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 in Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape.

As sustained water challenges at times threaten the operations and sustainability of the university, its Institute for Water Research has been investigating alternative water sources and infrastructure improvements to create a sustainable and resilient water system.

“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,” says Institute for Water Research head of hydrology Dr Jane Tanner.

Rhodes University is developing its interdisciplinary water security plan through scientific, engineering and people-centric processes to assess the potential for harnessing a supplementary water supply for the university.

The project aims to provide a guide to investment in water infrastructure development for the university, taking existing water saving initiatives into account and considering current and future growth trajectories to ensure reliable supply.

The scientific assessment of the project’s feasibility has been completed, providing a foundation for the engineering and policy phases, which are now under way.

The specialist research undertaken to date is focused on three potential supplementary water sources: rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse and groundwater supplementation.

Rainwater collection from rooftops was evaluated. While the findings suggest it is not a viable standalone solution, owing to Makhanda’s unpredictable rainfall patterns, it may be useful for ablution.

Treated greywater from showers and basins has been identified as a cost-effective solution for irrigation and ablution, the optimum reuse of which requires infrastructure upgrades, semi-centralised treatment systems and dual plumbing, which have been identified as priorities.

Groundwater supplementation was identified as a potential supplemental water resource for the educational facility, with the research highlighting that the Witteberg Quartzite aquifer, which stores groundwater beneath the university and is replenished by rainwater, is the most suitable for supplying the university.

“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 Tanner.

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.

“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 says, noting that groundwater supplementation showed great promise for supporting Rhodes University’s longer-term water security.

The university is taking a structured approach to implementing its water security plan, which will be undertaken in two phases.

The first phase 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.

This phase is expected to be completed by December.

Phase 2, which will kick off in 2026, will involve the implementation of the water plan across the rest of the campus and the introduction of grey water reuse where feasible.

“This phase will be more complex, as the lower campus is integrated into the municipal supply, requiring new infrastructure,” Tanner comments.

Rhodes University has initiated the process to secure a water-use licence from the Department of Water and Sanitation for ground-water use, which requires regulatory approval, stakeholder engagement and environmental-impact assessments.

Simultaneously, a feasibility study is being prepared to finalise the technical details and implementation cost estimate.

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; and setting up a comprehensive monitoring system for water quality and use.

“By integrating groundwater use with efficient infrastructure and water-saving measures, Rhodes 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,” Tanner says.

Rhodes University’s initiative aligns with the commitment to environmental sustainability outlined in its Institutional Development Plan.