South Africa’s first International Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge

Umvoto recently attended the 12^th International Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (ISMAR 12), held in Stellenbosch – the first time the event has been hosted in Africa. The conference took place with the support and endorsement of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and UNESCO.

ISMAR 12 brought together leading global experts, industry professionals, and academics in the field of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to share their expertise. The event also provided a platform for various South African projects to be presented to an international audience. Umvoto had the opportunity to showcase several of the integrated approaches the team has been working on.

Cape Flats Aquifer Management Scheme David McGibbon (Principal Geologist) presented ongoing work on the Cape Flats Aquifer Management Scheme (CFAMS), where MAR is being incorporated. As there is currently no legislation governing MAR in South Africa, international best practices are being adopted to ensure high-quality source water. This approach helps to minimise health risks, reduce clogging, and improve water quality within the aquifer. Keanan Woolf (Senior Geologist) presented a case study on injection methods and borehole design for CFAMS. This ongoing study examines the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer and the presence of semi-confining clay layers to determine that injection is the most suitable MAR method. The selection process focused on three key components: (1 )borehole design, (2) injection method (gravity vs pressure), (3) and geological conditions. Preliminary injection test results confirmed the feasibility of MAR within the Cape Flats Aquifer, with pressure injection proving to be the more effective approach. Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme Another project Umvoto is involved in is the Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme (AWRMS). Kobus Prinsloo (Senior Hydrogeologist) presented on the progress of refurbishment efforts, where a blend of treated effluent and stormwater is used as source water for MAR via various infiltration basins. The upgrades include the expansion, lining, and modernisation of key stormwater infrastructure to reduce source water losses and improve water quality. Philip Geldenhuys (Senior Geologist) presented a case study on the expansion of the Atlantis Aquifer, showcasing an integrated approach that combines geophysical and remote sensing investigations to identify additional MAR sites. Contributions Kobus Prinsloo also participated in a session titled “Aquifer Management, the Microbiome and Biosurveillance – From Science to Operations”, alongside experts from BRGM and Future Water. Kornelius Rieman (Technical Director) played a key role in the symposium as well, chairing several sessions throughout the event.

International Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge delegates.

Keanan Woolf was awarded the Oral Prize certificate for his excellent presentation on injection tests in the Cape Flats Aquifer.

Presentations

David McGibbon (Principal Geologist) presented ongoing work on the Cape Flats Aquifer (CFA), where MAR is being incorporated. This approach helps to minimise health risks, reduce clogging, and improve water quality within the aquifer.

Keanan Woolf (Senior Geologist) presented a case study on injection methods and borehole design for the CFA. This ongoing study examines the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer and the presence of semi-confining clay layers to determine that injection is the most suitable MAR method.

Kobus Prinsloo (Senior Hydrogeologist) presented on the progress of refurbishment efforts on the Atlantis Aquifer (AA), where a blend of treated effluent and stormwater is used as source water for MAR via various infiltration basins.

Philip Geldenhuys (Senior Geologist) presented a case study on the expansion of the AA, showcasing an integrated approach that combines geophysical and remote sensing investigations to identify additional MAR sites.

Contributions

Kobus Prinsloo also participated in a session titled “Aquifer Management, the Microbiome and Biosurveillance – From Science to Operations”, alongside experts from BRGM and Future Water. Kornelius Riemann (Technical Director) played a key role in the symposium as well, chairing several sessions throughout the event. On the final day of the week-long conference, Umvoto had the opportunity to lead delegates on field excursions to the CFA and AA.