Water Institute of Southern Africa

“Building Expertise, Sharing Knowledge, Improving Quality of Life”

1.  Introduction

The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) was formed in 1987 when the Southern African branch of the Institute of Water Pollution Control, originally founded in 1937, was disbanded.  At the beginning of 2000 WISA was incorporated under Section 21 of the Companies Act of 1973 as an association not for gain.  This means that WISA shall use its funds and assets solely to further its stated aims and objectives and no funds or assets shall be distributed to any other person or body.

2.  Purpose

The objectives of the Institute are the promotion of, and application of scientific and engineering knowledge and management skills in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, investigation, research and education in connection with the natural and controlled water cycle.  This will include, but will not be limited to, the application of scientific, engineering and management skills to all or any hydrology, water resources, river management and flood alleviation, recreation, water supply and distribution, sewerage, sewage and industrial waste treatment, disposal and water pollution control.  The activities of the Institute shall be directed to the furtherance of such activities.

 The mandate of the Institute shall inter alia be to:

2.1   Encourage communication and a better understanding among scientists, engineers, managers,

administrators and  communities engaged in the search for and implementation of solutions for water related projects.

2.2  Encourage and facilitate the exchange of information relating to research and technology for:

a. Engineering design, construction, operation, control and management of all water and waste treatment systems (including mining and industrial applications);

       b. Water quality management in the aquatic environment;

       c. Social, educational and managerial development.

2.3   Liaise with governmental (Central, Provincial and Local), regional water authorities, industry, NGOs

and any other appropriate bodies on all matters relating to the water environment.

2.4  Promote participation and research for the benefit of communities, industry and the environment.

2.5  Arrange forums and establish a data-base to facilitate the sharing of information;

2.6    Establish and manage a fund to support individual development and capacity building;

3. Organisational structure

3.1 The Executive Board for 2011 / 2012
The Council appoints a Board of Directors which is entrusted with the day-to-day policy decisions and overseeing the functioning of the Institute. This duty the Board fulfils through the offices of the Chief Executive of the Institute and his staff.

During each Annual General Meeting the serving President is required by the Articles of Association to hand over his/her duties to the Vice-President.

4.  Institute membership

The Institute embodies a multidisciplinary approach, and as such, members are drawn from all spheres of employment and varying disciplinary backgrounds.  The various categories of membership cater for the needs of all professionals involved with water across the sector.  The Institute individual membership is comprised of Senior Fellows, Fellows, Members, Retired Members, Associate Members, Affiliates, Media Members and Student Members. The Institute also has organisational membership comprising Honorary Members, Patron Members, Corporate Members and Professional-Member Associations.

Categories of membership are tied to set criteria and admission to any  category of membership is controlled by a membership committee that judge the merits of each application.  At present the membership roll in all categories combined is 2 735 and it is hoped to increase this as the benefits of membership of the Institute are enhanced.

5.  Code of Conduct

All members of the Water Institute of Southern Africa are committed to working towards the equitable and beneficial use of water for all.

All members of the Water Institute of Southern Africa will not willfully cause or permit the discharge of matter into the natural water cycle that would impair the quality of the water for its beneficial use by others.

Water is seen as a primary need for the health of the nation and all members of the Water Institute of Southern Africa will strive, during the course of their normal activities, to prevent the abuse or misuse of water in a manner that would endanger public health.

All members of the Water Institute of Southern Africa will work towards enhancing the environment.

All members of the Water Institute of Southern Africa will endeavor to co-operate with other members in the advancement of knowledge and technology in the water field.

6.  International relations

The Water Institute of Southern Africa is fully cognisant that water resource management is an interdisciplinary as well as international field and as such the Institute maintains close relationships with a number of organisations in affiliated fields world wide. The Institute is a Member Association of the Water Environment Federation (USA) as well as direct representation on the National Committee of the International Water Association.  It also has reciprocal Professional Member Association status with the NVA (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Waterbeheer) in Holland

WISA is endeavoring to consolidate and broaden its contact with all international relevant Water Bodies and especially those in  Africa and Southern Africa.

7.  Branches

7.1  Eastern Cape Branch

7.2  East London Branch

7.3  Free State Branch

7.4  KwaZulu-Natal Branch

7.5  Mpumalanga Branch

7.5  Western Cape Branch

8.  Divisions

8.1  Purpose

To cater for the specific needs and requirements of specialised areas of water management, the Institute also supports 10 Divisions.  Some of the Divisions have affiliated Groups.

All Divisions support the same generic objectives which are:

1.         To provide a forum for, and communication channel between, interested and associated groups and individuals  from public authorities, water authorities, industry, suppliers, consultants, development, organisations and research&  organisations.

2.         To initiate and organise, or participate in open meetings, technical visits, workshops and conferences for the transfer and advancement of technology and information dissemination.

3.         To encourage advise on or initiate, and if appropriate participate, in training and educational courses.

4.         To develop, make available or be able to refer to relevant publications, manuals, guidelines, handbooks and software and, if appropriate, to publish a newsletter.

5.         To identify research needs and encourage the undertaking of research into current problems.

The following Divisions are operational.

8.2  Anaerobic Sludge Processes Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

Anaerobic digestion is one of the major biological waste treatment processes in use today. Broad scale application of the process has been largely in the treatment of municipal sewage sludge and, more recently, in the treatment of strong and medium strength industrial wastes.  Advances in the basic understanding of the microbiology and biochemistry of the process, along with advances in hardware technology, have helped to overcome many of the problems associated with anaerobic digestion.

The Anaerobic Division provides a communication forum for researchers engineers and practitioners working in the anaerobic technology field and communicate with anaerobic disciplines.  It also improves awareness and knowledge of the anaerobic processes in the municipal and industrial sectors and encourage anaerobic technology transfer.  It strives to disseminate information from existing plants and processes; and identify research needs, encourage and acknowledge research in the field of anaerobic processes.

8.3  Community Water Supply and Sanitation Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

To provide a forum, by holding seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings to disseminate knowledge and information on all matters related to the delivery of water supply and sanitation services to the disadvantaged people of Southern Africa. Collaborate with other professional and technical societies and other bodies having similar objectives. Publish papers, pamphlets, books and relevant information on the subject. Act as a channel of communication between the communities in need and the professionals of relevant disciplines.

Vice-Chairman:

Mr Philip Ravenscroft

Maluti Consulting Engineers

P O Box 6336, Uniedal, 7612

Cell:  083 457 6209

phillip@malutiwater.co.za

8.4  Disinfection/Oxidation Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

In December 2000, the UN set a target of providing all the world’s population with access to potable running water and sanitary facilities by the year 2025. It is evident that effective and cost-efficient oxidation and disinfection systems for drinking water and wastewater will be at the heart of this health investment program.

Given that global water consumption doubles every 15 years and that 25 million people die of water-based illnesses each year, the challenges are that water must be recycled, must not impose a burden on the environment, and must not cause illnesses. The Oxidation / Disinfection Division’s mission is to contribute meaningfully to these challenges whilst adhering and adding value to WISA’s strategic intent of building expertise, sharing knowledge, improving quality of life.

Broadly stated - oxidation is the removal of organic and inorganic substances from raw water, whilst disinfection is the inactivation / destruction of bacteria, viruses and parasites. The Oxidation / Disinfection Division’s intent is to network with fellow water care professionals, to inform, to disseminate knowledge, to educate, to encourage training, and to facilitate research which should lead to the implementation of best practice models in all spheres of water treatment.  

8.5  Southern African Industrial Water Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

To gather and disseminate information for the advancement of cost-effective and environmentally acceptable operational practices, control measures and management of industrial water and wastewater related systems and processes.

·      To coordinate affiliation with related scientific bodies and interested parties in Southern Africa and corresponding and related bodies internationally;

·      To gather and disseminate information on technology, operation and control of industrial water and wastewater systems by initiating and organizing, or participating in open meetings, technical visits, workshops and conferences;

·      To provide forums and media where knowledge and experience of industrial water and wastewater systems can be discussed and published to the benefit of all who experience difficulties in this field, including interested and associated groups and individuals from public authorities, industry, suppliers, consultants, development and research organizations;

·      To develop, make available or be able to refer to relevant publications, manuals, guidelines, handbooks and software, and, if appropriate, to publish a newsletter;

·      To enlist a wide diversity of membership so as to achieve mutual benefits between industry, suppliers, research groups, governmental groups and individuals;

·      To encourage, advise on, or initiate, and if appropriate, participate in training and educational courses; and

·      To encourage, and acknowledge, research in operational difficulties associated with industrial water and wastewater systems.

8.6  Management and Institutional Affairs Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

To advance the theory and practice of the management of water‑related institutions; To provide forums by holding seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings to disseminate knowledge and information on all matters related to the management of water related institutions and organisations in Southern Africa; To collaborate with other professional and technical societies and other bodies having similar objectives; To publish papers, pamphlets, books and relevant information on the subject.

8.7  Membrane Technology Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

Membrane separation has wide application in both water and wastewater management. The following are the fields of interest: Desalination, Effluent treatment, Reverse osmosis, Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration, Membrane development, Dynamic membranes, Liquid membranes, Electrodialysis, Electrolysis, Food processing, Biotechnology, Medical application, Pharmaceutical applications, Chemical processing.

To provide a forum to facilitate the exchange of information and experience on membrane technology for water and wastewater management.  Organise conferences, symposia, demonstrations and plant visits.  Develop educational courses and workshops for academics and membrane end users.  Identify research needs and current problem areas.  To stimulate awareness of the potential of membrane technology in the user community.

8.8  Mine Water Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

The Mine Water Division was formed in July 1990 to cover the area of mine water, including management, treatment, reuse, conservation and the impact on the mining and general environment.

The main objectives of the Division are the following:

·        Exchange of information

·        Encouraging co‑operation between the Division and other groups with an interest in mine water.

·        Engendering in mine management a pro‑active approach to mine water problems and challenges.

·        Identifying information, technology, research, development and implementation needs.

·        The activities of the Division will include arranging presentations and open days and identifying mine water related needs on an on‑going basis.

·         

8.9  Small Wastewater Treatment Works (SWWTW) Division

1.     PURPOSE

The aim of the Small Wastewater Treatment Works Division is to fulfil the present and future needs of the authorities, owners and professionals involved in the design, supply, operation, maintenance and management of small wastewater treatment works in South Africa. Within the context of this division small wastewater treatment works (SWWTW) is defined as: “Small Domestic Wastewater Works  that have at least three of the 4 “process” phases  (a preliminary, primary, secondary and/or tertiary phase) and a system that needs to satisfy the legislative requirements”. 

In the past there has been distrust and confusion relating to regulation and roles and responsibilities of this sub-group working within the water sector. The SWWTW Division aims to build relationships between the various role-players which will ultimately lead to better consensus building approaches to designing, managing, operating, maintaining, supplying and regulating small WWTW whilst meeting the need of protecting the environment and society through responsible application of appropriate technologies. The mandate to form a division was obtained from the WISA SWWTW conference held in Durban in February 2009. At this forum the delegates agreed to the formation of a SWWTW Division and nominations were put forward for the core team to lead the formation of the new Division.

2.     Vision

The SWWTW core group has set the following vision for the division:

To achieve sustainable  performance, collaboration, management, and governance within the SWWTW community. We  aim to entrench and drive the following goals:

·        Performance : Adopt a “green drop” approach for SWWTW

·        People: Create a community ownership attitude

·        Partners: Nurture a winning network of partners and build mutual loyalty within the division.

·        Environment: Be a responsible division that makes a difference through bold actions and committed leadership.

3.     Objectives

The SWWTW division will provide a number of activities, services and initiatives to this specific community within the sector. To fulfil this aim, the Small Wastewater Treatment Works Division has the following objectives:

1. Provide a communication platform for all stakeholders to raise their concerns  

2. Exchange information to improve the management, operation, supply, design and regulation of SWWTW

3. Create the systems and processes within the sector to assist in the improvement of the management, operation, supply, design and regulation of SWWTW

4. Build expertise within the sector and align with international best practice

5. Ensure the activities remain relevant to the SWWTW community

6. Share knowledge, expertise and support to SWWTW within the SADC region.

The means of achieving the vision and objectives of the SWWTW division are fairly specific at the moment due to a number of formal discussions and targeted studies carried out which have highlighted the awareness of the gaps in the area of small wastewater treatment works. These specific activities will first be open for comment via a workshop with the sector partners by the management committee before finaliSation of a work plan.

4.     Planned Activities

a.     Specific Activities

                                                    i.     Technical: Design criteria (load considerations)

                                                   ii.     Formation of a Supplier Association

                                                  iii.     Database of suppliers

                                                 iv.     Database of package plants ( < 2ML) (to include influent and effluent results)

                                                   v.     Legislation Review

1.     The National Water Act

2.     National/local  Building  Regulation

                                                 vi.     Green drop adoption

                                                vii.     Criteria for certification of supplier/technology/accreditation of supplier/operator

                                               viii.     Operation and maintenance (The use of smart compliance control applications and tools)

b.     Cross-cutting activities

                                                    i.     Knowledge sharing

                                                   ii.     Capacity building

5.     Committee

8.10  Water Science Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

To promote the knowledge and practice of water and wastewater treatment. To encourage and advise on the training and education of persons engaged in the watercare industry. To endeavour to give to the personnel of the watercare industry such standing as will ensure their recognition by statutory authorities and generally to act as a body representative of the personnel in connection with any matter affecting, or of interest to, that body. To promote a high standard of operation amongst those engaged in watercare and to improve the standards and methods of education of watercare personnel. To promote social and technical communication amongst members of the Division.

To discuss the following in the water field: Chemical and bacteriological analysis and methods. Standards for effluents. Operation. Legislation and law enforcements. Industrial effluents and standards. Training of water scientists. Contracts. Laboratory apparatus. The role of the water scientists in the designs of water care works.  To organise meetings and symposia.  To submit papers to WISA for publication or conferences.  To recommend to WISA Council any matter relating to water scientists.  To publish a newsletter.  To encourage the field of water scientists.

8.11    Water Distribution Division

Scope of Interest  and Objectives

The Division provides a centre of expertise for all aspects of the management and control of water distribution systems. Network analyses, leak control, corrosion, pipe deterioration, metering, data logging, material and fittings, creation and maintenance of data banks, are but a few of the aspects addressed.

To provide a forum for exchange and expansion of knowledge by arranging discussions, meetings and seminars. To identify research needs. To ensure technology transfer.

9.  Awards

WISA also bestows awards in recognition of achievement in the fields of water science, engineering and technology. These are in different categories and are not automatically awarded each year as a strict set of judging criteria must satisfy the various panels before an award is bestowed.

9.1  Aqua Vita Est Award

WISA as an organisation depends heavily on the active involvement of its members to function – without volunteer support WISA as an organisation cannot exist.  As is the nature of things some members involve themselves more in volunteer activities than others, in other words contributing to a greater extent to the success, or otherwise, of WISA.  The Board of WISA approved that the award be instituted to recognise those members, and non-members, who have materially contributed to the success and esteem of WISA.  This award will also be available to Branches and Divisions.  It was thought fitting to name the award after the inscription on the WISA heraldic shield, namely Aqua Vita Est, meaning “Water is Life”.

In the same manner – while there are statistical measurements that can be applied such as growth in membership, etc. – the “award” for the Branch or Division should not be limited to just these “easier” measurements.  In their particular case innovative approaches that are, or can be copied with success by others, can also be a measure.  These can include the creation of sub-Branches in nearby less-developed areas, or services such as information campaigns regarding water related health issues.  Advocacy to the benefit of solving contentious issues in their vicinity, or the involvement of their local political structures in recognising the importance of the water professionals can also be measures of successes.

There will be no limit on the number of awards bestowed each year, not will there be an injunction to bestow an award every year.  This will hold true for members, as well as Branches and Divisions.  For instance, during a conference year one of the committees involved may deliver dedicated work of such quality that all the members of that particular committee may qualify. By the same token there might not be any viable candidate during a particular year, and rather than demean the award by bestowing it to someone not worthy of it, no award will then be awarded that year.

Prizes: The award for individuals will be a cheque to the value of R2000.00 plus a small permanent trophy suitable for a desk.  For a Branch or Division it will take the form of a larger permanent trophy, and a framed plaque.

The President will do the presentations of the Aqua Vita Est Award to individuals as well as Branches and Divisions during his annual “round robin” visit to all the Branches while the winners present at the Biennial Conference will also be honoured during the banquet of the first conference following their award.  In the case of Branches and Divisions the THEN Chairperson of that particular Branch or Division will be presenting the Branch or Division, as it is an institutional win, and not a personal win.

Adjudication will be done by a special panel appointed by the Board through the CE in the case of individuals, and by the Council in the case of Branches and Divisions.

9.2  WISA iSIGIDI Award 

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

The WISA iSIGIDI award is a new award that will be presented biennially to the owner and works manager of a wastewater treatment works of greater than 25Ml/day average Dry Weather Flow for competence and initiative in works operation. 

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Understanding that not all Wastewater Treatment Works are managed at the same level, there will be two levels of participation viz. the award for the best wastewater treatment work for 2008/09 and the most improved wastewater treatment work for 2008/09.

 Best wastewater treatment work

This category will include the following parameters on which the WWTW will be adjudicated.

·        Efforts by owner and works manager

·        Operating efficiency

·        Plant maintenance and servicing

·        Laboratory control, not necessarily in-house

·        Development and improvement

·        General administration

·        House keeping

·        Safety

·        Professionalism and public relations

·        Knowledge, initiative and enthusiasm of process controller in charge

·        General appearance and impressions

 9.2    Piet Vosloo Award

 The award, in the form of a citation certificate is offered for a notable technical achievement in the water field.

Requirements for submissions are:

The criteria are for a completed project involving innovative technology in the water field to the benefit of the effective management of water resources.  The project may be in any area of the water field including:

•      Water supply, treatment, distribution and conservation;

•      wastewater collection, treatment, disposal and re-use;

•      water pollution control and prevention.

Nominations should be accompanied by a brief precise description of the project of not more than two A4 pages.

9.3    Umgeni Award

Umgeni Award sponsors an annual cash award to the principal author of a paper which, in the opinion of the Council of the Water Institute of Southern Africa, makes a noteworthy contribution to water science and engineering. The current value of the award is R1 000 and will be accompanied by a certificate and a bronze medal (or certificates and medals in the case of co-authors) bearing the name of the sponsor together with the coat of arms of the institute and the name(s) of the successful author and co-authors.

The award, based on papers published during any present year, will be presented during the following year.  Should the standard of nomination not be acceptable, an award will not necessarily be made.

Requirements for submissions are:

•      The principal author must be a member of the Water Institute of Southern Africa;

•      The paper must have been accepted by WISA for presentation at a branch or specialist division meeting or a conference/            symposium in which WISA is involved;

•      Alternatively the paper must have been published in a South African journal approved by the Council of WISA or conference/symposium documentation or proceedings;

•      The length of the paper and rules for the preparation of manuscripts should be as presently adopted by WISA with respect to conference papers or as required by the editors of ‘approved’ journals;

•      The language of presentation shall be English;

•      The author must submit a written application accompanied by three copies of the paper;

•      Alternatively, any member of WISA, subject to the approval of the author, may nominate a paper by another member if he considers it to be worthy of consideration for the award.

9.4    Wilson Award

he Wilson Award was initiated to commemorate the late Dr Wilson’s dedicated approach to his work and his efforts in developing the Southern African Branch of the Institute of Sewage Purification which in 1967 changed its name to the Institute of Water Pollution Control.  When the latter organisation was disbanded in 1987 and the Water Institute of Southern Africa formed, it was decided to carry on with this tradition.

The award acknowledges the combined competence and initiative of the owner and works manager of a wastewater treatment works, having a total design capacity of up to 25 000kl/day average dry weather flow.

Requirements for submissions are:

Nominations with the names of the installation, the owner and the manager as well as names and signatures of the proposer and seconder, are invited.   A marking schedule is available on request.

9.5    Foundation for Water Research

The Foundation for Water Research (UK) is again offering an award for the best paper, made at the WISA biennial conference by a young presenter (born in 1970 or later), in the field of water science and technology. The award consists of a year’s membership of the FWR and a shield containing the author’s name.

9.6  The Anaerobic Processes Division annually awards the following:

9.6.1       GG Cillié Award

The GG Cillié Award is intended to honour the contribution of Dr GG Cillié to research on water treatment, by promoting contributions from university students on anaerobic digestion research.   The award consists of a floating trophy and book prize valued at R1000.00.

9.6.2       Academic

The Institute also hosts an evening of academic excellence in the Biennial GJ Stander Commemorative Lectures (Excellence in Research Awards) while the biennial WISA International Conference and Exhibition alternates with the biennial Sustain Exhibition.

As part of its mission WISA also administers a Bursary Scheme to assist students to prepare themselves for a career in the fields of water science, water engineering and water technology. 

Last updated Wednesday, May 16, 2012.
Questions about WISA can be directed to wisa@wisa.org.za.
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