The University of Pretoria (UP) has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the United Nations, particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. World Water Day, which is observed annually on 22 March, highlights the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management.

In line with this global initiative, UP continuously adopts innovative strategies to ensure access to safe water, reduce consumption and protect vital water resources. In 2024, UP took a significant step towards water sustainability by launching a rainwater harvesting project on its Mamelodi campus.

“The primary goal of this project is to reduce the campus’s reliance on municipal water and promote more sustainable water usage,” says Ilze Ueckermann, UP sustainability specialist.

This model will be replicated at the Hillcrest Sports Centre, where harvested rainwater will serve as a backup for the building's sewer system during water disruptions.

“The project will expand to include stormwater management and attenuation systems, further safeguarding campus infrastructure during heavy rainfall,” Ueckermann adds.

Beyond Mamelodi campus, UP has also implemented various water-saving solutions, including the installation of backup tanks across different campuses. These tanks ensure access to potable water for at least 48 hours during service interruptions, helping to maintain essential operations. Four tanks were installed in 2023, with two more planned for 2025.

These efforts are particularly important, given South Africa’s history of severe droughts, especially in 2016 and 2018, which significantly reduced both surface and groundwater availability. As UP’s student population grows, so does the demand for water, further straining already limited resources. The deterioration of municipal water infrastructure, including pipelines and treatment plants, has worsened the situation by causing inefficiencies, leaks and substantial water losses.

To combat these challenges, UP has installed an 800 000-litre rainwater harvesting system at the Engineering 1 Building on Hatfield campus.

“At the time of its installation, this system was the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere,” says Jason Sampson, Head Curator of UP’s Manie van der Schijff Botanical Gardens. “It collects rainwater from the building’s roof and surrounding areas, which is then pumped to the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Gardens for irrigation.”

This initiative reduces the University’s reliance on municipal water and supplements the supply from campus boreholes, ensuring a sustainable water source for landscaping.

“Our goal is to provide a Managed Aquifer Recharge and Storage System for all boreholes on all campuses,” says Aubrey Matthews, Senior Assistant Director at UP Landscape Services and Sports Fields Management.

UP manages a network of boreholes across its campuses, particularly on Hillcrest, where water demand is high due to its extensive sports facilities. An automated irrigation system optimises water use by adjusting schedules based on soil moisture levels, thereby minimising wastage. This system is particularly beneficial during droughts or water restrictions, enabling UP to maintain its green spaces while conserving municipal water.

Additionally, UP plays a key role in promoting water sustainability within the broader community. The University collaborates with local residents, municipalities and organisations to share resources, expertise and research. By working together, UP is able to test and implement innovations such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and drought-resistant landscaping, benefitting both the institution and surrounding communities.

By reducing reliance on municipal water and embracing sustainable water management, UP contributes to preserving natural water sources such as rivers, aquifers and dams. These efforts also help cut down energy consumption linked to water treatment and distribution, ultimately lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.

Water conservation is a shared responsibility, and UP is leading by example. Through innovative research, effective water management and active community engagement, the University is tackling South Africa’s water challenges head on. Every effort, from installing water-efficient fixtures to supporting sustainable landscaping, helps create a more resilient, water-secure future for all.