent going to wastewater treatment plants. Once wet waste reaches the plant, we would then typically use traditional treatments such

arsenal of solutions including

Does your company offer assessment services and, if so, what services are offered? We offer assessment services

coagulants, flocculants, anti-scalants, anti-corrosion agents and microbicides. On the automation side,

as part of our total solutions.

we offer the 3D TRASAR

What we’d typically do is take

Technology platform, which de-

the specifications we’re given

livers control and optimisation

To assist the relevant sectors to reuse greater volumes, we start by analysing water for its recycling and reuse potential before it enters the plant MARCH/APRIL 2015

Water Treatment

Rare Water Treatment offers tailor made electrochemical treatment solutions that can easily be conďŹ gured and installed together with conventional treatment processes to offer treatment for a wide variety of applications. Fast implementation and small footprint allows plants to be installed and maintained with minimal impact and cost.

HEAD OFFICE: 011 906 8000 RARE PLASTICS: 016 362 2868 info@rare.co.za I www.rare.co.za

PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MINE WATER

RARE WATER TREATMENT What effluent and mine water streams does your company specialise in treating? HR Rare Water

tried-and-tested laboratory

• textile, tannery

Hennie Roets Director: Water Treatment

electro-reduction,

scanning methods to determine

and paint industries:

electro-coagulation and

the suitable electrochemical

removing colour, reactives

electro-flotation.

process. This is achieved by

and particulates; removal of

Treatment focuses on acidic coal

both the direct treatment of

lignin, COD and stubborn

mine water by applying a com-

pollutants at the electrode

total suspended solids, and

bination of electro-reduction

surfaces (oxidation – reduction )

and electro-coagulation tech-

and indirectly by the production

nologies. The electrochemical

of radicals and other activated

technology utilised has much

redox reagents, such as Al3+,Al7+,

broader applications. Electro-

Fe3+, Fe6+, and powerful oxidising

of radioactive nuclides from

Apart from the imported power

oxidation was shown to remove

agents, such as OH (hydroxyl

cooling pond water

electronics and associated

high levels of COD (chemical

radical), O2 (superoxide anion),

• toxic waste streams:

software, Rare offers a fully

oxygen demand) at astonish-

HO2 (Hydro-peroxyl radical),

breakdown of polychlorin-

locally produced plant. The

ingly low power consumption.

ozone and hydrogen peroxide.

ated biphenyls, herbicides

physical electrochemical

and pesticides.

plant does not have many

Similarly, it also removed dyes from waste streams.

The next step will be to model

recovery of fibres • ship industry: bilge, grey and laundry water treatment • nuclear industry: Removal

a solution and get client buy-in.

Does your company manufacture or provide specific products and components to facilitate these processes and, if so, can you describe them?

moving parts, exotic filters or membranes. It is, therefore,

results are not conclusive or

What processes does your company recommend for these waste streams?

It is sometimes required to do

What is your company’s approach to waste-stream management? Rare associates itself

a pilot trial when laboratory the client needs more proof of

Our patented and licensed

maintenance expertise. Further

with various companies that

the solution. In more than 50

process can be best described

options for remote control

render a total water solution.

applications worldwide, the

as follows:

and automation are available.

Rare focuses on electrochemical

upscaling from laboratory work

water treatment and our focus

to full-scale applications has

waterborne contaminants as

configurations is also available

is on providing a unique step in

been done successfully.

being billions of electrically

to suit any client application.

total solutions. We are constant-

Imagine water and

easy to manufacture and requires less-sophisticated

A wide range of system

charged molecules. approach is to become smarter:

minimal or no chemical addition

Which types of waste streams does your company treat most often? As mentioned,

instead of adding more and

What services does your company offer and how are these beneficial to clients?

and is a cleaner answer to many

Rare focuses on acidic coal mine

more chemicals and bacteria to

Rare Water Treatment will,

water treatment problems. The

water in South Africa. The appli-

treat or condition water, only

upon completion of the design

low energy consumption of

cation of the technology is much

clean electrons are added. Only

stage, issue a proposal that

these water treatment applica-

wider though. Elsewhere in

‘useful’ electrons are added

will include:

tions is increasingly drawing the

world, the following applications

and, as a result, there are no

• an assessment of the

attention of potential users.

have been successful:

unwanted ‘spectator’ ions

effectiveness of the

• mine water: removal of metals

introduced. These introduced

technology (i.e. the

and superfines, reduction of

electrons reorganise the molec-

percentage of treatment

acidity without neutralising

ular network to both sieve out

agents, and recovery of minerals

and destroy contaminants.

ly searching for new applications for this technology, as it requires

Can you tell Water&Sanitation Africa readers more about your technological innovations? Rare will typically use

•g roundwater: removal of

The Rare Water Treatment

Electrochemistry has been

achieved per determinant) • a budget price quotation for the proposed system

humic acid,

available for a long time; but in

(dependent upon scope,

colloids, super

Rare Water Treatment’s appli-

requirements and existing

fines, arsenic,

cation of the technology, the

clays and

power consumption to supply

low levels

these electrons is very low.

of iron and

Our intelligent and adaptive

manganese

control algorithms continually

Action of the electrooxidisation process after just four minutes

treatment processes) • a statement of performance guarantee and warranty • an estimate of operating costs and a cost-benefit analysis

optimise the water treatment

• a process flow diagram of the

performance to ensure energy

proposed scheme, including

efficiency even with changes in

integration with the existing

feedwater quality and flow rate. In the field of electrochem-

plant where applicable •a n estimated delivery,

istry, Rare Water Treatment

installation, commissioning,

can apply electro-oxidation,

and training period schedule.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

SANITATION

Cutting clear

the maintenance red tape Amanz’ abantu has developed a unique model for service delivery that addresses a desperate need in the sanitation sector and creates jobs. Greater legislative support is now what’s needed to keep up the momentum, finds Water&Sanitation Africa.

ASTERN CAPE water and

health) for people’ in isiXhosa, the

development,

sanitation services company

company has grown from around 5

and ongoing growth. “By keeping

Amanz’ abantu, established

trainee franchisees to 22, consisting

the infrastructure they service in

of micro enterprises, which service

working order, the franchisees offer

supply and sanitation services for

the

an indispensable support system to

communities living in rural areas.

schools

Under its subsidiary, Impilo Yabantu

“Essentially, each franchisee is capa-

Services, the company has pioneered

ble of providing sanitation services to

Sanitation focus

a water and sanitation servicing and

diverse clients – from service stations

The roll-out of ventilated improved

maintenance social franchising mod-

to clinics,” explains Ive. “The range

pit (VIP) and other on-site toilet

el, which is proving a sustainable, vi-

of services they can offer also keeps

systems across South Africa hap-

able contributor to help meet South

growing and, in addition to basic

pened without much consideration

African sanitation goals.

sanitation services such as cleaning

as to what to do with the systems

Social franchising of water ser-

and the removal of faecal sludge,

once they were full, broken or old.

vices as a model for enterprise

some of the franchisees can now fix

Moreover, as Ive says, the public ser-

development and sustainable san-

gutters, do basic plumbing, and work

vice tender system still doesn’t pro-

itation

with

1997,

provides

maintenance

water

programmes

sanitation and

requirements some

water-harvesting

for

households.

sustainable

futures

their communities,” adds Ive.

infrastruc-

vide for longer-term solutions. Price

– particularly for rural and peri-urban

ture.” The franchisees come from

and technology tend to remain static

communities – represents an inte-

the bottom of the socio-economic

and there is nothing in place to drive

grated response to South Africa’s

pyramid, often with no previous

prices down and take the processes

developmental needs. “We identi-

income at all, and Amanz’ abantu is

to the next level.

fied two critical components that

opening up possibilities that provide

seemed to hamper the sustainability

opportunities for income, business

“We do see some of the larger municipalities

making

progress;

Impilo Yabantu, which means ‘hygiene for people’ in isiXhosa, provides services based on an innovative social franchising model

of emerging enterprises: financial viability, and accessing support in terms of running a business and developing skills,” explains Oliver Ive, Amanz’ abantu’s managing director. The business case for the social franchising idea was to eradicate the need to pay large amounts of money for highly trained people to travel from cities to remote locations, when the routine nature of the work means it could be done by local entrepreneurs.

Franchise success “The survival rate of our franchisees is very high,” Ive points out. “We hardly ever lose a franchisee, and the programme really motivates the participants, who invest serious time and effort into their business.” Starting out five years ago as Impilo Yabantu, which means ‘hygiene (or MARCH/APRIL 2015

SANITATON eThekwini, in particular, is working

Lessons learned

needed is for all stakeholders to

far

with

Collective action to tackle sanitation

review the legislation and approved

on-site

maintenance issues has generally

practices to ensure suitable pro-

sanitation systems, and Buffalo City

yielded

cedures

is revising its contract terms to try

actions of individuals or single com-

equipping municipal officials with

to achieve better results,” says Ive.

panies. The complex nature of the

the means to plan and implement

The Amathole District Municipality

problem, from understanding the

suitable solutions.

has recognised the need to service

laws and regulations to economic

Equipping local government to

its household VIPs; however, much

opportunity seeking, requires a cross

ensure basic services are met means

is still to be done in formulating

pollination of ideas to drive the pro-

engaging all stakeholders in mean-

appropriate

models.

cess forward. “This collective input is

ingful conversation. “The sanitation

Rural areas fare less well due to a

essential for the development of our

practitioners are generally pleased

lack of capacity and constant per-

Impilo Yabantu brand and, through

that the portfolio of sanitation has

sonnel changes. “The Department

this brand, we can provide confi-

been brought back into the former

of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has

dence in, and assurance of, service

Department of Water Affairs – but

a significant role to play in fixing

standards. The franchise model also

now what’s needed is for the de-

this problem, especially now that it

provides for self-regulation where

partment to reassume its lead role

has taken back the sanitation man-

standard operating procedures are

date,” says Ive. On a positive note,

developed in collaboration with

local government to allocate the

the client,” explains Ive.

necessary budgets and deadlines

Regulation is also carried

for the implementation of sanitation

out through the usual

maintenance

authorities.

However,

What he is asking for is that local

Ive warns that applying

government be equipped with a

inappropriate

national understanding of how to

regards

One of the biggest potential dampers on the growth of the business’s necessary sanitation services is legislative red tape

programmatically servicing

its

contractual

better

results

than

laws

the

regulations for the man-

are

authorised,

encouraging

and

thereby

authorising

projects,”

says

Ive.

service pit latrines.

agement of pit latrines could put the sustain-

Inducted into the franchise

ability of the model in

At present, Impilo Yabantu doesn’t

jeopardy. “The big dan-

appoint its franchisees on the basis

ger is that overregulation

of tenders; the organisation has

from national level could

gone out to secure work and, once

scare off municipal offi-

that is done, interviews are carried

cials from addressing the

out to identify suitable entrepre-

faecal sludge problem,

neurs to be appointed. “After a

and doing nothing is not

process of developing the necessary

an option,” he says.

skills, we secured a contract with the

His argument is that

The roll-out of VIP and other on-site toilet systems across South Africa happened without much consideration as to what to do with the systems once they were full, broken or old

schools

in regulation and must

and water systems. On the basis of

do so because sanita-

this, we had a client with a good

tion is everyone’s issue,

footprint from which to develop the

and faecal sludge and

business,” explains Ive.

wastewaters

must

with

on-site

sanitation

managed safely for the

Conclusion

good of all. “We need to

In the end, it’s all about making a

the infrastructural component of

convince the DWS to see that what’s

good idea workable and bankable.

sanitation is improving, with more

needed is a different approach to

There are many ideas out there

competition and innovation from

managing faecal waste. We need

concerning how best to solve South

solutions providers.

to think about how we can provide

Africa’s water and sanitation difficul-

responsible,

affordable

ties, but Amanz’ abantu has been

problem – they are difficult and

management of faecal sludge at a

willing to make it happen. While the

unpleasant to clean. In some munici-

local level,” says Ive. It’s administra-

organisation already enjoys support

palities, the response to this problem

tively easy to put laws or regulations

from

is simply to consistently buy new wa-

in place that effectively prevent

is clear: more government under-

terless toilets and build them along-

addressing the disposal of latrine

standing and input into creating

side the old ones, wasting space and

waste and then turn a blind eye to

useful laws, regulations and practice

resources. One of the biggest ad-

the consequences. In the long run,

for faecal waste management (in-

vantages of Impilo Yabantu’s service

however, this will only exacerbate

cluding disposal and beneficiation)

model is that it provides a solution to

the country’s existing pit latrine

would assist the organisation to

this specific legacy challenge.

infrastructure challenges. What is

continue to grow and create jobs.

Pit latrines, in particular, pose a

Department of Education to service

government has a role

safe

and

MARCH/APRIL 2015

government,

the

message

WASTEWATER

Hartbeesfontein tech takes off

WATER

AST YEAR, WATER&SANITATION reported on an innovative technology called HYBACS, offered locally by Headstream Water Solutions. A year later, Headstream

Water Supply | Water Treatment | Industrial Water Management Minesite Water Management | Water Reuse & Recycling Chemistry and Geochemistry | Numerical Modelling

commercial director Julian Moore provides readers with an

update on the technology, which was recently selected for use at another wastewater treatment plant managed by East Rand water utility, ERWAT. The system was chosen on the basis of its successful performance at the Hartbeesfontein wastewater treatment works. “We are excited to have been awarded this new tender and I

Water management for sustainable business

understand it was the cost efficiency of the HYBACS solution provided to ERWAT coupled with the system’s superior performance at Hartbeesfontein in the North West province that swayed the selection committee in its favour,” comments Moore.

Proprietary technology The HYBACS system was developed by global company Bluewater Bio, headquartered in London, and Headstream has exclusive distributorship for sub-Saharan Africa. “The technology features numerous advantages – it reduces operating costs such as electricity by 20% to 30% and because HYBACS’s SMART units are capable of handling a high proportion of chemical oxygen demand efficiently, capital expenditure can be reduced

Julian Moore, commercial director, Headstream Water Solutions

by up to 50% in an upgrade scenario where HYBACS is retrofitted to an existing plant,” adds Moore. The HYBACS system looks a lot like rotating biocontactors from the outside, but they’re very different underneath their blue glass-reinforced plastic covers. “In basic terms, HYBACS is a hybrid biological nutrient removal activated sludge process where a fixed biomass process is combined with a conventional suspended biomass activated sludge process, followed by conventional secondary settlement via a clarifier. When combined with the existing suspended biomass activated sludge reactors, this system enables the plant to deal with a significantly increased load. HYBACS is therefore ideally suited to retrofitting older plants to augment supply,” explains Moore.

Installation HYBACS’s SMART units are also easy to install. Using a crane, the SMART units are placed into concrete basins, which can then be affixed to mounted bearings by the civil or mechanical contractor. “Installation of six units has, in my experience, taken as little as two

WorleyParsons has a strong track record in delivering innovative solutions utilising pipelines, groundwater and membrane technologies and sustainability modelling for cost-effective water solutions.

weeks,” concludes Moore.

- Over 30 years’ experience - Deep local knowledge - Global expertise - BBBEE Level 2

SMART units installed at Hartbeesfontein wastewater treatment works

MARCH/APRIL 2015

countries

166

www.worleyparsons.com

offices

37,500

people

WASTEWATER NALCO AN ECOLAB COMPANY

Revealing secrets for Casimiro da Silva Santos*, tells FRANCES RINGWOOD about how Nalco’s approach to water treatment is assisting to create a safer, cleaner, healthier world.

ALCO WAS started almost

back into R&D. “In 2013, Ecolab was

Vision and mission

90 years ago and the

listed as one of Forbes’s magazines

Many water companies will say they

name has evolved from

most innovative companies, which

put people first or that they offer

its original one, National

speaks to the company’s continual

superior return on investment or re-

Aluminium Corporation. It started

focus on optimisation and improving

duced total cost of ownership (TCO),

out in 1928 as the result of a merger

the lives of communities, as well as

but Nalco is in a unique position to

between industrial water treatment

creating profits for our stakeholders,

put its money where its mouth is. “My

firm Chicago Chemical Company and

sustainably,” says Da Silva Santos.

team’s mission in Africa is to provide

Aluminate Sales Corporation, which

South African context

stakeholders include shareholders,

for the optimisation of steam-pow-

Nalco first entered South Africa in the

customers, individuals and commu-

ered

1960s. “The company’s first project in

nities. These are all the stakeholders

number of buy-ins, buy-outs, mergers

this country was a joint venture (JV).

of Nalco’s Water and Process Service

and acquisitions, the company today

At the time, Nalco was operating as

Division, which I lead.

is part of the Ecolab Group, a corpo-

a private company, and the JV was

“To me, that’s what our philosophy

ration operating in 171 countries

called Anichem. We operated for

is: to provide added value to our

around the world with a staff comple-

many years in this manner. Then, in

clients, to address water scarcity and

ment of 25 000 people in the field,”

the late 1990s to early 2000s, Nalco

to lower TCO. We are not just simply

“We are not just simply a supplier of a product; we work with people to recycle and reuse water so that communities can have more.”

was acquired by Suez Lyonnaise des

a supplier of a product; we work with

Eaux. They decided to sell out our

people to recycle and reuse water so

assets here to our previous JV partner

that communities can have more.”

assets as Improchem. Fast-forward to

Call to action

Casimiro da Silva Santos, regional sales and marketing manager, Nalco

2010 and another partner and I were

Touching

stationed in South Africa to restart

Da Silva Santos is also a member of

the company in a JV with Protea

Nalco’s Water Corps, which assists

Chemicals. This created some confu-

disadvantaged communities all over

“In addition, Ecolab has over

sion in the market because, between

the world by giving them access to

1 600 R&D engineers, 500 of

2010 and 2012, two companies could

better-quality drinking water. “I’m

which hold a PhD,” he adds.

commercialise

technology

part of a group of volunteers that

– one being Improchem, the other

travel to other countries to provide

being Nalco Africa.

fresh water for people without using

locomotives.

“Following

explains Da Silva Santos.

Ecolab specialises in water, health, hygiene and energy

value to Nalco’s stakeholders. These

sold chemicals to Chicago’s railroads

AECI, which then rebranded these

Nalco

community

supply,

solutions. It boasts a $15

When Ecolab bought Nalco, the JV

Nalco technology – so it’s not a

billion annual turnover and

with Protea Chemicals was dissolved

promotional exercise. For example,

prizes innovation, investing

and today we are a standalone

the last project I participated in took

2% of its profits each year

Ecolab company.

me to the middle of the Nicaraguan

MARCH/APRIL 2015

WASTEWATER

healthier water jungle, very close to Colombia, for

servicing clients such as BMW, Toyota

TRASAR technology in South Africa

15 days. We were there to provide

and Volkswagen, to name a few.

since 2010. We have more or less 90

a better-quality potable supply for

Our operations are extensive – from

controllers installed in the country,

a community of 1 500 people who

partnering with our global mining

all monitoring water usage and the

had been forced to drink muddy,

customers like Vale in Mozambique,

performance of our treatments, while

discoloured water from their local

to the palm oil industries of West and

providing value to our customers.

service provider,” he explains. Poor

Central Africa,” says Da Silva Santos.

water quality was causing sickness

“Also worth mentioning is our APEX technology. This has been

among the local children – particular-

Future plans

used extensively in the automotive

ly diarrhoea, which can be fatal – so

Nalco sees Africa as a major avenue

sector for the detackification of

the call to action was urgent.

for growth, having identified the ad-

paints and, as well as being highly

“The dire state of the local water

vancement of regulatory frameworks

effective at reducing waste (sludge),

was due to a number of factors

as well as opportunities in the com-

it’s an extremely ecologically friendly

including

treatment

modities sector as a boon for water

paint-detackification technology as it

practices and poor availability; these

sector services and products. “And

is 99% biodegradable. It doesn’t con-

people were limited to four hours of

our strategy is working. Last year, for

tain formaldehyde or volatile organic

access to water distribution networks

example, our turnover increased by

compounds and thus protects the

per day. It was shocking to see.

16%,” enthuses Da Silva Santos.

health of the workers in this industry,”

poor

water

Of the group of people who were

Nalco’s impressive growth has also

tasked to intervene, I was the only

occurred as a direct result of the

explains Da Silva Santos. As a result of APEX’s green creden-

Nalco representative and the team

relationships the organisation has

tials, combined with a thorough array

members had been selected based

built with people, both internally,

of water treatment services, Nalco

on the project’s needs. Our job was

as a result of good hiring practices,

was

to find water solutions encompassing

and externally, from managing client

South Africa’s 2013 Services and

water treatment, flow and research.

relationships with a view to the

Consumables Award after having its

From a study of the area’s water

long term.

systems in operation for just one year:

*Casimiro da

an impressive win by any standards.

Silva Santos,

recognised

through

Toyota

balance, we determined that the op-

“We also have more aggressive

erational practices of the local water

plans for growth. South Africa, for

distribution company needed to be

example, has many industrial water

t +27 (0)11 578 5000

improved. From there we compiled

users that can still be exposed to the

www.nalco.ecolab.com

a financial assessment to build a case

wider range of innovations we offer

global water

study for presentation to the Wold

globally. Mozambique, Nigeria and

treatment spe-

Bank, so that it would provide project

Kenya also offer good growth po-

cialist Nalco, an

funds,” explains Da Silva Santos.

tential. Basically everywhere there’s

Ecolab company

regional sales and marketing manager at

economic activity, that is where there

Networking

is an opportunity for us to provide

Nalco works extensively with a num-

partnerships for better water treat-

ber of highly regarded international

ment,” says Da Silva Santos.

Spray Booth fitted with APEX technology

companies, including Peroni, Hormel Foods,

Nestlé,

Mondelez,

Wilmar

Achievements

and Wyndham Green. “We also

“For me, one of the company’s

have a significant footprint in the

biggest achievements has been the

South African automotive industry,

success of our deployment of 3D MARCH/APRIL 2015

WASTEWATER

Green Drop preview

now available

set of criteria is called the Green Drop

The most recent release of the Green Drop certifications, measuring the performance of the majority of SA’s wastewater treatment facilities, has been delayed. However, the DDWS and WRC have cooperated on providing the sector with vital pre-release data.

T 92

certification programme.

Process In order to ascertain whether sewage plants are compliant, a small team of wastewater experts travel around the country every two years conducting audits and scoring each wastewater system within individ-

DEPARTMENT

Water and Sanitation (DWS) and

the

Water

Programme: Highlights and Trends

ual municipalities and other public

from 2009 to 2013’.

sector wastewater service providers.

Research

A positive spin-off of the practice is

Background

that it provides an opportunity for a

cooperated to release an analysis of

In 2008, the DWS realised that many

government regulator to intervene

highlights and trends of the Green

municipalities do not manage, main-

urgently in local authorities with

Drop certification programme from

tain and operate their wastewater

poor sewage treatment.

2009 to 2013. Water&Sanitation

systems in compliance with legisla-

Africa contacted both organisations

tion. This poses a risk to human health

Statistics

to enquire on the status of the

and a safe environment. As a result, a

According to the SWS-WRC report,

release of the analysis documen-

set of criteria was developed to assess

“The

tation and was informed it was in

the entire wastewater system within

participating in the Green Drop

the process of being complied. In

each municipality in South Africa, also

assessments has steadily increased

the meantime, here is a breakdown

taking into account facilities’ abilities

since 2009. In this regard, 152 mu-

of the ‘Green Drop Certification

to provide acceptable service. This

nicipalities participated in the 2013

Commission

(WRC)

have

MARCH/APRIL 2015

number

municipalities

WASTEWATER Green Drop assessments, compared to 98 municipalities assessed in 2009 – an increase of 55%. Similarly, the number of wastewater systems assessed in 2009 has also increased from 444 to almost 1 000 wastewater systems in 2013, representing a 56% increase over five years. In this regard, 100% of municipalities have responded positively to the Green Drop challenge and showed up for audits every year, with more and more municipal systems having

responsible

managed to achieve higher scores

ment, discharge, or

treat-

each year.”

reuse of wastewater

The report’s compilers stress the

and its by-products,

achievement of these gains, as

is through the use

they’ve taken place despite the strin-

of risk assessment

gent nature of the Green Drop cer-

and

tification criteria, designed initially

that

to gradually become more rigorous

all

over their various iterations in order

wastewater

to hold service providers to a high

chain, the DWS and

standard of accountability. The ra-

WRC put into place

tionale for this approach is to effect

the Wastewater Risk

an attitude and behavioural change,

Abatement

improving the performance of those

(W₂RAP) guideline.

running

wastewater

treatment

management encompasses steps

the value

Plan

According to these

works, as well as fostering better risk

institutions,

management performance.

has played a significant role in ena-

stakeholders

bling municipalities to identify their

the

Significant improvement

critical risks, plan in advance, and

Governance and Traditional Affairs,

According to the report, the data

motivate successfully for budgets

the South African Local Government

indicates

and other resources in order to ad-

Association and National Treasury,

dress risks.

among others.

that

municipal

perfor-

mance in wastewater management

the

DWS,

Cooperative

The report concludes, “The risk-

“Currently, 77% of all wastewater

based approach of the Green Drop

performers than in 2009 and 2011. In

systems have developed site-spe-

certification programme has gen-

2013, more than 90% of municipali-

cific W2RAPs, which are now in the

erally promoted a positive culture

implementation phase, leading to

in wastewater management within

a clear knowledge of their systems,

an overall improvement in waste-

local water services institutions, and

as well as the ability to make in-

water management. Similarly, the

this positive trajectory is expected to

formed decisions – compared to less

national risk profile for wastewater

continue into the future.”

than 20% in 2009 – with the majority

treatment has also significantly im-

of municipalities measuring various

proved, with nine municipalities on

types of flows as well as showing

the high-to-critical risk categories in

flow meter calibration certificates

2009 moving to the medium-to-low

to verify the credibility of their flow

risk categories in 2013.”

improved

over

ties had design details, drawings and

further

time. “Today, there are more good

significantly

report

include

Department

states,

has

The

W₂RAP

In addition, since the Green Drop

information,” the compilers state. Another highlight from the availa-

was first introduced, there has been

ble data is that it appears that a great

a measurable reduction in the na-

deal of progress has been recorded

tional average cumulative risk ratio

in small and rural towns. In the North

(CRR). Lower risk scores, improved

West, for example, Tsantsabane Local

effluent

Municipality saw an improvement

wastewater management in South

of up to 70% and Kgatelopele Local

Africa have been the result of this

Municipality improved by up to 75%.

ongoing approach. Moreover, the

quality

and

152 municipalities participated in the 2013 Green Drop assessments, compared to 98 municipalities assessed in 2009 – an increase of 55%

improved

CRR information provides valuable

Conclusion

information to stakeholders on how

Realising that the most effective

they can ameliorate wastewater

way

practices on a national level. These

consistently

ensure

the

MARCH/APRIL 2015

TECHNICAL PAPER

Hydrogeodesy in the Klein Karoo Research in the Klein Karoo by Umvoto Africa has shown that GNSS data, combined with radarsatellite and microgravity methods, can detect minute ground-surface subsidence. Dr Chris Hartnady and Richard Wonnacott* discuss their research. FIGURE 1 Blossoms well field and farfield boreholes with geodetic plinthpillar construction (within the red polygon) relative to Oudtshoorn, George and TrigNet station GEOA. C1G1 and C1B2 lie within the well field. The other seven sites are DWS monitoring boreholes, retrofitted with GNSS mounts

S satellite

ap-

gravity changes due to the global

erture radar (InSAR), using radar

interferometric

synthetic

hydrological cycle using the GRACE

signals as the primary measuring

tandem satellites.

tool, provided a further capability to

The emerging science of hydro-

measure centimetre-scale changes

geodesy deploys these techniques

in deformation over spans of days

to observe time variations in the

to years. This is applied particularly

Earth’s gravity field, shape, and

to the geophysical monitoring of

rotation. It interprets these as signals

natural hazards (earthquakes, land-

slides, volcanoes), subsidence and

and below the surface, wherever

ground stability.

possible calibrating the space-ge-

Improvements in Earth observation (EO) technology since 1972 have

water-mass

odetic

redistribution

results

against

situ,

ground-based measurements.

created the potential for meas-

INCE THE LAUNCH of the

uring water mass, the solid earth

California case

first

and

Originally

At present, all of these developing

purposes,

technologies

global

positioning

the

atmosphere.

system (GPS) satellite in

designed

for

1978,

several

space-borne

global

systems

navigation

(GNSS),

different

are

being

focused

geodetic

on the extreme drought situation

which

sensors have cohered into valuable

in California. GPS measurements

include GPS, have become widely

hydro(geo)logical monitoring tools:

of vertical ground displacement,

used, not only for positioning but

as virtual gauges of lakes and rivers

for example, are used to estimate

also for geophysics, hydrogeology,

(radar-satellite

trackers

changes in total water thickness. It

meteorology, monitoring of space

of tropospheric water-vapour con-

has been estimated that the Sierra

weather and ocean tide ranges, es-

tent (GNSS), measurers of surface

Nevada subsides about 12 mm each

timation of snow depth, and timing.

deformation due to hydrological

year in the autumn and winter due

Provided suitable equipment and

loading effects such as changing

to the load of rain and snow, then

processing techniques are used,

water-level heights and soil-mois-

rises about the same amount in the

positions can be estimated at the

ture content (InSAR and GNSS), and

spring and summer when the snow

sub-5 mm level. The development

monitors of mass changes and hence

melts, water runs off, and soil mois-

altimetry),

ture

evaporates.

Because the Earth’s elastic response to a surface load is well known, the change in equivalent water thickness

can

inferred. On an average seasonal basis, it is found to be 500 mm in the Sierra Nevada, equivalent to 35 gigatonnes. In

comparison,

South Western

Africa’s Cape,

which also has a Mediterranean climate like that of California, a

MARCH/APRIL 2015

similar

shows seasonal

TECHNICAL PAPER

pattern, observed at the TrigNet

from the Department of Science

station GEOA, near the town of

and Technology to the Council for

George, just south of the Outeniqua

Geoscience, which required that the

mountain range. This continuously

test be completed before October

operating GNSS site forms part of

2014, this project entailed the con-

South Africa’s national geodetic sys-

struction of stable plinth-and-pillar

tem, consisting of over 60 modern

monuments at nine sites: namely,

stations at roughly 200 km spacings.

C1B2 and C1G1 within the well field

Accordingly, we used station Z162

FIGURE 2

GEOA is the closest TrigNet station to

and seven near- and far-field mon-

on the eastern side of the study area

the Blossoms groundwater well field,

itoring boreholes belonging to the

as an external fixed reference point

about 25 km SSE of the Klein Karoo

national Department of Water and

for measuring relative deformation

town of Oudtshoorn.

Sanitation (Figure 1).

produced by groundwater with-

Trimble R4-3 GNSS receiver installed on geodetic pillar and stainlesssteel mount at C1B2, with external battery underneath the mounting plate (left) and security band in place (right)

The Oudtshoorn Local Municipality

Because the upper steel casing

is developing a groundwater scheme

of these monitoring boreholes is

at Blossoms, where geodetic infra-

firmly cement-grouted into fresh,

A preparatory trial provided an

structure has been installed on the

unweathered bedrock at depths

opportunity to test the new logging

C1G1 and C1B2 monitoring wells

ranging between 30 m and 70 m,

instrumentation that was installed in

as well as the other wells shown in

the

were

a private borehole, CH2; in the C1G1,

Figure 1. The 715 m deep C1B2 mon-

bonded to the casing by an internal

C1G3 boreholes; and in the still-in-

itoring well is the original discovery

rebar mesh, which in turn was

complete C1D2 well. The continuous

borehole

welded to the internal rebar of the

pressure record for the C1D2 well,

geodetic pillars.

recorded at five-minute intervals

for

the

deep

artesian

resource within the Peninsula for-

new

concrete

plinths

drawal within (C1B2, C1G1) and close to the well field (Z031, Z034).

mation of the Table Mountain group.

The GNSS-geodetic monuments at

(orange curve; Figure 3), shows the

In July 2005, a rotary-core drilling rig

sites like C1B2 (Figure 2) are there-

effect of the CH2 flow test between

intersected the top of the Peninsula

fore exceptionally stable structures.

28 March and 2 April 2014. The rising

aquifer at a depth of 300 m below

In addition, an insulating cylinder

pressure trajectories of the C1D2 and

the

encountered

was constructed around the central

C1G1 reflect the slow recovery of the

hydraulic pressures close to 800

concrete pillar to minimise a poten-

northern part of the aquifer from the

kilopascals (kPa). A second explora-

tial source of thermal noise in the

effects of several months of drilling

tion well (C1C2) was drilled about

GNSS record.

and the short CH2 test.

surface

and

1.6 km SE of this site. In 2007/8, an

For our study of subsidence in-

The recovery of aquifer pressure

approximately 600 m deep, wide-di-

duced by groundwater within the

after the phased closure, between

ameter production well (C1B3) was

Blossoms well field, we assumed

25 June and 29 June, of the main test

drilled near C1B2 and was tested in

that all of the sites would experience

saw the northern wells (C1G1, C1G3,

free-flow and pumping operations in

similar, if not identical, hydrologi-

C1D2) recover to head elevations

2009 and 2010, respectively.

cal-loading effects. We also reasoned

of >475 m by 17 August (Figure 3),

After some hiatus, the drilling of

that other sources of noise, such as

while the recovery of boreholes in

further exploration and monitoring

local atmospheric variations in the

the southern part of the wellfield

boreholes (C1G1, C1E2, C1G3, C1D2)

troposphere and ionosphere wa-

(C1B2, C1B3, C1E2) appears to lag

started in late 2012 and continued

ter-vapour content and ionospheric

behind.

through 2013, when plans were

refraction that affect radio-wave

This lagged response may be relat-

made to conduct a test of space-ge-

velocity through the atmosphere

ed to the start of drilling and artesian

odetic methods (GNSS and InSAR) at

would be common to all sites

flow at a new site (C1D3) in mid July,

Blossoms. Funded through a grant

within the well field and far field.

between the C1D2 and C1B2 sites,

MARCH/APRIL 2015

TECHNICAL PAPER through

future

drought

intervals,

which may endure for decades rather than years. The Southern Cape region was recently afflicted by a short drought in 2009/10, which caused significant disruption and triggered an emergency

response,

including

some

expensive mitigation measures.

There

remains an ongoing concern that climatic trends may evolve towards treme in

other

longer

FIGURE 3 Hydrogeological monitoring of Blossoms wells between 23 March and 17 August 2014, showing the changes in potentiometric surface (aquifer pressure). Hydraulic head at each borehole referred to common elevation above geoid (sea-level)

Umvoto Africa associate Richard Wonnacott and technical director Dr Chris Hartnady

severe

ex-

fluctuations; words,

and

droughts

but other possibilities of hidden leak-

root mean square (wrms) of approxi-

broken by unprecedented, violent

age are also under consideration.

mately 6 mm was estimated for the

flood events. In a generally arid zone,

U component.

such as the Klein Karoo, these climatic

From

the

deployment

four

continuously recording (30-second

The aquifer pressure measured at

fluctuations may be superimposed

epoch) GNSS receivers over the

geodetic site C1B2, only approximate-

on a trend of slow aridification, or

period of the well-field test, the daily

ly 25 m NNW of the main production

even desertification.

results for the vertical (U) component,

well C1B3, can be correlated with the

Prudent long-term planning for

relative to the mean elevation of the

U displacement measured at C1B2.

such an uncertain and potentially dif-

far-field reference station Z162 (locat-

A fall in the potentiometric surface

ficult future requires that community

ed about 27 km ESE of the Blossoms

level (PSL) from approximately 485 m

leaders focus on the development

well field), show considerable scatter.

to approximately 420 m is associated

of resilience – especially in the vital

This was particularly in the initial

with a 12 mm to 16 mm drop in the

area of water supplies, without which

stage from late March to early April

elevation (subsidence) of the C1B2

normal life is simply impossible.

2014, and could be attributed to high

GNSS receiver. When the co-variation

Building a bridge between practice

solar activity during equinox periods.

of PSL and U displacement is plotted

and research in hydrogeodetic tech-

From early May, however, when the

as a stress(PSL)-versus-strain (U) dia-

niques will contribute significantly

main part of the test commenced,

gram, the linear slope of the relation

to regional water-resource manage-

the U results for sites C1B2, C1G1 and

(U in mm/PSL in m) is a measure of

ment strategies.

Z031 show greater coherence and the

the elastic storage coefficient of the

emergence of a gradual subsidence

aquifer, Ske. The GNSS-derived Ske

existing

in the period from 25 May to 22 June.

value thus obtained (approximately

continuity

For the full duration of the test from

1.82 - 2.10 × 10-4) is within the range

monitoring efforts over the Klein

March to the end of June, a weighted

expected from a deep, fractured-rock

Karoo and wider Southern Cape, and

system like the Peninsula aquifer and

extending these to adjacent regions

is close to values obtained by analysis

of the southern Great Karoo, where

of previous test-pumping data.

controversial, water-intensive, shale-

We envisage consolidating the expertise, and

maintaining

momentum

gas developments are proposed. We

Long-term resilience

propose the continuation of GNSS

The town of Oudtshoorn depends on

techniques and a redoubling of

surface water from dams below the

efforts to incorporate space-based

Swartberg range for its supply. Total

techniques such as InSAR and grav-

reliance on surface water will, howev-

ity-sensing satellite missions, as well

er, become increasingly risky, because

as terrestrial gravity measurements,

it is vulnerable to severe reduction

through climate change; required is

consumption for the conservation

a resource capable of providing a sus-

of the scarce water reserves of the

tainable buffer against water scarcity

Klein Karoo.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

monitor

and

manage

water

GROUNDWATER

Water monitoring

made easy

Hydrostatic probes to monitor groundwater levels and filling levels in tanks can be used under a wide range of conditions.

EPENDING ON requirements,

accumulator-type batteries. The micropro-

conjunction

these probes can provide fully

cessor electronics compensate for linearity

with a screw-

autonomous operation or they

and temperature deviations by the pres-

on remote mo-

can be used with an integrated

sure sensor, achieving a further increase in

bile wireless data

data logger, wireless transmission (GSM),

the accuracy of pressure and temperature

transmission

an ambient pressure-compensating capil-

signals. Different operating modes – with

(GSM). It is then easy

lary or a separate absolute pressure sensor;

an absolute pressure sensor or an overpres-

to send the measured

additional

sure sensor with a pressure-compensating

values to a central unit

capillary – can also be supplied for the

via email or SMS. Flexible,

Swiss manufacturer Keller AG für Druck-

DCX-18. In addition, measurement data is

user-friendly software that

messtechnik provided Water&Sanitation

stored in non-volatile memory. The batter-

is available free of charge

Africa with more detail on the company’s

ies are fast-charged and all data is extracted

− the GSM-2 DataManager

hydrostatic probes and how they can be

via the charging or read-out plug (which is

− then performs the key func-

used in the field.

sealed with an O-ring).

tions of a monitoring, collect-

options

include

integrated

temperature measurement, etc.

unit

Thanks to its diameter of only 16 mm,

Type DCX-22 AA level loggers (22 mm

the Keller DCX-16 can be used in locations

diameter) register and compensate for fluc-

ing, controlling and organising

where every millimeter counts. Depending

tuations in the local barometric pressure

The DataManager collects meas-

on the sounding tube, probe diameters

with a watertight air-pressure sensor that is

urement data, assigns it, visualises

of 16 mm up to 22 mm are available. The

fitted on the top end of the sounding tube.

it in graphic form, signals threshold

pressure sensor is welded into the logger

These devices are resistant to conditions in

housing. The DCX-16, which is screwed in

a damp environment and, impressively,

position and is fully watertight, operates

won’t be damaged by brief flooding.

unit in a central computer.

value

propriate,

as an autonomous, battery-powered data collector with an absolute pressure sensor.

violations as apand

Range advantages The efficient electronic equip-

DCX range

ment registers the signals from

In shallow water, a second logger (barom-

the high-precision pressure and

eter) can be used for separate recording

temperature

of the barometric pressure on the surface.

linearity or temperature devia-

The differential pressure and filling level

tions according to a mathematical

can then be calculated on the owner’s PC

model, and then records the values

by subtracting the time-stamped measure-

to internal memory. For standard oper-

ment data from the individual loggers. The

ation, the built-in battery has a lifetime of

DCX-16 SG/VG provides a cable connection

10 years.

sensors,

corrects

The DCX-22 AA with air-pressure sensor is an example of a data logger for hydrostatic-level measurements

finally stores

wherein barometric pressure is fed to the

Thanks to the user-friendly graphical user

the data in a mySQL database (for which

sensor as a reference, via a pressure-com-

interface provided with the instrument, the

no licensing costs are payable). Various

pensating capillary in the connecting cable.

DCX can be adapted to the specific require-

export and Internet functions enable third

There is no need to remove these loggers

ments for the measuring point so that only

parties to access the measurement data

from the sounding tube in order to read

useful data is stored. Also, the recording in-

for integration into their data recording

the data.

terval can be event-controlled. Installation

systems. Virtually every aspect of configu-

data and comments on the measuring

ration and monitoring of the DCX loggers

point can likewise be stored in the probe.

with the GSM-2 module can be handled

The fully welded DCX-18 (18 mm diameter) is designed as an autonomous level logger for low-cost, long-term measurements

For sounding tube diameters of two inches

of level and temperature, with rechargeable

or more, the data loggers can operate in MARCH/APRIL 2015

via the GSM-2 DataManager software or via email.

EVENT

What to expect at African Utility Week, taking place in Cape Town from 12 to 14 May this year at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Water and power professionals

meet minds

in the Mother City

SLOW-DRIPPING

TAP

can

use any water. Take another reading after

will be tailored to respond to requirements

waste 20 litres or more a day,”

the two hours and if there is any change you

within the African context. We shall cover

says Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl,

now know there is a slow leak or pipe leak

such topics as investment opportunities

African Utility Week’s programme

somewhere on your property.”

for developing Africa’s water and energy

director, ahead of the show and days before

infrastructure, i.e. innovative private sector participation, private-public partnerships,

week dedicated to water issues helps each

Water-energy-food nexus debate for Africa

of us become aware of the challenges and

During

food production systems and the improve-

change our habits and the decisions we

two-day water conference track in May,

make today, as they will impact on our wa-

there is a high-level panel dialogue on the

ter cycle tomorrow.”

water-energy-food

National Water Week. “The aim of having a

African

Utility

Week’s

nexus

and

focused

realising

and the water and energy linkages with ment of livelihoods.”

City of Cape Town

Pombo-van Zyl says South Africa can be

Africa’s development agenda. The nexus is

City of Cape Town director: Water and

very proud of its Blue Drop certification sys-

a visionary method of achieving sustainabil-

Sanitation Peter Flower will be part of the

tem that motivates municipalities to strive

ity by integrated solutions that address the

panel dialogue. He says, “The impact of

for high-quality drinking water and service

interconnections within the water, energy

climate change is predicted to significantly

delivery. She adds: “However, they can’t do

and food security nexus.

influence water supply, energy provision

it alone and it is everyone’s responsibility to

The water-energy-food nexus panel mod-

and agriculture. There is the debate around

report problems with water quality, burst

erator will be Paul T Yillia of SE4All, the UN

water use for urban areas and allowing peo-

pipes and to fix household leaks.

secretary general’s initiative on sustainable

ple to live dignified and comfortable lives

“During Water Week, take part in an

energy for all, who comments, “The nexus

versus agriculture and the need to produce

exercise to note the reading on your water

debate at African Utility Week will be specif-

food. While, in Cape Town, we have been

meter. Then, for a period of two hours, don’t

ically about Africa, for Africa. The discussion

able to minimise the reliance on electricity

MARCH/APRIL 2015

CLEAN POWER AFRICA

12 – 14 May 2015 Cape Town, South Africa

KNOWLEDGE Conference Providing industry professionals with comprehensive market insight, best practices and strategic knowledge across the water and power sector delivered by 220 expert speakers.

The largest global meeting place for African utilities

TECHNOLOGY Exhibition Africa’s leading water and power trade exhibition features 250 solution providers across 12,000m2 presenting the latest global market innovations and turnkey solutions for water and power utilities and private companies alike.

INTERACTION Networking A unique meeting place for Africa’s water infrastructure sector to strengthen partnerships, drive infrastructure development and network with over 5,000 industry peers.

Visit the website for more information or to register | www.african-utility-week.com

Host utility

Diamond sponsor

EVENT

for operating our water supply infrastructure (due to our topography and the design of our water supply system), many of the possible future water supply schemes have high energy requirements.” Other topics on the water programme include case studies in water infrastructure and resource development solutions, and a debate for and against prepaid water metering. Pombo-van Zyl adds, “South Africa is a

ABOVE Breakout sessions give delegates the opportunity to focus on their specific field of interest and participate in the important debates of the day ABOVE RIGHT Last year, there were more than 250 exhibitors on the African Utility Week floor RIGHT Keynotes delivered by top industry experts serve to keep participants informed on breaking developments in utilities

water-stressed country and the flooding we have recently experienced causes more

African Utility Week Industry Awards

damage than good – dams can’t operate

Designed to celebrate the African triumphs

effectively when over capacity and sewage

and successes of the industry throughout

gets into the system causing waterborne

2014, the industry will be able to nominate

diseases to spread. Furthermore, water utili-

candidates for 10 award categories in the

says Pombo-van Zyl. “This year’s attendees

ties face challenges with future global water

African Utility Week Industry Awards on

hail from 76 countries, of which 30 are

consumption set to increase by at least 20%

13 May, ranging from Utility Executive to

African,” she enthuses.

by 2050 in the agricultural sector alone, rais-

Clean Energy Project of the Year, and the

ing the pressure on water resources.”

new category of Outstanding Woman in

Utility industry maturing

Power or Water.

Pombo-van Zyl adds, “The focus for last

Water innovation

The panel of judges that will decide on

year’s event covered the vision for a sustain-

African Utility Week will be collocated with

the winners includes Brian Dames, former

able African utility sector, including topics

Clean Power Africa, and both will feature

Eskom CEO; Musara Beta, chief market

around the restructuring and privatisation

technological solutions and innovations in

analyst,

Pool

of the Nigerian power sector, delving into

pumps, valves, water meters, leak detec-

(SAPP), Zimbabwe; and Peter Mtonda, di-

what is required to improve the financial

tion, wastewater treatment, GIS mapping,

rector of distribution and customer services,

viability of water utilities, and the growing

monitoring and control, water demand

Escom, Malawi.

concern around the need for water-ener-

Southern

African

Power

management and sanitation. On the expo

“It is gratifying to see how much excite-

floor, free energy and water-efficiency

ment these awards have created in the

She concludes, “It is evident from the frank

workshops will be presented by the South

industry,” says African Utility Week event

presentations delivered by industry leaders,

African

Renewable

Energy

Technology

director Evan Schiff. He adds, “Last year,

and through the open conversations during

Centre and the Southern African Association

the sold-out, inaugural African Utility Week

the networking functions, that the utility

for Energy Efficiency.

Industry Awards were the hot ticket of the

industry is maturing in Africa. This market

In addition, there is a focus day specifically

event and a huge success. Needless to say,

is the frontier for development and is not

addressing water losses and, during the site

there is a lot of interest again from the utility

willing to copy current formulas without

visit on 14 May, the City of Cape Town will

sector to enter for the awards and attend.”

exploring and thoroughly researching solu-

demonstrate its facilities at the Fisantekraal

tions that fit the environment.”

WWTW and Faure Water Treatment Plant.

Truly pan-African?

It features an enhanced control centre

African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa

system, the use of ultraviolet light disinfec-

has come of age as a truly pan-African

tion technology and the most innovative

event – by the industry and for the industry

and

– with continent-wide collaboration and

up-to-date

electrical

instrumentation technology.

100

gy-food nexus initiatives.”

control

and

celebrations to produce the best of Africa, MARCH/APRIL 2015

DATES FOR AFRICAN UTILITY WEEK: Conference and expo: 12 & 13 May 2015 Focus days: 11 May 2015 Site visits: 14 May 2015 Location: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

COMPANY NEWS

Next generation takes wing Brett Swan, of South African water purification company Swan’s Water Treatment, is following in his father’s footsteps, as the elder Swan goes into semi-retirement.

FATHER,

Swan,

The Moore range of airlift rapid-gravity

are assembled in South Africa and where

started the company in 1980

Peter

filters is able to accommodate flow rates

we need a component that we don’t con-

in Muldersdrift. His youth was

varying from 100 m3/h to 100 Mℓ/day, and

struct in-house, such as a pump or other

spent on a farm in Kenya,

is easy to clean, requiring no additional

equipment, we buy from local distributers,”

which sparked his interest in water purifi-

wash water pumps, external wash water

he explains. “We also use local installers,”

cation – because in those conditions, water

mains or large wash water inlet and

he adds.

management is a fact of everyday life,”

outlet valves.

Proudly South African

says Swan. When a local South African company

Package plants

Swan’s Water Treatment may be changing

called Moore Fluid was looking to hire a

“While our business is predominantly

its guard, but clients can continue to expect

technician, Peter Swan was pleased to con-

for municipalities, we’ve also supplied a

the same level of service and equipment

tinue along a career path in maintaining

number of solutions for hotels and bush

quality. There are even some new filtering

healthy potable water supplies. “Ten years

lodges,” continues Swan.

technologies in the pipeline, being devel-

on, and my father had learnt everything he

The company has been doing a tidy

oped in response to a broadening range

needed to in order to start out on his own.

trade in its packaged plants, which are

of market needs. These advantages are

He says he’s retired now but I often see

known among engineers for their ease

backed up with the certainty that doing

him spending more time in the office than

of maintenance. “We find consultants

business with Swan’s Water Treatment

me,” laughs Swan, who began learning the

often approach us for our Moore CPPP

means buying locally made products, while

discipline of water purification at a young

package water purification plants. These

fostering local skills and job creation.

age, working at his father’s side.

A fresh direction While Swan’s Water Treatment is known for a wide variety of filtration offerings and package plants, there may be new locally made technological products available soon. “At the moment, we are undertaking a considerable amount of research and development into reverse osmosis, as we believe this has the potential to become an important part of our purification capabilities in the future,” says Swan. The company is already well known for its locally made filters, especially its Moore airlift rapid-gravity filters. “The advantage of this product is that it features an air-agitated filter floor that stores wash water below each individual filter. The benefit of this unique design is that agitated air can be distributed over the entire filter area, creating a larger operational surface,” says Swan. MARCH/APRIL 2015

101

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COMPANY NEWS

Mpumalanga orphans receive regular supply Thousands of South African’s still without access to water. FRANCES RINGWOOD tracked down a significant private-sector donation of an entire water treatment plant to find out how South Africa’s corporates are doing their bit to solve the problem.

SCHOOL phaned

110

children

or-

solution,

about

constructed

Golder’s

Centurion workshop from start to

40 km outside Malelane,

finish.

Mpumalanga,

the

Mahlangu says he estimates “the

grateful recipients of an entire small

entire construction of a plant this

water treatment plant as part of

size

civil, geotechnical and environmen-

three weeks.”

are

Workshop

would

manager

usually

take

Thabo

about

tal consultancy, Golder Associates' ongoing social investment through

In-house expertise

their Golder Trust for Orphans’ (GTO).

All the mechanical, electrical, chem-

The KwaSizabantu Sculzendal Project

ical and civil aspects were done

is one of the many projects managed

in-house. This included the process,

by the GTO. The plant was viewed

manufacturing of supporting frames,

at the firm’s offices in Midrand at the end of November 2014 before it was transported to the site for assembly and commissioning. Chris van Renssen, business unit leader

for

Golder’s

From left: Heinz Kömmer, Golder health & safety lead; Chris van Renssen, business unit leader for Golder Associates’ construction services; Golder director Dr André van Niekerk, Hanrik Zietsman, general maintenance manager at the KwaSizabantu Schulzendal school

construction

the design and selection of the mechanical equipment, the electrical control panel and the plant layout. An AC/DC box was used to house the electrics, and three JoJo Tanks were used for the clarifier and storage

services was on hand on behalf of project

relying on a single over-tapped borehole,

as well as three 1.1 kW Superflo pumps.

leader Hennie Cronje to explain the back-

even though the Driekoppies Dam on the

The only power needed for the plant is

ground behind the company’s decision to

Lomati River is situated nearby. Zietsman

a 220 V wall plug, making it extremely

make this sizeable donation. “Although on

explains, “The problem is that water from

cost-effective.

a smaller scale, the plant is well designed

the dam was not of potable quality and

Golder technician, Jaco Horn gives the

and constructed and really shows the kind

needed to be treated before consumption.”

following breakdown of the plant’s oper-

of quality Golder is capable of designing in-house. “Construction services wanted to get involved with one of the company’s GTO projects this year so we put our heads together

ation: “In layman’s terms, the

Based on the average of about 50 ℓ of water used per person per day, this plant can treat water to serve more than 1 000 people daily

and came up with the plan to

plant uses normal swimming pool pumps to pump the water directly from the dam, from there water passes through a screen to catch solid matter like leaves and then into the floc-

design and build this plant, and we manu-

Municipal supply to augment village

culation tank where there is a mixer. This

factured the plant on site and it’s now ready

supply was reaching the school only every

mixes raw water with the flocculants, water

to be transported on a trailer to Malelane,”

second or third day and so the GTO team

then overflows to the clarifiers where big-

he says.

decided something needed to be done.

ger particles settle, and what doesn’t settle

“It will have the capacity to provide about

overflows to the holding tank which will

Water water everywhere...

3 000 cubic litres of water every hour for

be pumped through the sand filters and

The impetus behind the project was deliv-

the 18 hours it will run each day. Based on

chlorinated to be delivered to the holding

ery inconsistencies at the KwaSizabantu

the average of about 50 litres of water used

tanks.” Chlorine needed for disinfection can

Schulzendal school complex, a school that

per person per day, this plant can treat wa-

be purchased at any local hardware store

had originally been built by the GTO about

ter to serve more than 1 000 people daily,”

and the team who will maintain the plant

a decade ago. General maintenance man-

adds Van Renssen.

will be trained from the local community.

ager at the school, Hanrik Zietsman explains

Golder’s construction services team, to-

This is a downscaled version of some of

that the school, as well as most of the sur-

gether with director Dr André van Niekerk,

the plants that Golder Associates is capable

rounding village of about 200 people, were

engineered a small water treatment plant

of producing.

MARCH/APRIL 2015

103

COMPANY NEWS

Eyeing food and beverage

treatment and talent With the 2014 PneuDrive Challenge Engineering Design Competition concluded, competition co-sponsors SEWEURODRIVE and Pneumax have announced that students will need to design a ‘game changer’ for the food and beverage industry in 2015. and how these can be used practically in busilarge businesses in this constantly changing

ness, cannot be stressed enough. With the

and

and competitive industry face a myriad of

roll-out of the competition to universities

Industry (DTI) statistics for com-

essentially unpredictable challenges. These

around the country at the beginning of each

modities associated with the food

include adverse weather conditions, leg-

year, the co-sponsors typically find that stu-

and beverage industry report that

islation changes, rising commodity prices,

dents have limited knowledge on the latest

the industry was valued at more than R132

higher transportation costs, and consumers

drive and pneumatic technologies.

billion in 2013. It is also an industry that the

becoming increasingly conscious of what

South African government has identified as

they purchase.

EPARTMENT

Trade

This suggests not only a lack of technology awareness that universities obviously

one of the top-three priority areas for creating

Large companies have more resources

cannot keep up with, but a serious gap in

jobs, with a plan to see the creation of 145 000

and better access to capital to address chal-

student understanding of how the technol-

jobs in agro-processing by 2020. Moreover,

lenges. However, it is the small-to-medium

ogy can be used to improve business and

effluent treatment is a frequent concern

processors and manufacturers that have to

manufacturing processes.

for businesses in this sector. By challenging

proactively find solutions to these pressures if

young mechanical, electronic and mecha-

they want to maintain or grow market share.

Started in 2008, the PneuDrive Challenge has proven itself as a successful model that

tronic engineering students to design appli-

Small-to-medium businesses, which often

can accelerate the introduction of young

cations that can improve productivity, reduce

lack easy access to finance, need to unlock

engineers into industry. In 2015, the compe-

wastage of precious resources such as water,

potential growth opportunities by imple-

tition organisers will be on the lookout for

and ultimately improve the bottom line, SEW-

menting efficient and well-managed sys-

talented, young engineers with the potential

EURODRIVE and Pneumax have created a val-

tems. It is here where innovative ideas from

to design applications that could make a big

uable platform that brings academic potential

talented engineering students could play an

impact in the food and beverage industry.

and the real needs of business closer together.

important role.

The winners of the competition will receive a 10-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Germany

Game changers needed

Growth potential

and Italy where they will have an opportunity

Food and beverage companies worldwide

The importance of offering students access to

to present their designs to the head offices of

are under pressure. Small, medium and

the latest in drive and pneumatic technology,

the sponsor companies.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Abeco Tanks

104

Gibb

SafeQuip

AESSEAL

OFC 66

Hansen Industrial Gearboxes

SA Leak Detection

African Utility Week

Hyson Cells

Sensus South Africa

Amatola Water

36-37

ImproChem

18-19

Amanz' abantu

IWC

SRK Consulting Engineers

APE Pumps

Kaytech

Swan's Water Treatment

Aquadam

Keller AG

Talbot & Talbot

Aquaplan Water Treatment Engineering

KSB Pumps & Valves

Rare

Atlas Copco

Mather + Platt

Videx Storage Tanks

Bigen Africa

Nalco

Degrémont

Pumptron

Water & Sanitation Services

DPI Plastics

Quality Filtration Systems

Endress+Hauser

Rainbow Reservoirs

Environmental Technology Forum Africa (IFAT)

Rocla

Fiberpipe

Sedibeng Water

Rand Water

Water Research Commission Watertec Africa

8 65 IBC 80 2

44 OBC 76 4

WorleyParsons RSA

Water & Purification Chemical & Plant (WPCP)

Xylem Water Solutions

IFC Gatefold

MARCH/APRIL 2015

SEW-EURODRIVE

We drive the water industry

SEW-EURODRIVE, a BEE company and one of the leaders in the field of geared motors, is now able to supply an Industrial Gear Unit that offers more efficiency for mixing and agitating applications with our MC range of Extended Bearing Distance (EBD) Industrial Gear Units. In process plants, large axial and radial forces occur at the agitator shaft during agitating processes. Traditional designs solve this problem with separate, external bearings that take on the function of the agitator shaft bearings, a solution that very often proves cost intensive. Our new EBD concept extends the bearing span across the low speed shaft and offers stronger bearings within the gear unit itself, which means that in many cases separate bearings are no longer required in the agitator or an over sizing of the gear unit can be avoided. These high torque MC Industrial Gear Units can be used for the reliable operation of mixers, mounting flanges, agitators and surface aerators.

SEW-EURODRIVE - Driving the world.

Tel: +27 11 248-7000 Web: www.sew.co.za

1THREAD_7028_WAT

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Water and Sanitation Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd (WSSA) is a specialised provider of sustainable water services in Southern Africa