Following years of sustained water challenges that at times threatened the academic project and the sustainability of the University, Rhodes University is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce reliance on municipal water supply and ensure long-term water security on its campus. The University’s world-renowned Institute for Water Research (IWR) has been investigating alternative water sources and infrastructure improvements to create a sustainable and resilient water system in support of Rhodes University’s research and academic projects.

A multi-faceted approach to water security

The University’s interdisciplinary water security plan is being developed through scientific, engineering, and people-centric processes. to assess the potential for harnessing a supplemental water supply for the University.

“This is a very exciting undertaking for the Institute for Water Research,” head of hydrology at the institute, Dr Jane Tanner says. “This mission-critical project is an opportunity to give back to the University because we are invested in Rhodes University’s long-term water security and continued success. It was also an opportunity to apply our research at home and to collaborate across disciplines to deliver value.”

The scientific assessment of the project's feasibility has been completed, providing a foundation for the engineering and policy steps that are now underway. Specialist research conducted to date has focused on three potential supplemental water sources:

1. Rainwater harvesting – While rainwater collection from rooftops was evaluated, findings suggest it is not a viable standalone solution due to Makhanda’s unpredictable rainfall patterns. However, it may be useful for ablution.
2. Greywater reuse – Treated greywater (from showers and basins) has been identified as a cost-effective solution for irrigation and ablution. For optimum reuse of greywater infrastructure upgrades, semi-centralised treatment systems and dual plumbing have been identified as priorities.
3. Groundwater supplementation – Research identified the Witteberg Quartzite aquifer (which stores groundwater beneath the University and is replenished by rainwater) as the most suitable for supplying the University. A groundwater model showed that existing boreholes could be part of the demand, with additional boreholes needed for a full campus solution. Water treatment is part of the plan to ensure safety and compliance with drinking water standards.

Dr Tanner says analysing the different supplemental supply options for Rhodes University is not a simple undertaking. “For all of these options, we did very detailed analysis,” she notes. “Groundwater supplementation showed great promise for supporting Rhodes University’s longer-term water security.”

“The University sits on top of a very good water aquifer with potential for supporting the University in the environment with little adverse impact on the surrounding community,” says Dr Tanner.

Phased Implementation Plan

The University is taking a structured approach to implementing its water security plan:

• Phase one: Focuses on the upper campus, which already has an independent water distribution system owned by the University. This phase will incorporate groundwater extraction and treatment, addressing around one-third of the University’s water needs.
• Phase two: Will tackle the the rest of the campus and introduce greywater reuse where feasible. This phase will be more complex as the lower campus is integrated into the municipal supply, requiring new infrastructure.

Next steps: licensing and feasibility study

To proceed with groundwater use, the University has begun securing a Water Use Licence from the Department of Water and Sanitation. This involves regulatory approval, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessments.

Simultaneously, a feasibility study is being prepared to finalise the technical details and costs of implementation. This will include:

• Identifying precise borehole locations through geophysical surveys.
• Upgrading the campus water distribution network.
• Designing new reservoirs for raw and treated groundwater storage.
• Developing a modular water treatment plant.
• Setting up a comprehensive monitoring system for water quality and usage.

A sustainable future

Rhodes University’s initiative aligns with the commitment to environmental sustainability outlined in its Institutional Development Plan. By integrating groundwater use with efficient infrastructure and water-saving measures, the University is taking proactive steps to ensure a reliable water supply for students, staff, and research facilities.

While challenges remain, the progress made so far marks an important step towards a water-secure future for Rhodes University.

It is important to note that Rhodes University has always positioned itself as not just the university in Makhanda but, importantly, the university for Makhanda. The university will not cease its ongoing efforts to work for the improvement of the greater Makana municipality and all its communities.

 

Editorial notes:

Find a video clip of Dr Tanner explaining the considerations for Rhodes University’s secure water future here.

A more detailed article explaining the scientific research can be accessed here.