WATER INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (WISA)
MEMBERS' NEWSLETTER 052
23 July 2007
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This fortnightly newsletter is distributed to members of WISA as a membership benefit. News items & links reported in this
newsletter are intended to provide information of interest to professionals in the water and sanitation sector, and do not
necessarily reflect the views and position of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA).
WISA is a Southern African voluntary non-profit association of 2 115 members comprising water sector professionals,
interested parties, companies, government departments, educational & research institutions, local authorities and
associated organisations. WISA provides a sector-wide platform in Southern Africa for the promotion, integration and
application of scientific, engineering & management knowledge and skills in the natural & controlled water cycle. It has 6
regional Branches & 11 Technical Divisions. Visit www.wisa.org.za or www.ewisa.co.za for more details.
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This newsletter is in pdf format hence if you wish to connect to a web link, click on the “Select Tool” button on the top
toolbar (next to the “Hand Tool” icon), and then click on the web link using the “Select Tool” icon.
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CONTENTS
1. WISA NEWS
2. GENERAL NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
3. PUBLICATIONS, REPORTS, WEBSITES etc
4. RESEARCH, LESSONS LEARNT & INNOVATION
5. VACANCIES & TRAINING
6. FORTHCOMING EVENTS
7. LAST WORD
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1. WISA NEWS
1.1 Message from the WISA President
Provision of Water and Sanitation Services in Rural Schools
Most people who live in urban areas especially in suburbs in South Africa take for granted the provision of
services especially water and sanitation. When we pay our bills on time, we expect, without fail at the turn of
the tap to have clean drinking water and to be able to flush our toilets. On the balance of probability, this has
always happened. Do we ever stop to think that this may not always be guaranteed? Do we also think of all
those who do not have these services as readily as we do? What about those kids who go to rural schools
without regular water and satisfactory sanitation services? What can we do individually and collectively as
WISA to assist such less privileged country men and women?
SA population is 47 million people, of whom it is reported 17 million (36.1%) have a level of service at or
below the RDP level, which means a public standpipe within 200 meters. DWAF’s consolidated water sector
report for the period ending March 2007; sanitation backlog is estimated at 3 439 544 homes, 1564 schools
and 426 clinics.
As an illustration, of our 47 million citizens in SA, 30% live in rural areas, and if we assume that half of those
in rural areas lack these services, it is about 7million people, a large and sizeable part of our population. If we
further assume that of these 7million, 60% go to schools and half of those to such schools, we are looking at a
population of 2.1 million kids going to schools without adequate water and sanitation services.
The challenge therefore to all of us is to think at the individual level, branch level and WISA to play a role in
support to provide for such services. Water can be provided by many methods, for example using built up
tanks in schools and using rainwater harvesting where there are unreliable sources of water or where there is
no reticulation. Sanitation can be provided by means of VIP’s. A typical VIP would say cost about R4 500 and
each can possibly serve about 160 pupils per day (assuming a usage factor of 30%). Thus for 2.1 million kids,
we require about 13 125 toilets at R4 500 theoretically, therefore, we require R59 million to address this
problem. A similar analysis can be done for provision of installation of RWH tanks.
Is this a price too big to pay for this? Surely considering the associated health and many other benefits to their
learning etc, our children deserve better and we should target to assist in this area. The mechanisms to achieve
this can be worked out and where this is possible, we can support this.
Let’s go for it.
Prof Fred Otieno, PhD, MBA, Pr Eng, FSAICE,
WISA President 2007/2008
Pretoria, South Africa
23rd July 2007
1.2 People on the move
1
Des Kerdatchi, from Durban Metro / and more recently from Dikubu Environmental, has retired to the UK.
2 Peter Holt, ex Lilliput, has taken up a 4 year- post in Australia. He is now in the pneumatics industry.
3 Dirk Welgemoed, also from Durban Metro, has taken up a position with Dikubu Environmental.
4 George Tsibani has informed WISA that he has recently formed his own company, Mthengenya and Associates
Pty Ltd. The company members share extensive experience in the fields of organisational development (OD),
capacity building and training in accordance with SAQA minimum requirements and programme management in
the water sector. Mr Tsibani can be contacted at TsibaniG@dwaf.gov.za.
1.3 Stay in touch!
If you want to stay informed about the latest WISA activities, it is important that we have your most up-to-date contact
details. Please take the time to send us an email with your NEW details to conference@wisa.org.za or fax to 0027 11
3051258.
1.4 Breakdown of current WISA Membership
Below is a table showing the current breakdown in the different categories of WISA membership. It is gratifying to note
the growth in membership despite having “resigned” 50 members since January 2007 (for not paying membership fees)
WISA Total Members per Grade
Grade
Affiliate
Associate Member
Company Member
Educational Institutions
Fellow
Honorary Member
Local Authority
Media Member
Member
Patron Member
Professional Members Association
Retired Fellow
Retired Member
Retired Sen. Fellow
Senior Fellow
Student Member
Water Board
Total no Members
Members
92
451
147
13
339
11
47
1
434
27
11
36
36
7
31
419
13
2115
1.5 WISA – Gauteng Quarterly meeting
A very successful meeting, attended by 80 delegates, was held under the auspices of the Watercare/ Water Scientists and
the Nutrient Management Divisions on 18 July 2007 at the ERWAT Offices. After an enjoyable lunch sponsored by WISA
the delegates moved into the ERWAT Auditorium, where extra chairs had to be carried in, for the meeting. Mr Dries
Louw, WISA Past President, ably chaired the meeting programme which consisted of 4 x excellent presentations as follows:
1
“ENR - Enhanced Nutrient Removal Systems”, Alfred Mbelu from Golder Associates
2 “Package Plants”, Mark Ross from Lilliput Treatment Technologies International cc
3 “COD/BOD/TOC Measurements and Ratios”, Daniel Garside from Labhouse
4 “EWISA and Flip Human Waste Water Treatment Works”, Elize Mare from Mogale City
Also present were 30 x final-year BSC Water & Sanitation Students from the University of the North (Limpopo Province),
sponsored by WISA, who were also taken on site visits to the ERWAT Wastewater Treatment Works and Laboratories.
Thanks to Dot Zandberg who arranged their visit and ERWAT for providing guided tours of their facilities.
1.6 eWISA news
The eWISA Team in Stellenbosch reports as follows:
1.
Visits or "hits" to eWISA website
These exceeded 22 238 on 22 July 2007. At present the average daily visits to the eWISA web site exceed 100.
2. eWISA “Wastewater Treatment Assistant”
WISA held a Quarterly Meeting on 18 July 2007 at ERWAT for the purposes of disseminating knowledge &
encouraging networking within the SA Water Sector. The pilot implementation of the eWISA “Wastewater
Treatment Assistant” module at the Mogale wastewater treatment plant was presented at the Meeting by Elize
Maree of Mogale City.
Download presentation at http://www.ewisa.co.za/frame.aspx?url=~/misc/eWISAWWTW/default.htm or from
the menu under >Knowledge base<>Tools<>eWISA WWTW Assistant
3. “Water Specialists"
Specialists in the water sector are invited to be listed under “Water Specialists” on the eWISA web site. Refer to
http://www.ewisa.co.za/frame.aspx?url=misc/WISASpecialists/default.htm. For more information contact
wilma@wamsys.co.za.
4. "River Story Books"
To view rivers follow the menu "Water resources/Surface Waters/South African Rivers A to Z.
(http://www.ewisa.co.za/frame.aspx?url=~/misc/RiversSA/default.htm).
Please do not forget about WISA's request for photos and information - the idea is that all contribute to the
"Water Story Books" of South Africa. The eWISA contact is Wilma Grebe at wilma@wamsys.co.za.
5. "Wetlands"
A new section on water resources, that is “Wetlands” was added to eWISA
(http://www.ewisa.co.za/frame.aspx?url=~/misc/Wetlands/default.htm).
The South African Ramsar sites are listed and when select the map function the Ramsar sites can be geographically
viewed (with a ‘zoom in’ function and satellite overlays). A South African site which is already populated with
information and visual material is Verlorenvlei on the West Coast
(http://www.ewisa.co.za/frame.aspx?url=~/misc/Wetlands/defaultwetverlorevlei.htm).
6. eWISA Overview
For an overview of the eWISA web site contents go to http://www.ewisa.co.za/sitemap.aspx
1.7 SUSTAIN Exhibition & ‘Water Management Excellence’ Conference. 15-17 August 2007. Sandton
Convention Centre
“Exhibitions for Africa” (EFA) is organising the SUSTAIN Exhibition incorporating the popular Afriwater Exhibition.
The WISA Management Division will be running a WISA Conference alongside the Exhibition as follows:
Conference train 1 (Water managers and engineers) – programme organiser is Fred van Zyl (DWAF).
Water Services Quality – Ownership, pride and excellence
The objective of Conference train 1 is to address the following 7 core performance areas in the Water Services
field – essentially a “mini-training course” with each delegate receiving an operating manual for the management
of water services:
1
Ownership, commitment and drive.
2 Effective planning and governance.
3 Drinking water quality.
4 Wastewater management.
5 Effective water use and management.
6 Infrastructure asset management.
7 Addressing basic water services targets.
Conference train 2 (Works managers and process controllers) – programme organiser is Dr Heidi Snyman
(WRC). Wastewater Services Operation and Maintenance – My business, my pride!
Objective of the conference is to address the following 6 core performance areas in the Water Services Operation
and Maintenance field – essentially this train is a more practically oriented train aimed at improving the
performance of the Managers, Superintendents and Process Controllers at Wastewater Treatment Plants and
providing them with useful learning tools:
1
Wastewater plant manager & process controllers - engine room of wastewater management
2 Art of effective operation and maintenance
3 Resource management – effective management with limited resources
4 Wastewater treatment – sharing experiences
5 Supporting tools
6 Wastewater treatment – sharing experiences
An Awards Gala Dinner will be held.
For enquiries contact:

Technical programme – Fred van Zyl at fredvzyl@dwaf.gov.za & Dr Heidi Snyman at heidis@wrc.org.za

Delegates & sponsorships – Ms Taryn van Rooyen, 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com

Exhibitions – Ms Zia Tomes, 011 886 3734 or ziat@exhibitafrica.co.za
1.8 Lecture Course: Membrane Applications in Water Reclamation. 31 July – 2 August 2007. Botanic Gardens
Conference Centre, Durban
The course will cover the basic principles of membrane technology, the operation and maintenance of membrane systems,
environmental aspects of membrane systems, and the design of membrane systems. No prior knowledge of membrane
technology is necessary.
Presenters include Professor C Visvanathan, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Professor Chris Buckley, University of
KZN, Durban; Professor Lingam Pillay, Durban University of Technology
The cost per delegate to attend the course is R 3 750-00
For registration details and any queries related to this course, please send an email to pillayvl@dut.ac.za, with Membrane
Course Query in the subject line or contact Lingam Pillay at 082 443 1921
1.9 DWAF-WISA Drinking Water Quality Conference. 19-22 August 2007. Sun City, Gauteng
This conference, which is fully endorsed by DWAF & WRC, is arranged by Sue Freese (WISA Board member) & Leonardo
Manus (DWAF). The opportunity will be taken to launch the National Drinking Water Quality Framework Regulation and
hence it is essential that all Water Services Authorities, Municipal Water & Health Practitioners and Consultants attend.

Technical queries can be directed to Sue Freese at freesefarm@3i.co.za or Leonardo Manus (DWAF) at 012 336
6583 or ManusLev@dwaf.gov.za

Registration queries to Taryn van Rooyen at taryn@soafrica.com.
1.10 New WISA initiative – Young Professionals Chapter
Like many other associations such as IWA and WEF, WISA is starting a Young Professionals Chapter under the leadership of
Dr Heidi Snyman Chairperson of the WISA Education, Training & Youth Development Portfolio Committee.
Please leave your comments on this initiative on the eWISA blog at
http://www.ewisa.co.za/blog/entry.aspx?id=14e2d39f-b0c8-4be3-a098-482a89a6e676&cat=ed5f4f18-a533-474b-8e611d05ea76fdfe
1.11 Mine Water Division news
Gleaned from an email is news that:

Nico Bezuidenhout, Chairman of the WISA Mine Water Division, has been out of country for most of the last
two months.

The Division is planning to host a two day symposium (24 and 25 October 2007 at Randfontein Estates) on the
DWAF Best Practice Guideline series. The objectives of the symposium will be technology transfer and the
Division is using paid resources to do presentations and case studies.

Ms Shareen Khamisa is the new Secretary of the division (congratulations from the WISA National Office!)
1.12 Advertising in WISA Publication and Website
Support WISA by advertising on the following WISA communication channels:

For advertising in Water & Sanitation Africa – the successful WISA bi-monthly technical magazine - please contact
- Ave Delport at 3S Media - on: (011) 704-6855 or 083-302-1342

For advertising in eWISA – the successful WISA capacity-building & knowledge-sharing website - please contact Hanlie Fintelman at 3S Media - on: (012) 335-1061 or 082-338-2266
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2 GENERAL NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
2.1 South Africa
2.1.1 Outcome from first Africa Water Operators Partnership workshop, South Africa, April 2007
The IWA Newsletter for June 2007 reports that following extensive discussion throughout a two day workshop (both the
plenary discussions and in side meetings), the Water Operator Partnership (WOP) meeting participants resolved that the
African Water Association (AfWA) and IWA-ESAR (the East and Southern Africa Regional grouping) should take the lead in
facilitating the initiative. IWA-ESAR's role will be in supporting the Africa WOPs secretariat (to be based in South Africa)
and in Chairing the Programme Committee for WOPs which will provide guidance, coordination and liaison with donors
in this utility to utility initiative. Further discussions with AfWA are planned in the coming weeks to prepare the
ground for the establishment of the WOPs secretariat. The Water Operators Partnership is an effort to strengthen the
capacity of utilities in low and middle income countries through a twinning, mentoring and expertise exchange
programme.
http://www.iwahq.org/uploads/iwa%20hq/website%20files/iwa%20news/Issue%2027%20IWA%20Newsletter%20Jun
e%202007.pdf
2.2 Africa
2.2.1 Water mapping may help bring peace to Darfur
Scientists from Boston University have mapped out the borders of a huge underground lake in the war-torn Darfur region
of Sudan and their discovery bring hopes of quenching the people's thirst - and quelling the violence.
The conflict in Darfur is primarily a war of resources pitting nomadic Arabs against black African farmers.
According to the scientists, the mega-lake would, at its peak, have occupied an area larger than 30,000 square kilometres.
http://www.edie.net//news/news_story.asp?id=13308&channel=4
2.2.2 Flamingos face industrial pollution threat
Plans to build a huge industrial complex on the shores of a protected African lake, pump salt into the water and introduce
a hybrid shrimp to increase salinity have been condemned as madness by conservationists.
Lake Natron in Tanzania is the world's most important breeding site for the lesser flamingo and currently plays to host to
over half a million birds - 75% of the total population - who return to the site every year to breed.
It is currently the only breeding site for the birds in East Africa and one of just five in the world.
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=13279&channel=2
2.2.3 Senegal: Management of sewage sludge in Dakar - first experimental treatment plant inaugurated
Senegal's first experimental station to treat sewage sludge was inaugurated in Camberene, a suburb of the capital, Dakar.
The region produces around 170,000 cubic meters of sludge a year and is urgently in need of a way to treat it and recycle
it. The National Sanitation Office of Senegal (ONAS) will carry out investigations into various technologies at the
Camberene facility, according to Director-General Amadou Lamine Dieng, who thanked the Swiss water research institute
Sandec for helping to make the new plant a reality.
2.2.4 World Bank approves credit for Niger basin actions
The World Bank has approved a $500 million credit for the development of the Niger basin. The programme will be
divided in two phases over 12 years. The first, five-year phase focuses on the five countries on the river’s main stem. It will
be funded with $186 million divided in three IDA credits, $9 million to Benin, $18 million to Mali and $135 million to
Nigeria; and two grants, $9 million to Guinea, and $15 million to Niger. The second phase will include the remaining four
riparian countries, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad and Côte d’Ivoire, as agreed in the Niger basin sustainable development
action programme.
2.3 Europe
2.3.1 Slight improvement in drinking water, new report claims
The quality of water in the UK has shown a slight improvement, according to new results published by the independent
drinking water quality regulator (DWI).
"The quality of drinking water in the Thames region is high and results in 2006 improved - 99.98% of tap samples met the
standards, up from 99.96% in 2005," said Professor Jeni Colbourne, Chief Inspector of Drinking Water, at a meeting
hosted by the Consumer Council for Water Thames.
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=13297&channel=4
2.3.2 European Commission – Water, use less and pay more
Citing ''dramatic increases'' in the intensity and frequency of water shortages and drought over last 30 years, the
Commission has put forward a set of recommendations and policy options, including higher prices and conservation
measures. http://www.euractiv.com/en/environment/water-use-pay-commission/article-165682
2.3.3 “Water? Drink what comes out of the tap”
Three Italian cities are following the example of New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who launched a campaign to
persuade people that the city's tapwater was cheaper and just as pure as bottled water, and didn't cause as much pollution
as the manufacture and disposal of plastic bottles. Variants of New York's "Try Tapwater" initiative are underway in Rome,
Firenze (Florence), and Milan. Florentine schools, public offices, and the City Council have been using glass jugs of
tapwater instead of bottled water for three years, and now Milan is adopting the same practice.
2.3.4 Go-ahead for £200m plant to make Thames drinkable
Thames Water has been given the go-ahead to build a £ 200 million desalination plant in east London to make Thames
water drinkable. The plans were initially rejected by Mayor Ken Livingstone, who called for the company to improve their
leakage record rather than build the plant. However, after a public inquiry the Government will announce soon that
planning permission has been granted.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23404831-details/Goahead%20for%20%c3%bd%c3%bd200m%20plant%20to%20make%20Thames%20drinkable/articledo/
2.4 North America
2.4.1 Schwarzenegger considers Californian water woe
A rapidly growing population and commercial agriculture is putting a strain on California's water supply, according to
State governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who unveiled plans for a massive investment in water storage this week.
A drought in the state is causing an increasing problem and in his address this week the Governor said the people of
California could not rely on clement weather to sort out the issue. In the last 20 years, the state has not built a single
major reservoir, he said, even though the population has nearly doubled in that time and ooks set to increase by half
again by 2050. http://www.edie.net//news/news_story.asp?id=13303&channel=4
2.4.2 Water Officials warned to get used to drought
A new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council warned that the drought and dry conditions gripping the western
United States are likely to become the norm and that water managers ought to initiate immediate measures to increase
conservation and wastewater recycling. Over the past eight years, the Colorado River has received just over half its
average flow, and poor snowpack has made this southern California's driest year on record. Report co-authors Barry
Nelson and Monty Schmitt said that whether precipitation falls as rain or snow is important because western snowpacks
melt gradually in spring and summer, supplying water when it's needed; hotter temperatures, however, produce rain
instead, and it falls all at once. Furthermore, warmer summers cause more surface water to evaporate. They added that
because global warming may increase the risk of floods, water managers should also focus upon keeping people and
property out of harm's way. http://www.nrdc.org/media/2007/070710.asp
2.4.3 Green Alternatives to Bottled Water
Some environmental activists in the United States are encouraging people to find alternatives to bottled water, or at least
plastic water bottles that are used once and thrown away. The city of San Francisco, California has banned city agencies
from buying bottled water, urging them to fill reusable bottles with tapwater instead, and Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt
Lake City, Utah wants to follow suit. Food and Water Watch, a group based in Washington, DC, said that it takes roughly
47 million gallons of oil to produce the 37 billion plastic water bottles that Americans buy each year. In addition, bottled
water generally does not contain fluoride, which helps protect the teeth of growing children, and it costs far more than
tapwater, say critics. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/17/earlyshow/main3067701.shtml
2.4.4 29 x Cities have Agreed to Conserve Water
At a meeting of mayors and other officials from cities surrounding the Great Lakes, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan; 20 x
Canadian and 9 x American cities agreed to reduce their water consumption by 15% before 2015. The Great Lakes and St.
Lawrence Cities Initiative includes 11 cities that have already decided that water conservation is cost-effective. Toronto,
Ontario, for example, expects its ten-year program to cost around $74.3 million but to save an estimated $220 million in
infrastructure costs and $29 million in operating costs; it will also lower the city's carbon dioxide emissions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070712/ny_city_coalition_water.html?.v=1
2.4.5 San Francisco mayor says ‘no’ to bottled water
San Francisco’s mayor, Gavin Newsom, has issued a directive banning city and county governments from buying bottled
water by 30 September. By December 2007 all city departments and agencies in city or rented properties will have
installed bottle-less dispensers that use water from San Francisco’s main water source, the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The
mayor called the environmental impact of the bottled water industry ‘profound’. The International Bottled Water
Association has responded that the order ‘contains a number of misinformed statements’ and says the actions and
comments encourage an ‘unnecessary and confusing’ bottled-versus-tap water debate.
2.4.6 Chemical company faces massive fine for Clean Water Act violations
An Atlanta chemical manufacturer has been fined $3.8 million after pleading guilty to violating the US’s Clean Water Act.
The penalty against Acuity Brands is the largest ever in Georgia’s northern district. Acuity admitted lying about the content
of its wastewater, which was discharged after treatment into the Chattahoochee River. The investigation began when a
city official found a garden hose being used to dilute wastewater samples from the plant during collection.
2.5 South America
2.5.1 IADB provides funds for water management reform
The Inter-American Development Bank has approved a $200 million loan for water resources management reform in Peru
that aims to increase the efficiency, equity and sustainability of water use. The programme will support measures that pave
the way for needed structural, institutional, legal and policy reforms, which will be implemented in five components,
starting with ensuring the macro-economic environment is consistent with programme objectives. Together, the activities
will set the foundation for integrated water resource management.
2.5.2 World Bank agrees loan for water and sanitation services
The World Bank has approved a $50 million loan to help Uruguay expand water and sanitation services to reach more
residents in the country's smaller towns and cities, and improve the efficiency and sustainability of water and sanitation
services. The new financing supports the second phase of the OSE modernisation and systems rehabilitation programme,
which seeks to improve the efficiency of Uruguay's state-owned water utility, Obras Sanitarias del Estado (OSE). The
programme will set performance targets, increase competition, and upgrade and rehabilitate existing water and
wastewater treatment plants.
2.6 Australia
2.6.1 Worst drought over?
As winter rains at last give hope that the nation's worst drought could be nearing its end, the Australian Conservation
Foundation's Consumption Atlas shows that both South Australian and Queensland residents use 680,000 L/person/year,
while the national average is more than 720,000 L/person/year.
http://www.acfonline.org.au/uploads/res_climate_in_reverse.pdf
2.6.2 Water prices up in Australia
From July 1, water prices in Western Australia rose by 8.07%, in Brisbane Council areas upwards from 23%, in New South
Wales by up to 12.6% and graduated rises for businesses in Melbourne, as the larger water authorities undertake
substantial investment in new water infrastructure.
2.6.3 DWQM System Auditor Certification Scheme
A Drinking Water Quality Management (DWQM) System Auditor Certification Scheme has been developed by RABQSA
International in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Human Services, VicWater and WSAA. Certification under
this scheme is mandatory to conduct regulatory audits in Victoria, and is applicable nationally. The next certification
course will be held at RMIT in Melbourne on 31st August 2007. More details at http://www.rabqsa.com/cb_wsa.html or
http://www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au/brochure/001/S001003.pdf
2.6.4 Catchment Management
Australia must develop a Catchment Management mentality to successfully manage and optimise its water resources,
according to Peter Crawford, former top public servant, water authority head and author. He writes in ATSE Focus that
now is the right time to redraft the NWI to emphasise the role of catchments, particularly if future decisions on water
allocation and use are to be sustainable. http://www.atse.org.au/index.php?sectionid=1000
2.6.5 Western Australia's second major Desalination Plant
This will be built and operated by private industry and owned by the Water Corporation, based on the same successful
Private Public Partnership that delivered the Kwinana plant. Short listing of consortia should begin later this year.
http://www.watercorporation.com.au/m/media_detail.cfm?id=3357
2.7 Asia
2.7.1 China to address lake pollution
China is to bring in tough legislation to try and halt worsening pollution of the country's lakes, which is affecting domestic
water supply. In launching the new legislation, the Government's head of environment has attacked "bumpkin policies"
that encourage local officials to turn a blind eye to environmental hazards, reports the state-owned Xinhua news agency.
The clampdown comes after the Government discovered almost 90 per cent of the country's industrial parks, and 40 per
cent of companies, were flouting environmental guidelines.
In the last two months, outbreaks of blue-green algae have been reported in these three lake areas, endangering domestic
water supplies.
http://www.edie.net//news/news_story.asp?id=13317&channel=4
2.7.2 Rising sea levels pose threat to rice
The International Rice Research Institute, based in Manila, The Philippines, called rising sea levels triggered by climate
change a threat to some of the world's most productive rice-growing areas. The rice industry in Asia's low-lying deltas
plays a vital role in regional food security as well as global export markets, said senior climate scientist Reiner Wassman,
who warned that a projected rise of between 10 cm and 85 cm in sea levels over the next century could have enormous
impacts. IRRI is currently cooperating with the government in Hanoi, Vietnam to assess the effects of climate change in the
Mekong Delta and investigating ways to improve rice plants' resilience in higher temperatures.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90781/90879/6211804.html
2.7.3 Contamination sparks water-borne ailments
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is battling waterborne diseases in the waterlogged city of Mumbai
(Bombay), capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Monsoon flooding has tinged much of the water supply yellow and
it's hard to avoid fever, skin rashes, boils, diarrhea, or vomiting in some quarters. A doctor in the Bombay Port Trust
Colony in Sewree reported seeing 15 to 20 cases of gastroenteritis per day, and in BDD Chawls in Worli, residents must
allow their taps to run for 10-15 minutes before the water becomes clear.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/070716/48/6i4ax.html
2.7.4 China glaciers melting at alarming rate
Northwestern China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region, home to 42% of the glaciers that supply the rest of the country and
other parts of Asia with water, has warmed rapidly in the last 40 years, reported the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The
glaciers have shrunk by 20% and snowlines have receded by about 60 m (200 ft) since 1964, said researcher Wang
Feiteng. The largest glacier, located in the Tianshan Mountains, split in 1993 and has since been melting very quickly.
Wang's fellow-researcher Hu Wenkang added that the meltdown would initially cause floods and landslides in some areas,
and eventually stop providing water to Asia's rivers.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Detailview.asp?Keyword=water&Da=7/14/2007&Cat=7&Num=2
2.7.5 Work begins on Yellow River tunnels
Work has begun on two massive tunnels beneath the Yellow river, which form part of the ambitious south-to-north water
diversion project to bring Yangtze River water to Beijing, China. The two tunnels will have a 7m diameter and be 4250m
long. They will pass beneath the Yellow river west of Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province. One of the tunnels is
planned to be finished in March 2009.
2.8 Middle East
2.8.1 ConocoPhillips to build water center in Qatar
The Houston, Texas-based petroleum company ConocoPhillips plans to build a research center on water sustainability in
Doha, Qatar. The center will study the treatment and recycling of oily wastewater from refineries as well as other
technologies related to water production and management. Uses for the treated water could include irrigation, livestock
watering, sustaining wildlife habitats, and industrial cooling.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bizj/070709/1488292.html?.v=1
2.8.2 Ministry shortlists 11 firms for water transfer project
Jordan’s ministry of water and irrigation has chosen 11 international firms to compete for a study to look at the
environmental and social consequences of constructing a canal to bring water from the Red sea 300km to the Dead Sea.
The inland water body’s surface level has been dropping by 1m a year for two decades because of evaporation and
alleged diversions by Syria and Israel. Two firms will be chosen during a conference in Paris later this year. The 25-year
project will cost over $1 billion.
2.8.3 Veolia group company wins major desalination contract
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, through its thermal desalination specialist subsidiary SIDEM (Veolia WST-Sidem),
has been chosen to design and build one of the world’s largest desalination plants in Saudi Arabia. The multiple-effect
distillation plant will provide 800,000m3/day of desalinated water to Jubail Industrial City and the eastern province of
Saudi Arabia. The contract, worth around $945 million (€702 million), to Veolia Water, is for the complete design and
build of the desalination plant.
2.9 World-wide
2.9.1 WASH Media Award
The Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council WSSCC and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) have
announced the second edition of the WASH Media Award aimed at journalists in developing countries in the Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene fields. For more info visit www.wsscc.org/en/media/wash-media-awards
2.9.2 Urban water supply options
David Garman, President of the International Water Association, has commented that diversification of water supply
options is required for urban areas, including desalination. At times, this will result in redundancies in order to cope with
the increase in variability of water availability. To hear his interview, or to watch on-line interviews, visit H2oTODAY.
http://www.h2otoday.com.au/
2.9.3 Nestle Leads UN Push to Cut Company Water Use
At the United Nations-sponsored Global Compact summit in Geneva, Switzerland, six international companies pledged to
cut their water usage and called upon other companies to do the same. Chief Financial Officer Paul Polman of the Nestle
food corporation told business and government leaders that the firms would set specific conservation targets, invest in
water-thrifty technologies, and publicize their progress. Signatories to the new mandate included Nestle, Coca-Cola, Levi
Strauss & Company, the Laeckeby Water Group, SABMiller Plc, and Suez. Paul Faeth of Global Water Challenge said that
he was looking for 50 more companies to sign the mandate and focus upon water and sanitation issues, particularly in
developing countries.
http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=42988&newsdate=06-Jul-2007
2.9.4 UN issues desertification warning
A new report by the United Nations University, compiled by more than 200 climate experts from 25 countries, predicted
that some 50 million people could be driven from their homes by encroaching deserts within the next ten years if action
isn't taken. The study pointed to global warming, wasteful irrigation practices, and over-exploitation of land as the main
causes of soil degradation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6247802.stm
2.9.5 Technology for desalinating sea water for drinking water is rapidly developing
Desalting sea water is expensive, mostly because of the energy required. Current cost estimates run at about $650 per acrefoot (326,000 gallons, or 1.23 million liters), as opposed to $200 for purifying the same amount of fresh water. An acrefoot is about enough to supply two homes for one year. However, it is a growing field around the world as governments
and private investors ante up where there is a crucial need for drinkable water.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/02/business/water.php
2.9.6 UN report finds ‘uneven progress’ on MDGs
The UN has issued a midpoint report on progress towards meeting the MDGs that says the world’s nations, particularly
developing ones, have made substantial but uneven progress. The new report from the UN echoes findings released earlier
this year in the World Bank’s Global Monitoring Report 2007, which found impressive gains in reducing poverty
worldwide but much less progress in most of the other goals, including slowing climate change and other steps to protect
the environment. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that the report’s
main message ‘remains encouraging: the Millennium Development Goals remain achievable in most countries, but only if
political leaders take urgent and concerted action’.
2.9.7 UN warns of water-related urbanisation issues
The UN’s 2007 population report has warned that humanity will make the historic transition from a rural to an urban
species in 2008. Over the next 25 years, Asia and Africa will lead the shift, adding 1.6 billion people to their cities.
Thoraya Obaid, executive director of the UN Population Fund, said that most cities in developing countries already had
pressing concerns including a lack of clean water and sanitation. She added: ‘But these problems pale in comparison with
those that could be raised by future growth. If we do not plan ahead it will be a catastrophe.’
2.9.8 ICOLD Meeting in St Petersburg
The International Commission on Large Dams held its 75th Annual Meeting in St Petersburg, Russia from 24
to 29 June 2007. The Event included a Symposium on «Dam Safety Management: Role of State, Private Companies and
Public in Designing, Constructing and Operating of Large Dams» and an International Workshop on Dams and
hydropower in Russia and countries of the CIS. More information on the ICOLD’s website: http://www.icold-cigb.org/
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 PUBLICATIONS, REPORTS, WEB-SITES ETC
3.1 WSP ‘how to’ manual out for comment
The World Health Organisation has introduced a ‘how-to’ Water Safety Plan manual in response to growing requests for
practical guidance in this area. The manual focuses on utility water supplies and is now available to comment. A sample
copy can be obtained at www.iwaponline.com/jwh/003/1/default.htm.
3.2 Principles and Application of Membrane Bioreactors to Water and Wastewater Applications. Simon Judd
(editor).
The MBR Book is an excellent, thorough and up to date overview of progress in this rapidly expanded field. Hints on
applications and maximising productivity from design, operation, management. New supplier so taking advance orders
now. Cost $245 plus postage and handling. From bookshop@awa.asn.au
3.3 Small and Decentralised Wastewater Management Systems.
New printing of popular text with thorough discussions of specific issues including pre-treatment, biological methods,
lagoons, intermittent and recirculating packed-bed filters, reuse systems and more Useful discussion of problems and
solutions. Cost $139 plus postage and handling. From bookshop@awa.asn.au
3.4 Water Reuse: Issues, Technologies and Applications.
New from AWWA. An integrated approach to all aspects of water reuse: public health protection, water quality criteria,
regulations, current and advanced treatment technologies, process reliability, and implementation issues. Cost $199 plus
postage and handling. From bookshop@awa.asn.au
3.5 Poverty and Water Security – Understanding how water affects the poor, Carmen Villegas Caballero
This paper aims to stimulate debate on and promote a better understanding of the importance of water security in the
lives of the world’s poor. The goal is to set out a basic conceptual framework to help explain the relationship between
poverty and water security.
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/water/rc/ItemDetail.do?itemId=1107934
3.6 UKWIR - Drought and Demand: Scoping Study Investigating Drought Effects on Water Quality in
Distribution
The project involved a short desk-based study to examine the potential effects that drought may have on water quality in
the distribution system. It attempted to identify the consequences for water availability, costs and quality at the customers'
tap. The project did not examine supplies or potential treatment issues.
http://www.ukwir.org/lib/91662/
3.7 UN World Water Development Report 2: “Water, a shared responsibility”
In the three years since the first World Water Development Report in 2003 the world has seen considerable change. There
have been many instances of major water-related disasters and climate change and major demographic changes are
affecting the availability and quality of freshwater resources. The World Water Development Reports provide a series of
assessments to facilitate the monitoring of change in the water sector, both on a global basis and within a growing number
of case-study countries and river basins.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001444/144409E.pdf
3.8 Water and Liberalisation, Matthias Finger, Jeremy Allouche and Patricia Luis-Manso
In most network industries, new dynamics are leading to an unprecedented opening up to competition and private sector
participation. With the development of a single European market, the in-stages liberalisation process of public utilities has
spread to almost all sectors. However, the water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector is considered somehow different and
it has been excluded until recently from the restructuring processes achieved in other sectors.
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391139
3.9 European Water Research Series *
The European Water Research Series aims to convey to researchers, policy makers and water practitioners, scientific
knowledge and innovative technologies for the sustainable management of water resources, generated by mulitdisciplinary research projects supported in the context of the European Union's Research Programmes.
This series of publications focuses particularly on the outcomes of recently concluded research projects supported in the
context of the 5th and 6th Community Research Framework Programme.
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=research_reports&report=e

Institutional Governance and Regulation of Water Services: The Essential Elements. Author: Michael John Rouse
Publication Date: October 2007 • ISBN: 1843391341 • Pages: 230 • Hardback
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391341

Integrated Deliberative Decision Processes for Water Resources Planning and Evaluation. Editors: Giorgos Kallis,
Nuno Videira, Paula Antunes and Rui Santos
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391678
Publication Date: February 2007 - ISBN - 1843391678

Urban Water Resources Toolbox. Editors: Leif Wolf, Brian Morris, S Burn
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391384
Publication Date: January 2007 - ISBN - 1843391384

Integrated Evaluation for Sustainable River Basin Governance. Editors: Nuno Videira, Giorgos Kallis, Paula
Antunes and Rui Santos
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391481
Publication Date: January 2007 - ISBN - 1843391481

Water and Liberalisation. Editors: Matthias Finger, Jeremy Allouche, Patricia Luis-Manso
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391139
Publication Date: January 2007 - ISBN - 1843391139

Comparative Evaluation of Sludge Reduction Routes. Editor: Philippe Ginestet
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391236
Publication Date: October 2006 - ISBN - 1843391236

CARE-S. Editor: Sveinung Saegrov
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391155
Publication Date: April 2006 - ISBN – 1843391155

CARE-W. Editor: Sveinung Saegrov
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843390914
Publication Date: September 2005 - ISBN - 1843390914
Order from Portland Customer Services at sales@portland-services.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4 RESEARCH, LESSONS LEARNT & INNOVATION
4.1 Water vapour in space
The orbiting Spitzer space telescope has detected water vapour in the atmosphere of a gas giant, named HD 189733b
orbiting a star in the constellation of Vulpecula, the Fox, 64 light years away from Earth.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22062153-30417,00.html
4.2 Scientists study storm and pollution links
A team of 20 scientists from the UK has joined an international fact finding mission to try and discover what causes severe
storms and extreme flooding in hilly areas. Weather scientists from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS)
have joined colleagues from universities, research centers, and meteorological offices in seven other countries at a base in
the mountains of the Black Forest in Germany as part of the Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study
(COPS).
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=13287&channel=4
4.3 Eco-friendly desalination in UAE
A new process for desalinating seawater without discharging briny wastewater back into the ocean will soon be
introduced in the United Arab Emirates by the German firm IES through the local firm Smart Creative. According to Dr.
Martin Padisak, chairman of IES, the procedure results in zero discharges, although he gave no technical details. He
explained that it was needed because a high concentration of brine affects the fish population and, as a result, limits the
Gulf region's fishing industry.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/06/10137192.html
4.4 Doubtful experiment with iron near the Galapagos
The Planktos Corporation, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is trying out a method to slow the effects of
global warming in the ocean: restoring phytoplankton populations -- the building blocks of the marine food chain -- by
introducing 100 tonnes of iron powder into the Pacific Ocean near Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Rising levels of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere have increased water acidity, killing off plankton, but iron encourages their regrowth. Many
environmentalists in Ecuador are dubious about the experiment, however. Elizabeth Bravo of Accion Ecologica, Pablo
Barriga of Fundar Galapagos, and Washington Tapia, director of the Galapagos National Park, are all worried that
tampering with the food chain may affect the ecology of the islands, a marine reserve designated by the United Nations as
an endangered World Heritage Site.
4.5 Researchers predict 'dead zone' growth
The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium predicted that a seasonal "dead zone," or oxygen-deprived area, in the
northern Gulf of Mexico will reach its largest size in two decades this summer, covering 8543 square miles. The "dead
zone" usually begins forming in the spring and exists throughout the summer, explained Professor Eugene Turner of
Louisiana State University. It's caused by pollution from farm runoff, including fertilizers; soil erosion; and discharges from
sewage treatment plants. These contaminants contain nutrients that spur the growth of more algae than usual. When the
algae die and decay, they use up oxygen that fish and shellfish would otherwise consume.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070716/ap_on_sc/dead_zone;_ylt=AoQXYJBu3VSGprn2o1VOmGXMWM0F
4.6 AwwaRF announces ten research studies
The Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) has announced that it is providing $1.5 million in funding for 10 new studies
in its Unsolicited Research programme. Through the programme, AwwaRF provides financial support to researchers from
universities and other research bodies to undertake studies on issues that impact the safety and accessibility of public
drinking water. In all, 130 pre-proposals were submitted earlier this year, and the final 10 were chosen in June. These
include research on the fate and impact of antibiotics in slow-rate biofiltration processes, work looking at novel pathways
for the formation of DBPs, and a project looking at whether fuel cells can provide safe and cost-effective water sources.
4.7 Research finds main ice sheet is safe – for now
New research suggests that the East Antarctic ice sheet, the world’s largest, is relatively stable and will need ‘quite a bit of
warming’ to be affected. The ice mass is over 1875 miles across and up to 2.5 miles thick and is centred on the South Pole.
Researchers from Victoria University in New Zealand and Macquarie University in Australia say it will remain cold enough
to prevent significant melting in the near future, but it may eventually be vulnerable to sea level rises driven by other ice
sheets melting. The study found that from 13 000 to 7 000 years ago, when sea levels rose by over 330ft, the East
Antarctic ice sheet thinned by 660ft to 1150ft.
4.8 Study finds ancient ponds are drying up
Canadian researchers have found that ponds in the high Arctic that have provided water in summer for thousands of years
are drying up as global warming bites. A report by Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, published in the National
Academy of Sciences proceedings, warned that nearby wetlands are also drying up.
4.9 Research finds competition is not working
Joint research from economic regulator Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water has found that competition in the UK
water industry is not working. The survey revealed that no business customers had changed supplier in the 18 months since
the market was opened. Businesses questioned said the competition regime did not provide a workable framework to
allow them to switch, CCW said. In a statement it noted that ‘despite interest from business customers, more than 18
months after the launch of competition, none has actually switched their water supplier – and the results of the survey
indicate this is likely to remain the case, at least in the short term.’
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. VACANCIES & TRAINING
5.1 Global Water Partnership: Communications Officer
The Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), is searching for a Communication Officer to work with design and
production of communications material, editorial tasks, to coordinate translations and to handle the communication
related administration of the unit. The position requires experience from similar tasks, fluency in English, good
organisational skills and ability to work independently.
http://www.gwpforum.org/gwp/library/ComOfficer_short.pdf
5.2 Frontiers in Managing Reform & Regulation of Infrastructure Utilities in Africa. 13 – 17 August 2007
This five day course is aimed at managers and professionals in government, regulatory authorities, utilities, civil society and
the private sector working in the electricity, gas, water and telecommunication sectors. It is offered by the Management
Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation (MIR) at the GSB, University of Cape Town. MIR is a leading centre
of excellence and expertise in Africa and emerging economies.
For more info visit http://www.gsb.uct.ac.za/gsbwebb/EMEBrochure.asp?intpagenr=350 or contact Prof Anton Eberhard,
Graduate School of Business, UCT, at tel: 021 406 1361 or www.gsb.uct.ac.za/mir
5.3 Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) Training Courses
During June and July 2007 the following courses will be presented at the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM):

CEM-06.4.1 Introduction to Integrated Water Resource Management for Environmental Managers (20-24 August
2007)

CEM-04.3.3 Integrated SHEms Audit: Internal Auditor Course based on ISO 19011:2002 (including practical
module) SAATCA Registered (27-31 August 2007)

CEM-08.1.4 Environmental Health Law and Enforcement for Local Government (5-9 November 2007)
Please note that all bookings are provisional, but will be confirmed as soon as CEM receives proof of payment
For more information, registration on these courses, as well as flexible on-site training, please visit our website at
http://cem.puk.ac.za
5.4 Ecological Sanitation. Internet – training. 3 September - 21 December 2007. Organised by: UNESCO-IHE
Target group: Water, sanitation, agriculture and health professionals.
This is an online course. The subjects covered are:

an introduction to ecosan;

transfer and treatment of excreta and Greywater;

agricultural reuse; water demand management measures;

rainwater harvesting;

and some non-technical aspects.
To see what this online ecosan course looks like, visit http://www.lms.ihe.nl and use the login: ecosandemo and
password: 1234.
Costs: EUR 550, scholarships available from SEI and UNESCO-IHE
Contact: Elisabeth von Munch, UNESCO-IHE, e-mail at e.vonmunch@unesco-ihe.org
More information: [http://www.unesco-ihe.org/education/ilearning.htm]
5.5 SAICE Courses
SAICE is offering the following courses which may be of interest to WISA members:

Business Finance for Built Environment Professionals - Presented by Wolf Weidemann on 11 – 12 September 2007
in Gauteng, the course carries 2 CPD points and is priced at R2 800 for SAICE members and R3 500 for nonSAICE members

Handling Projects in a Consulting Engineer’s Practice - Presented by Wolf Weidemann on 18 – 19 September
2007 in Gauteng, the course carries 2 CPD points and is priced at R2 800 for SAICE members and R3 500 for
non-SAICE members
Prices exclude VAT and queries should be addressed to cpd.sharon@saice.org.za or dhermanus@saice.org.za
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6 FORTHCOMING EVENTS
WISA Master List of Forthcoming Events
To limit the length of this newsletter, the complete list of forthcoming events such as conferences, workshops and training
courses, is listed on the eWISA website at www.ewisa.co.za.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.1 SOUTH AFRICAN EVENTS
6.1.1 SA Sludge Guidelines Series: Invitation to Attend a Stakeholder Workshop and/or Training Session
Members are invited to attend the second round of one of 9 workshops on the new South African Sludge Guidelines Series
at a centre convenient to you. You are also invited to attend an additional day of training on the use of Volumes 1, 2 and
3 of the guidelines series. The Sludge Guideline Series focuses on options for sludge management and their development is
taking place in a phased approach that requires input from you as a stakeholder.
REF
CENTRE
1
Gauteng - Pretoria
2
Western Cape – Stellenbosch
3
North West Province - Rustenburg
4
Mpumalanga - Nelspruit
WORKSHOP/TRAINING
Day 1: Training
Day 2: Workshop
Day 1: Training
Day 2: Workshop
Day 1: Training
Day 2: Workshop
Day 1: Training
DATE
31 July 2007
1 August 2007
2 August 2007
3 August 2007
28 August 2007
29 August 2007
6 September 2007
Day 2: Workshop
7 September 2007
If members are interested in attending the workshops, then please register with Wilheminah Mosupye at 011 254 4901 or
wmosupye@zitholele.co.za. Alternatively the registration forms and more details can be found on the WISA websites at
www.wisa.org.za and www.ewisa.co.za
6.1.2 Appropriate Technology Conference. 3-4 September 2007. BMW Centre, Cape Town
Arranged by WISA this conference is chaired by John Clayton & Dr Marlene van der Merwe-Botha. For more info contact
Taryn van Rooyen at 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com.
6.1.3 Technical Advisory Centres. 18 Sept 2007. DBSA Convention Centre
The next WISA half-day workshop in Gauteng will deal with the concept of Technical Advisory Centres (TACs) for small
water treatment systems in the country.
The WRC has endorsed the workshop which it will host at the DBSA Convention Centre, Midrand. The workshop
chairpersons are Chris Swartz and Dr Gerhard Offringa (WRC). Members are encouraged to attend this event to contribute
to the establishment of the TACs, which will fulfill the WISA thrusts “to improve quality of life.” Members will be advised
of programme as it becomes available.
Please address enquiries to Chris Swartz at cswartz@mweb.co.za or Dr Gerhard Offringa at gerhardo@wrc.org.za
6.1.4 IWMSA Waste Management Mini-Conference.19 - 21 September 2007. Regent Hotel, East London
Arranged by the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), the theme of the Mini-Conference is
‘Where is Away?’ which will take an in-depth look at ways in which simple waste management and smart consumerist
choices can dramatically reduce waste and increase sustainability of the environment.
For further information, please contact the organisers, Tri-Skye Corporate Communication, tel: 043 726 2320, e-mail:
rene@triskye.co.za
6.1.5 ‘Effective Water Reticulation Management’ Master Classes. 8-9 October 2007 – Midrand & 11-12
October 2007 – Knysna.
Endorsed by WISA & arranged by WRP this conference is chaired by Dr Ronnie McKenzie. For more info contact Ms Zama
Siqalaba at 012 346 3496 or zamas@wrp.co.za.
6.1.6 Groundwater 2007 Conference. 8-10 October 2007. Bloemfontein
Details of the two-day preconference tour and the one-day training course will soon be available on the website
www.gwd.org.za. Early bird discount available.
For more info, Registration and Draft Programme contact MS Glaudin Kruger at tel: 028 316 2905 or kruger@krugerassociates.com
6.1.7 Meeting 2010 Targets Conference. 18-19 October 2007. Misty Hills, Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Arranged by WISA and DWAF this conference is chaired by Fred van Zyl (DWAF). For more info contact Taryn van
Rooyen at 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com.
6.1.8 National Wetlands Indaba 2007. 23-26 October 2007. Gauteng
WISA has been requested to advertise this event amongst its Members and invited to speak during a themed session on
awareness, education and training – mainly about the eWISA website, especially as a useful resource for “wetlanders”.
For more info p[lease contact Melissa Hansen from GDACE at tel: + 27 11 355 1627 or Melissa.Hansen@gauteng.gov.za
or visit www.gdace.gpg.gov.za
6.1.9 71st Annual IMESA Conference and Exhibition. 24 - 26 October 2007. International Convention Centre
(ICC), Durban, South Africa
Arranged by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) in collaboration with the International
Federation Of Municipal Engineering (IFME), this event is CPD accredited and has the theme “Sustainable Municipal
Engineering : 2010 and Beyond”
Full details available on the IMESA website at www.imesa.org.za
6.1.10 Afribuild 2007 (incorporating Airports Industry Showcase). 31 October - 2 November 2007. Sandton
Convention Centre, Johannesburg
The country is experiencing a phenomenal construction boom with investment into infrastructure development at an all
time high. In support of this demand, Afribuild 2007 will showcase services and products in the civil engineering, airports,
construction and manufacturing industries and will provide an important and influential platform for the construction
industry, its investors and related stakeholders.
The exhibition includes an extensive programme, with participation stakeholders across Africa. This year, Afribuild 2007
has confirmed international participation from countries including Spain, Brazil, China, Taiwan and Zimbabwe.
For further information to exhibit on Afribuild 2007 contact Ann Evans on 011 886 3734 or visit
www.afribuild.co.za
6.1.11 HELP Southern Symposium (HELP 2007) & Exhibition. 4-9 November 2007. Emperor’s Palace,
Johannesburg
The overarching goal of HELP (Hydrology for Environment, Life & Policy) is to contribute social, legal, economic and
environmental benefits to communities through sustainable and appropriate use of water by deploying hydrological
science in support of improved integrated catchment management.
WISA is partnering with DWAF, IWMI, WRC, UNESCO-SA and UKZN to host this 5-day international event, which will
include site visits to the Olifants Basin & Thukela Basin as SA HELP Basins
The Second Announcement has been issued & can be requested from Ms Taryn van Rooyen at tel 011 463 5085 or fax 011
463 3265 or e-mail conference@soafrica.com. Additional information on the HELP programme can be found at
http://www.unesco.org/science/help
6.1.12 WISA-Africa W&S Conference. 20-23 November 2007. Vic Falls, Livingstone
Arranged by WISA, this conference is chaired by Dr Kevin Pietersen. The Zambian W&S Association (WASAZA) will be
assisting with arrangements. For more info contact Taryn van Rooyen at 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com.
6.1.13 African Ministerial Sanitation Conference (AFRICASAN). 18-20 February 2008. Durban, South Africa
WSP-Africa has been working on the conceptualization of a sanitation marketing approach for a better understanding of
sanitation services demand, and established the basis for sanitation networking by holding a continental conference
(AfricaSan) in 2002. The marketing framework includes the regulation of transport and waste disposal, including ecosan.
WISA may be appointed Conference Secretariat. For more info contact WSP-AF at spaf@worldbank.org or Wallace
Mayne at ce@wisa.org.za or visit http://www.wsp.org/events/event.asp?id=113
6.1.14 IWRM/IHP 2008 – Water Services/ Resources Interface. March 2008. ICC, Cape Town
Arranged by WISA, this international conference is chaired by Eiman Karar (WRC). This conference has been combined
with the IHP Conference and has been given the working title of “Water Resource Management and Governance
Conference 2008”. Dates may still change. For more info contact Taryn van Rooyen at 011 463 5085 or
taryn@soafrica.com.
6.1.15 Innovative Service Delivery Solution (Franchising for the Water Sector) 2008 Conference. 19-20 March
2008. Helderfontein Estates, Gauteng
Arranged by WISA, this innovative conference deals with water franchising as a new approach for local water service
provisions and small business development in developing countries. Compared to alternative options of public and private
water facilities management, the opportunities for municipalities and other water service providers will be outlined,
covering technical operational and maintenance issues as well as financing, billing and collection, pre-payment metering
etc is chaired by Prof. Karl Rudolph (Germany) & Prof Joe Modise (Vaal Triangle). For more info contact Taryn van
Rooyen (Scatterlings) at 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com or Deon Nel (Biwater) at Deon@biwater.co.za
6.1.16 WISA 2008 Biennial Conference & Exhibition. 18-22 May 2008. Sun City Hotel & Convention Centre
The First Announcement for this popular and well-attended international WISA event, chaired by Dr Ralph Heath, has
been distributed. Colleagues are encouraged to submit abstracts for this conference pronto to conference@wisa.org.za as
time is running out

Technical Programme – Dr Heidi Snyman, 012 330 0340 or heidis@wrc.org.za

Delegates & sponsorships – Ms Taryn van Rooyen, 011 463 5085 or taryn@soafrica.com

Exhibitions – Ms Zia Tomes, 011 886 3734 or ziat@exhibitafrica.co.za
6.1.17 Water Efficiency Conference. June/July 2008. Helderfontein Estates, Gauteng
Arranged by WISA this conference is chaired by Jay Bhagwan (WRC). For more info contact Taryn van Rooyen at 011 463
5085 or taryn@soafrica.com.
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6.2 INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
6.2.1 Stockholm World Water Week. 12-18 August 2007. Stockholm, Sweden
The second Announcement for the Stockholm World Water Week “Progress and Prospects on Water: Striving for
Sustainability in a Changing World”, is now available. The World Water Week in Stockholm is the leading annual global
meeting place for capacity-building, partnership-building and follow-up on the implementation of international processes
and programmes in water and development. http://www.worldwaterweek.org/
The nomination period for the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize is open from now until 30 September 2007. The Stockholm
Water Prize is presented annually to an individual, institution or organisation for outstanding water-related activities. The
activities can be within the fields of aid, awareness building and education, engineering, management or science.
http://www.questjournalists.com/index.php/site/2008_stockholm_water_prize_nominations/
6.2.2 2007 World Congress on Ozone and Ultraviolet Technologies. 27-29 August 2007. Hyatt Regency
Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, California USA
Sponsored by the International Ozone Association and the International Ultraviolet Association, the theme of his
conference is “Benefits & Synergy: Ozone and Ultraviolet Technologies”. Notice of this event has been requested by the
WISA Oxidation and Disinfection Division (ODD) and hence members are requested to visit the website at
http://www.ioa-iuva-wchollywood.org/ or contact Cobus Coetzee (Secretary: ODD) at cobus@sawater.co.za for more
information.
6.2.3 Seminar on membrane technology. 27 August – 4 September 2007. No details of venue
Organised by DWA (German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste) this is a 7-day-seminar on membrane
technology, which will be held in English. Contents of the seminar are:
Basic elements of membrane technology, mechanical pre-treatment, implication of membrane technology,
mechanical sludge dewatering, failure problems, methods for cleaning the membranes, cleaning chemicals,
permeability, energy consumption - optimisation, membrane filtration in water treatment, microfiltration,
ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactors.
To receive more information, send an email to Ms Gabriele Martens at Martens@dwa.de
6.2.4 5th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks. 28-31 August 2007. Delft, The
Netherlands
Organised inter alia by the IWA, the International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research (IAHR); Delft
University of Technology, and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, the objective of this conference is to bring
together scientists and engineers in the area of environmental process engineering and management of sewer systems.
Some of the main themes of the conference are:

interactions between sewers and the urban wastewater system including wastewater treatment, combined sewer
overflows and receiving waters

sewer biofilm, sediments, wastewater and air: characterisation, processes and physical interactions.

microbial and chemical processes in sewer biofilm, sediments and wastewater

solutes and sediments transport

design, operation and control related to sewer processes.
http://www.unesco.org/water/water_events/Detailed/1522.shtml
6.2.5 IWA Biennial Congress 2008. 7-12 September 2008. Vienna, Austria
Prof Kasan, Chairman: IWA-SA & IWA-ESAR and WISA Fellow, has requested that WISA bring to the attention of Members
the call for papers for the above Congress, which is a key opportunity for our South African and African members to
submit papers/posters and interact with colleagues from all over the world.
The deadline for contributions is 15 September 2007.
Any Members wishing to participate are welcome to contact Wallace Mayne at ce@wisa.org.za for more information,
brochures etc.
6.2.6 22nd Annual WateReuse Symposium. 9-12 September 2007. Tampa, Florida, USA
The Preeminent Conference Devoted to Water Reuse and Desalination!
Presented by the WateReuse Association and cosponsored by the American Water Works Association and the Water
Environment Federation, the 22nd Annual WateReuse Symposium will feature more than 120 technical presentations
devoted to such stimulating and diverse topics as membrane treatment technologies, urban water reuse, water quality
issues, public outreach and education, desalination, agricultural reuse, disinfection, regulatory issues, and much more!
http://www.watereuse.org/2007Symposium/Index.html
6.2.7 Design, Operation & Economics of large Wastewater treatment plants. 9 – 13 September 2007. Vienna,
Austria
Organised by the Institute for Water Quality, Resources and Waste Management, Vienna University of Technology.
http://lwwtp07.tuwien.ac.at/
6.2.8 International Symposium on ‘New Directions in Urban Water Management’. 12-14 September 2007.
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Organised by UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme, the objectives of this symposium are:

bringing together leading international urban water management experts to discuss new concepts, approaches
and technologies for dealing with urban water problems under various settings, covering both developed and
developing countries

exchanging ideas for new directions in urban water management, as well as drawing recommendations for the
formulation of new strategies and implementation elements such as guidelines and educational tools

presenting and delivering the results and outputs of the IHP-VI Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP)
and gathering feedback from the participants regarding their applicability, gaps and possible extensions.
http://www.unesco.org/water/water_events/Detailed/1531.shtml
6.2.9 World Water Monitoring Day
Note that this takes place on 18 September 2007.
6.2.10 11th IWA Specialist Conference on Anaerobic Digestion. 23-27 September 2007. Brisbane, Australia
http://www.awmc.uq.edu.au/ad11/
6.2.11 European Water & Wastewater Management Conference. 24-26 September 2007. Newcastle, UK
The Conference intends to provide a focal point for those engineers, scientists and regulators with an interest in the
collection, treatment and supply of water, the collection, treatment and recycling of wastewaters .and management of the
associated assets. This first Conference aims to keep you abreast of engineering best practice, based around examples of
successful case-studies, together with updates on the development of those innovative solutions that will be required, in
order to deliver on the requirements of a number of EC Directives, in the timescales that they propose and in the more
sustainable manner now increasingly demanded. It will provide: an opportunity to: observe and discuss technical and
policy issues; network with potential clients and customers at the Conference exhibition, and a chance to meet old friends
and colleagues in an informal setting. http://www.unesco.org/water/water_events/Detailed/1537.shtml
6.2.12 80th Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference WEFTEC 07. 13-17 October 2007. San Diego
Convention Centre, San Diego, California, USA
WEFTEC - WEF's Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, termed “The Water Quality Event”, offers the best water
quality education & training available and is a leading source for water quality developments, research, regulations,
solutions, and cutting-edge technologies. The Exhibition runs from 15-17 October 2007. WEFTEC registration and housing
is open. Visit www.weftec.org to register online.
6.2.13 2nd IWA ASPIRE Conference and Exhibition. 28 October - 1 November 2007. Perth
The ASPIRE 20007 Exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to reach a combination of SE Asian, Pacific and Australian
water delegates in Perth. www.awa.asn.au/events/aspire. Registrations are open Over 500 delegates are expected to
attend this event which will cover all issues related to water in the Asia-Pacific Region. Download the brochure at
http://www.awa.asn.au/Content/NavigationMenu2/Education/NationalInterestEvents/ASPIRE2007/AspireRegBrochure.pd
f
6.2.14 8th WaterNet/ WARFSA/ GWP-SA Symposium: “IWRM – From concept to practice.” 31 October – 2
November 2007. Livingstone, Zambia
The First Announcement and call for papers has been received.
For more details contact confund@iwsd.co.zw or visit http://www.iwsd.co.zw .
6.2.15 World Toilet Day. 19 November 2007. Organised by the World Toilet Organization (WTO)
Various sanitation related events are planned for this day around the world. The purpose of having this day is to have
people in all countries take action, increasing awareness of the toilet users right to a better toilet environment, and to
lobby for increased access to toilets and sanitation for all.
More information at http://www.worldtoilet.org/
6.2.16 The Utility Management Conference 2008. 24-27 February 2008. Tampa, Florida, USA
Jointly sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
This conference was formerly called the Joint Management Conference.
http://lists.wefnet.org/t/46358/9744590/745/0/
6.2.17 14th African Water Association Congress. 25-29 February 2008. Cotonou, Benin
Organised by the African Water Association (AfWA), the theme for this Congress is “Partnerships and good governance for
achieving the MDGs in the water and sanitation sector in Africa”. The main focus is on urban utilities with technical session
topics:

human resources management institutional and legal aspects (incl. impact of HIV/AIDS and role of consumer
organisations’

commercial management finance and strategy

technical management (incl. fighting corruption)

sanitation and environment management (inc. communication and advocacy)
Contact AfWA / UADE, Ivory Coast, susher.uade@aviso.ci, kfofana.uade@aviso.ci or for more information visit
http://www.uade.org/angl/index.asp
6.2.18 WICD 2008. The 1st National Water Industry Capacity Development Conference. 30 March - 1 April
2008. Queensland's Gold Coast.
The conference program will comprise two main streams - Learning and Professional Development; and Human
Resources.
Call for abstracts now open – visit
http://www.awa.asn.au/Content/NavigationMenu2/Education/NationalInterestEvents/bApr08bWICDConference2008/WI
CD_Call_for_Abstracts_Web.pdf or contact Linda Phillips at lphillips@awa.asn.au for further information
6.2.19 Residuals & Biosolids 2008. Traditions, Trends & Technologies. 30 March - 2 April 2008. Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, USA
The conference will focus on the management of biosolids and Water Treatment Facility residuals. The theme of the
conference is “Biosolids and Residuals: Traditions, Trends and Technologies."
http://lists.wefnet.org/t/46358/9744590/782/0/
6.2.20 10th World Filtration Congress & Exhibition 2008 (WFC10). 14-18 April 2008. Leipzig, Germany
The largest international event for filtration and separation technology takes place every 4 years.
The WFC10 will embrace five days from Monday to Friday. The first day is foreseen for technical short courses. The
afternoon of the last day is reserved for post-congress plant tours. The remaining three and a half days are planned for the
technical conference and parallel exhibition. In total 300 technical presentations with concurrent sessions are expected and
a major international exhibition featuring all relevant aspects of filtration and separation. Exhibitor information:
http://www.wfc10.com/exhibition_exhibitor_info.htm
Leipzig has been selected as it meets the needs for a successful WFC in every way. The City of Leipzig is foremost in
providing the most modern facilities and excellent possibilities for travel and accommodation. At the same time the
carefully restored historic City of Leipzig offers delegates and visitors alike a unique experience from cultural and historical
aspects in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Travel information: http://www.wfc10.com/leipzig.htm
For more info please contact Ms Suzanne Abetz at tel: +49 2132 9357 60 or WFC10 at info@wfc10.com
6.2.21 Sixth National Monitoring Conference. 18-22 May 2008. Atlantic City, NJ, US
The National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) is hosting its 6th conference, “Monitoring: Key to
Understanding Our Waters.” The conference will focus on seven themes that highlight the importance monitoring in
achieving the goal of clean water for all. Especially integral to effective monitoring networks are the “3C’s” of the
Council’s Framework for Monitoring — Communication, Collaboration, and Coordination.
For additional Info contact WEF Conference Programs at Monitoring2008@wef.org or visit www.wef.org
6.2.22 Groundwater and Climate in Africa Conference. 25-28 June 2008. Kampala, Uganda
Organised by University College London (UK), Directorate of Water Development (Uganda) and UNESCO International
Hydrological Programme (IHP), this conference has the following session topics:

groundwater-based livelihoods

groundwater-fed ecosystems

monitoring and modelling groundwater use and replenishment

estimation of groundwater resources and demand

groundwater management
Abstract deadline is September 2007
Contact the Conference secretariat at info@gwclim.org or for more information visit http://www.gwclim.org/
6.2.23 1st International Conference on Technologies & Strategic Management of Sustainable Biosystems. 6-9
July 2008. Perth, Western Australia
The conference will focus primarily on the technical aspects of Integrated Biosystems (IBS)
Abstracts deadline is 26 Nov 2007
http://www.etc.murdoch.edu.au/IOBB2008
6.2.24 10th International Water Distribution Systems (WDSA) Conference 2008. 17-20 August 2008. Kruger
National Park
The Executive Board has agreed to endorse the above conference, which is being organised by Prof Kobus van Zyl from
University of Johannesburg (UJ) and who is also the Chair: SAICE Water Engineering Division and a WISA Member. It is a
significant honour since this is the first WDSA conference to happen outside the USA.
The Chief Executive has been invited to sit on the local organising committee.
Abstracts due 1 February 2008.
For more information Members should visit the conference website at www.uj.ac.za/wdsa2008.
6.2.25 IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition 2008. 7–12 September 2008. Austria Center, Vienna
More than 3,000 like-minded water professionals will connect with each other in Vienna during September 2008 at the
IWA World Water Congress to advance their common goal of sustainable water management. Call for papers closes 15
September 2007
Please see guidance notes for submissions at www.iwa2008vienna.org
6.2.26 International Conference on Sustainable Sanitation in Africa. 24-26 September 2008. Ouagadougou,
Burkina Faso,
The NETSSAF consortium consists of 19 African and European partner organisations. The main outcome of the project will
be a Participative Multi-stakeholder Sanitation Management Support Tool based on a series of
case studies carried out in peri-urban and rural areas in West Africa, focussing on:

appropriate low-cost sanitation technologies

potential reuse in agriculture

community based management

governance and institutions in sanitation
Abstract deadline is 30 November 2007
For more information visit http://www.netssaf.net/170.0.html
6.2.27 5th World Water Forum. 15-22 March 2009. Istanbul, Turkey
The theme is "Bridging Divides for Water". Building on the success of the 4th World Water Forum held in Mexico City last
March, which boasted over 15,000 visitors from every continent, Istanbul was selected as the host of the Forum from six
possible candidates following an extensive process. With a history rich in water resources, culture and technology, Turkey
presented a very strong candidature, especially due to the tri-partite cooperation established between the General
Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/index.php?id=1842&L=0%252F
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7. LAST WORD
When the well's dry, we know the worth of water - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contributions to newsletter:
National Branches, Divisions, Members etc are welcome/ invited to comment and/or send news, vacancies etc to the
Editor (contact details below).
Previous issues:
If members would like back-issues of this newsletter please contact the Editor (details below) or visit www.ewisa.co.za
Grateful acknowledgements to inter alia:
Access (WSP newsletter), Africa Business Briefing, African Water Project, AlertNet (Reuters), AWA Water News, AWWA,
BioConference, Business in Africa, Centre for Chinese Studies, ChemNews (CAIA), Currents (WWAP), Environmental
Expert Newsletter, European RTD Insight, European Water Management News, IMESA, INSAT News Publication, IRN
bulletins, IRN Source-Weekly, IUCN-SA newsletter, IWA newsletter, Manzi (WRC), NASTEF e-newsletter, SA Wetlands
newsletter, Talk@IMESA, The Star, The Sunday Times, UNESCO Sahra News Watch, VicWater Sustainability News,
Water21 global news digest, Water Wheel (WRC), WEF newsletter, What’s on the Go (IWMSA newsletter),WHO Water
& Sanitation, World Water (and environmental engineering), World Water Council newsletter
Anti-virus measures:
The WISA computer network & e-mail are protected and kept virus free using leading anti-virus software.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Editor: Wallace Mayne, Chief Executive
Water Institute of South Africa [Tel: +27 11 805 3537] [Cell: +27 82 929 2790] [E-mail: ce@wisa.org.za]
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