Mandela University, especially in the face of the present crippling drought, are gaining traction.
Boreholes on North, Second Avenue and Missionvale campuses have been reactivated, tested and connected, and a new chlorination and filtration system installed at the reclaimed water site on South Campus.
These, and various other initiatives, are being activated as the institution seeks to lower its water consumption and further realise its objective of becoming less reliant on the municipal water supply.
These advances come as all University staff are about to return to campus for the first time in two-and-a-half years on Thursday, 15 September, after the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020 for South Africa.
Reminder of water saving responsibilities
All staff and students are reminded of our individual and collective responsibility to use water sparingly, recognising that the Metro is still facing extensive water challenges. Day Zero remains a reality should users continue to misuse this all-important life resource.
While we appreciate recent rains which brought some relief, the combined level of our dams is just 18.01%. With ongoing pump and water pipe breakages, low water pressure and daily water consumption still exceeding supply - you are encouraged to continue to use as little water as possible without compromising on hygiene.
Please also report any leaks or any other water related challenges to water@mandela.ac.za or call extension 8000.
Your support is much appreciated.
Borehole water for flushing
Early this month, Sol Plaatjie Residence on North Campus switched over from the municipal supply to borehole water for the flushing of toilets as part of its original plumbing design. While there were initial teething challenges, this system is now working.
Good progress has also been made towards filling the pool at Hector Pietersen Residence with borehole water, along with building a supporting pump system to provide water for flushing toilets too.
Please be reminded that one-third of all water usage at Mandela University is used for flushing toilets.
Borehole water quality
Initial water testing reports of the boreholes on both North and Second Avenue in terms of quality and volume appear promising, offering the possibility of permanent alternative water usage opportunities. The test results from the Missionvale Campus borehole, however, were less promising. Fortunately, this campus is served directly by the more reliant Nooitgedacht water scheme.
Behavioural changes
The University is buoyed by anecdotal feedback from both on- and off-campus residences where students are practising better water usage.
One off-campus residence has managed to reduce its water consumption by half (news story to follow).
Catering and Cleaning Services have adapted their working processes to use less water by, for example, switching to waterless menus and using disposable packaging, and by using spot-mopping methods respectively.
The University recognises and appreciates all such efforts being made.
Water Crisis Management Team