Central University of Technology, Free State

• Monitoring of emerging contaminants in water sources is crucial given their incessant introduction into the aqueous environment and the impact on aquatic life and human health, particularly in water-stressed countries such as South Africa. The project was the first in the Modder River catchment in the Free State province aimed at quantifying the level and risks of emerging contaminants in rivers, dams, wastewater treatment works and treated drinking water around the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
• The major impact is the training of mid-level municipal managers in charge of water and wastewater treatment on the risk and treatment of emerging contaminants present in their water treatment plant, wastewater plant and treated drinking water. Around 30 water managers (Mangaung Water Services, VC Waters formerly Bloemwater and Water Catchment Managers) received training certificates. These managers where never aware of these contaminants’ presence in their water sources as it’s not a requirement for SANS 241 and other national standards.
• Other important benefits are that the project extensively point out the state of water quality regarding emerging contaminants in the drinking water of the city of Bloemfontein. The outcome of the research and resolution from the training and workshop led to speedy approval by the municipality for the urgent refurbishment of the city water works.
• This is a first for the city and the Modder River catchment. This ends the dearth of data on emerging contaminant pollution in the Free State province. Nationally, the Free State is the only province this investigation has been lacking. In addition, the project sensitized the city to prioritization on the refurbishment of its drinking water plant which commenced thereafter.
• The project addressed serious matter relating to water pollution and health in the country, in particular the region of Free State where water quality supply is a challenge as municipal services deteriorate. The outcomes of the project are deemed to be very crucial in inhibiting water pollution from emerging contaminants for the protection and sustainability of the Modder River catchment in the Free State province of South Africa. Academically, five (5) research articles were published from the project. Therefore, the significance of this project cannot be ignored as it has demonstrated all aspects of scholarly and community engagement. Capacitating CUT students on solving challenges present in its immediate environment. The positive impact and contribution of CUT to the Central Region of South Africa water and environmental health sustainability.