Providing Sustainable Water Security for a Leading Educational Institution
In 2018, Herschel Girls School partnered with Marlin Technologies Group (MTG) to design and install a water treatment system capable of treating borehole water to SANS 241 potable water standards for the Junior School.
Following the success of the initial installation, the system was expanded in 2019 to increase treatment capacity and supply both the Junior and Senior Schools with high-quality treated water.
In addition to potable use, the treated water is also utilised for irrigation and swimming pool top-ups, maximising the value of the school’s groundwater resources.
Today, the system continues to provide a reliable and sustainable water source while significantly reducing dependence on municipal supply.
About the Water Treatment System
The treatment plant was designed based on detailed borehole water analysis and the operational requirements of the school. The objective was to deliver a dependable supply of safe drinking water while ensuring flexibility and resilience for future growth.
System Features
- Multi-stage media filtration for effective removal of suspended solids
- Micron filtration for enhanced water polishing
- Water softening system to reduce hardness and protect infrastructure
- Chlorination system for disinfection and bacteria control
- UV sterilisation for additional microbiological protection
- Fully automated control and monitoring system
- Municipal water backup integration to ensure uninterrupted supply when required
The system operates automatically, ensuring consistent performance and minimising operational intervention. To maintain compliance and performance, MTG conducts monthly water quality testing and monitoring.
Results & Benefits
High-Quality Potable Water
The treatment plant consistently produces water that meets SANS 241 drinking water standards, providing safe and reliable water for learners, staff, and visitors.
Reduced Municipal Water Consumption
The school maximises the use of treated borehole water, significantly reducing reliance on municipal water supplies and improving long-term water sustainability.
Multi-Purpose Water Use
The treated water supports a range of campus requirements, including:
- Potable water for school facilities
- Irrigation of sports fields and landscaped areas
- Swimming pool top-ups
Reliable and Resilient Supply
The inclusion of municipal backup ensures continuous water availability, even during periods of maintenance or reduced borehole production.
Strong Return on Investment
Based on water consumption patterns and municipal tariff savings, the project is estimated to achieve a return on investment within approximately 36 months.
Supporting Sustainable Education
The Herschel Girls School Water Treatment Project demonstrates MTG’s commitment to helping educational institutions achieve water security through innovative and sustainable infrastructure.
By transforming borehole water into high-quality potable water, MTG has enabled the school to reduce costs, improve resilience, and make better use of its natural water resources while supporting a sustainable future.
This case study complements your other education-sector projects and showcases MTG’s long-standing experience in delivering reliable water treatment solutions for leading independent schools across South Africa.
