THRUST 3: SUSTAINABLE MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AND SANITATION
Scope: This thrust focuses on the development of technologies and systems that optimise the full wastewater and sanitation services chain in the
municipal (domestic) sector. This includes the reticulation, treatment and management of the residues. The challenge is to implement fitting
solutions for a particular application that will remain functional throughout the intended lifespan of the installed infrastructure. This includes the
responsible management of the wastewater sludge and faecal sludge that is generated. The need for innovative technologies and solutions is
recognised as we prepare for the future – achieving more stringent effluent discharge standards, developing acceptable non-waterborne
sewerage solutions, reliable treatment of ever-increasing high-strength domestic wastewater, informing future policy, etc.
Programme 1:
Emerging treatment
technologies –
Preparing for the future
Scope: It is imperative to develop technologies which can achieve future policy objectives and stricter standards. It
is also recognised that research generates information which could inform future policy. This programme
encourages the development of technologies to address the future anticipated municipal waterborne sewage and
sanitation needs as well as to support Government by informing future policy. It supports development of
technological solutions addressing, amongst others: reuse, recovery, non-waterborne sewerage solutions, greywater management, peri-urban sanitation solutions, high-strength effluent treatment, industrial and domestic
effluent co-treatment, etc. It also supports research aimed at informing future policy through data interpretation,
projections, risk assessments, addressing emerging pollutants, predictive models, etc.
Programme 2:
Application of
appropriate
technologies and tools
Scope: This programme addresses the improvement and innovative application of existing ‘fit for purpose’
technology for waterborne sewage treatment and on-site sanitation. The objective is to optimise appropriate
application to consistently achieve strict standards, with added benefits such as cost saving, ensuring ease of
operation and maintenance, and improving reliability and energy efficiency. The integration of social and local
economic development objectives is encouraged. The programme further focuses on the technical sustainability of
wastewater treatment and sanitation services by critically appraising existing policy (including effluent discharge
standards) and impacts.
Programme 3:
Stormwater and
sewerage systems
Scope: The programme supports the strategic and technical aspects of managing stormwater and sewerage and
their impacts in urban, peri-urban and rural contexts. The development of generic stormwater and sewerage
planning and technology selection, design and maintenance tools is encouraged to address current needs. In order
to address anticipated needs, the programme supports research focusing on improved technology including watersensitive urban design (WSUD) and stormwater reuse. It will cover technical design, operational, maintenance,
refurbishment and management aspects of stormwater and sewerage reticulation systems, to provide sustainable
infrastructure in the extended delivery of sanitation services as a national priority.
Programme 4:
Wastewater sludge and
faecal sludge
management
Scope: All wastewater treatment and on-site sanitation facilities generate a solid/sludge that needs to be managed
responsibly. This programme focuses on research dedicated to improve wastewater sludge and faecal sludge
management practices. Research on characterisation, emerging technologies and solutions, anaerobic processes
for stabilisation, minimisation, de-watering, disinfection and beneficiation is encouraged.
Programme 5:
Sanitation technology
and innovations
Scope: To develop innovative tools and technology which support appropriate sanitation that is socially,
environmentally and financially sustainable.