Stellenbosch University this year upgraded the water-saving shower heads at all student residences, reducing water flow from 10l per minute to 6l per minute, thus saving 240l an hour, as the drought in the Western Cape continues.
“This investment cost the university almost R80 000,” said John De Wet, leader of SU Facilities Management’s Sustainability Programme.
SU commissioned structural engineering firm, JG Afrika, to run an in-depth analysis of water usage on campus. Their findings revealed that showers and baths account for 25% of water usage on campus. “This was part of the reason Facilities Management prioritised the upgrade of water-saving shower heads in all SU residences,” said De Wet.
Chris Wise, Technical Director at JG Afrika, said the partnership between SU and JG Afrika began in November 2016 and has been a smooth one thus far.
Another water-saving design intervention is the rerouting of shower water to be used in toilets. “This system is in place at the Eendrag and Simonsberg residences,” said De Wet, who explained that the next phase of development is the use of this rerouted shower water for irrigation across campus as well.
Source: Commons
Another intervention based on the JG Afrika analysis will be rolled out in September 2017. According to De Wet, aerators that help to regulate water flow and heat energy usage will be installed on indoor taps across campus.
SU Facilities Management has also commissioned GEOSS groundwater consultants to open up seven boreholes on campus. De Wet said these will be used as contingency during the drought period, and thereafter for sustainability in the long-run.
One of the main problems identified at the recent Green Campuses Conference, held at the University of the Western Cape in July 2017, was that South African universities and government are not doing enough to save water on campuses.
SU stands out as one of the universities adjusting its infrastructure to conserve water. “I think we are doing well and we will continue to work towards improved water conservation,” said De Wet.
*The latest statistics from the City of Cape Town and the Department of Water and Sanitation show the Western Cape’s dam levels are currently at 34.2%. Despite the slight increase since the start of the 2017 winter season, this is still 25.9% less than the same time in 2016. – Aidan Jones