Rhodes University progresses plan for a secure water future amid municipal decline

By Natasha Odendaal

Amid faltering water security, the result of municipal decline, Makhanda-based Rhodes University, in the Eastern Cape, is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce reliance on municipal water supply and ensure long-term water security on its campus.

As sustained water challenges at times threaten the academic project and the sustainability of the university, the university’s Institute for Water Research (IWR) 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,” said IWR head of hydrology Dr Jane Tanner.

Rhodes University has been developing its interdisciplinary water security plan through scientific, engineering and people-centric processes to