This is a significant step forward in the institution’s commitment to long-term sustainability, operational resilience, climate adaptation, and fire preparedness, and it is also in addition to the existing, recently installed 1 Megalitre reservoir.
The development, valued at approximately R1 million, responds to improved water security, increasing capacity, and the multiplication of water sources, a resilience request first raised in 2021.
The new reservoir and its accompanying smart monitoring systems are designed to mitigate water shortages and allow the campus to manage water consumption proactively when challenges arise.
Through the integration of real-time telemetry app-based monitoring, George Campus now has enhanced internal visibility of its water storage levels in partnership with the George municipality, as they too can monitor our systems.
This digital infrastructure allows the campus operations teams to monitor usage and initiate mitigation protocols well in advance of critical thresholds.
These internal systems have been developed and aligned with a broader strategic collaboration with the local municipality, which has also installed external monitoring infrastructure to ensure coordinated response capabilities in the event of future disruptions.
The new reservoir, constructed with galvanised steel plating, is designed for a lifespan of 10 to 20 years and is certified. This system is interconnected with the existing on-campus concrete reservoirs, thereby increasing the total storage capacity and creating a more integrated and strong water supply network.
Dr André Hefer, Sustainability Engineer for the University and project lead, noted that a comprehensive water audit conducted before implementation highlighted several inefficiencies.
“As a campus, we have evaluated that in the past, our water usage was very high, due to water leaks and old infrastructure, as well as facilities that had made use of municipal water. New water valves have been implemented to assist in controlling water flow and reducing water waste during burst pipe repairs,” he said.
This project exemplifies the University’s mission to cultivate sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure. By increasing water storage capacity, diversifying water sources, and deploying smart technologies for early detection and response, George Campus is strategically positioned to withstand both environmental and service-related disruptions.
Ultimately, this investment enables the campus to maintain full operational continuity during municipal supply interruptions.
As the campus continues to position itself as a Sustainable Futures Campus, this infrastructure signals a clear institutional commitment: through innovation, partnership, and responsible resource management, we are investing not just in systems, but in the future security and sustainability of our University community.