Client: Oakwood Estate
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Project Date: August 2023
Service Provided: Borehole Filtration System Installation

Project Overview:

Oakwood Estate, a private residential community in Pretoria, faced water quality issues with their existing borehole system. Although the borehole provided ample water for irrigation and general household use, residents were concerned about the high levels of minerals, sediments, and microbial contamination detected in the water, making it unsuitable for drinking without treatment.

The estate management decided to install a comprehensive filtration system to ensure the borehole water could be used as a safe and reliable source of drinking water for its residents.

Challenges:

• High Mineral Content: The borehole water was found to have high levels of iron and manganese, which caused staining of fixtures and a metallic taste.
• Sediment and Particulates: The water also contained visible sediments, which clogged pipes and filters.
• Bacterial Contamination: Lab tests revealed traces of coliform bacteria, making the water unsafe for human consumption.
• Maintaining Supply: The filtration system needed to be installed without interrupting the water supply for extended periods, as the estate relied on the borehole for daily water needs.

Solution:

1. Water Quality Assessment: Our team performed a thorough water analysis to determine the exact contaminants in the borehole water. This allowed us to customize a filtration system that addressed the specific issues faced by Oakwood Estate.
2. Design and Installation of a Multi-Stage Filtration System:
   • Sediment Filtration: A pre-filter was installed to remove large particles and sediments, preventing clogging and prolonging the life of the more advanced filters.
   • Iron and Manganese Removal: A specialized iron and manganese filter was installed to address the staining and metallic taste issues.
   • Activated Carbon Filter: This stage effectively removed organic compounds, chemicals, and any unpleasant odors or tastes.
   • Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization: To tackle the bacterial contamination, a UV sterilization system was added. This ensured the water was free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, making it safe for drinking and cooking.
   • Reverse Osmosis (Optional): As an added measure, we installed a reverse osmosis system at key points within the estate, providing residents with purified water at specific taps for consumption. This ensured the highest level of water purity.
3. Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The filtration system was integrated into the estate’s current borehole setup with minimal disruption. The system was designed to handle the estate’s water demands, ensuring there was no interruption to water supply during installation.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance Plan: A monitoring system was put in place to track water quality in real-time, ensuring the filters and UV system performed optimally. A regular maintenance schedule was established for filter replacements and UV light upkeep.

Results:

• Improved Water Quality: Post-installation water tests showed that the borehole water met all the safety standards for drinking water. Iron and manganese levels were reduced to below detectable limits, and all bacterial contamination was eliminated.
• Cost Savings: The estate management noted significant cost savings by no longer needing to rely on bottled water for residents. The filtration system provided a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
• Resident Satisfaction: The feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the improved taste and quality of the water.

Client Feedback:

“The borehole filtration system has been a game changer for us. We now have peace of mind knowing our drinking water is safe and free from contaminants. The team was professional and worked efficiently to ensure there was no disruption to our daily water use.” – Mr. De Vries, Oakwood Estate Manager

Conclusion:

This project showcases how a customized multi-stage borehole filtration system can transform an unreliable or unsafe water source into a clean, drinkable supply. By addressing the specific contaminants present in Oakwood Estate’s water, we were able to deliver a solution that improved water quality, ensured safety, and met the community’s needs without sacrificing supply reliability.