Chester Foster, General Manager of the SBS Group, discusses the fragile state of our water resources and measures that can future proof our water demands.
ACCORDING to the “Water as a risk to business Sustainable Development Forum Position Paper 6” a lack of access to quality water can threaten economic growth and will have an impact on all businesses, not only those that require water as a primary input or production requirement.
Water scarcity, lack of infrastructure and the breakdown of services resulting in quality concerns, as well as the risk of climate change and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, create a challenging environment for business operation in South Africa.
While the agricultural sector is considered the highest water consumer for irrigation purposes nationwide, the Western Cape, according to the CSIR Land and Water Use report, is the second highest province in registered industrial water use and discharging wastewater associated with urban areas and industry.
Water storage as a solution
SBS has installed solutions that have reached over 11 metres high, to maximise capacity on limited footprints.
We work with clients to establish their needs and then advise on the solutions available to meet those needs, additional considerations that may not have identified, as well as the option for solution enhancement. In many cases budget will determine the solution, but the modular design of SBS Tanks means that when budget allows, or the client identifies the need to increase capacity, the tank size can be increased vertically to increase available water storage.
Harvesting rainwater
The SBS Group works with architects, consulting engineers, urban planners, contractors, and industry specialists to deliver advanced off-grid water solutions which are modular, can be designed to maximise capacity on a limited footprint and colour coated to either blend in or make a statement. The company offers a comprehensive range of rainwater harvesting, recycled or process water storage, and back-up water and energy solutions including usage monitoring for any size operation. SBS contracts industry experts to effect solutions that fall out of our direct scope and all partners work under the SBS Project Management team to complete a seamless installation, ensuring that the client has a fully compliant and operational rainwater harvesting solution.
Recycling wastewater
The mining sector works towards a closed water system whereby wastewater is processed and reused for various operational requirements, reducing the requirement for introducing clean or new water to the circuits. Businesses need to look at every way they can possibly reduce consumption, not just from a cost perspective, but from environmental and risk management angles. By reusing water, especially if this water was originally from rainwater catchment, businesses build resilience, reduce the risks posed by water interruptions and the impact on operations.
SBS offers a range of liners and pipe coatings for use in different applications which can be used for storage of process water and offer resistance to a variety of chemicals and additives. Working with a network of providers, SBS engineers can assist businesses in establishing a water recycling solution, turning waste to value.
SBS is ready and able to assist businesses to reduce their environmental impact, save costs, utilise resources efficiently and reduce the risks posed by potential interrupts or the threat of “Day Zero”.
