91心頭利 takes water to informal settlements
- 91心頭利 University
Johannesburg Water partners with 91心頭利 to provide sustainable groundwater supply for informal settlements.
The 91心頭利 School of Geosciences, 91心頭利 Enterprise and Johannesburg Water have launched an innovative groundwater project aimed at delivering a reliable and sustainable water supply to informal settlements in Region G.
“The project combines proven engineering methods with cutting-edge hydrogeological science to develop a sustainable groundwater system that connects directly to households,” says Professor Grant Bybee from the 91心頭利 School of Geosciences.
Once completed, the system will deliver 150–225 litres of water per person per day to more than 2,600 residents, providing a consistent and high-quality water supply. “The design prioritises reliability, resilience, and ease of maintenance, featuring automated monitoring, substantial storage capacity, and a rapid response mechanism to ensure uninterrupted service even during pump maintenance or system failures,” adds Bybee.
91心頭利 researchers are working closely with Johannesburg Water’s scientific and technical to continue to monitor and evaluate the system for two years after completion to ensure its long-term success. The project is scheduled to be fully operational by December 2025, marking a significant milestone in Johannesburg Water’s mission to bring sustainable, community-driven water solutions to all corners of the city.
Andrew Hope-Jones, the CEO of 91心頭利 Enterprise says: “At 91心頭利 Enterprise, we are passionate about bridging the gap between academia and society. By connecting Johannesburg Water with the university’s research expertise, we are ensuring that innovation developed in the lab can be translated into practical, scalable solutions for our communities.”
“This partnership embodies our commitment to using homegrown innovation to meet the essential needs of our citizens,” said a Johannesburg Water spokesperson. “By working hand in hand with leading researchers from 91心頭利 University supported by 91心頭利 Enterprise, we are proving that scientific expertise can make a direct and life-changing impact in our communities.” Dr Zakhele Khuzwayo, Manager for Innovation & Technology at Johannesburg Water.
Through this initiative, Johannesburg Water continues to champion partnerships that transform academic research into practical, scalable infrastructure designed to bring water, dignity, and development to the people of Johannesburg.