SRK Consulting
SRK Consulting is a company that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Why DRC mines need collaboration for water stewardship
While there is no shortage of water in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mines have other water-related challenges to face – not least of which is their impact on ground water levels due to dewatering. SRK DRC country manager Susa Maleba and SRK Consulting partner and principal environmental scientist Wouter Jordaan explain why water […]
New water policy calls for all hands on deck
The draft policy on Integrated Water Quality Management (IWQM) – published by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on 10 March 2023 – signals that a new age of partnership is called for if South Africans are to have sustainable access to water. Lindsay Shand, associate partner and principal environmental geologist at SRK Consulting, […]
Heavy rains focus more attention on floodlines
The question of floodlines is in the spotlight after the serious flooding in parts of South Africa earlier this year was declared a national disaster by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). The heavy February rains – mainly in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal but also in the Free State and North West provinces – […]
South Africa still undervalues its water, but our youth could change that
Many water-scarce municipalities in South Africa’s towns have tried to educate communities about conserving water, but it seems the message is not getting across; perhaps better youth awareness is one answer. According to SRK Consulting partner and principal hydrogeologist Gert Nel, it is vital that residents in these areas must be active players in the […]
Building momentum for innovative engineering solutions
With innovation as a cornerstone value, SRK Consulting encourages its engineers and scientists to share and evolve their technology tools – many of which leverage the power of big data.
Nature shows flexible responses to water uncertainty due to climate change
Scientists and engineers are embracing lessons from the natural environment in designing sustainable projects as they address the growing uncertainty regarding surface water given the anticipated climate changes associated with global warming. Understanding surface water patterns are vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of engineering designs, according to SRK Consulting principal corporate consultant Dr […]
SADC learning valuable lessons on sustainable groundwater management
The growing rate of groundwater extraction in southern Africa is unsustainable, and the region needs to learn quickly from the valuable research and practical interventions currently underway. Among the important agencies active in this field is the Southern African Development Community Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI), based in South Africa. According to Darryll Kilian, principal ESG […]
It’s official: water licences in 90 days in South Africa
The Department of Water Affairs (SA) has implemented its plan for a 90-day turnaround on water use licence (WUL) applications – applying this new timeframe as of 1 April 2021. This step is to be applauded, according to SRK Consulting environmental scientist Megan Kim Govender, although it does mean that applicants will now need to be […]
Managing water risks – on site and in catchment
Drought and other water-related risks have in recent years threatened the sustainability of South African businesses, demanding they take a strategic and systemic approach to their water needs and sources. The good news is that tools are available to guide companies in planning and implementing an effective response to these risks, according to Fiona Sutton, […]