Delivering High-Quality Potable Water Through Advanced Treatment Technology
ADvTECH, on behalf of Pecanwood College, appointed Marlin Technologies Group (MTG) to design and implement a water treatment solution capable of addressing the significant water quality challenges experienced on site.
The primary challenge was the exceptionally high hardness levels in the source water supplied from the College’s existing boreholes. The objective was to provide a sustainable treatment solution that would consistently deliver potable water meeting SANS 241 drinking water standards for the entire campus, including its boarding facilities.
MTG successfully designed, installed, and commissioned the treatment plant between September and November 2024, delivering a reliable and future-proof water management solution.
About the Water Treatment System
The treatment plant was specifically engineered based on detailed water quality analysis of the borehole supply. Given the elevated hardness levels, MTG incorporated advanced treatment technologies to ensure superior water quality and operational reliability.
System Features
- Multi-stage media filtration for the removal of suspended solids and particulates
- Micron filtration for enhanced water polishing
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology to effectively reduce dissolved minerals and hardness
- Chlorination system for disinfection and microbiological control
- pH balancing system to optimise water quality and protect infrastructure
- Fully automated control and monitoring system
In addition to the treatment plant, the project included several supporting infrastructure upgrades:
- Civil works and site preparation
- Refurbishment of the existing plant room
- Installation of an additional 142,000-litre reservoir storage tank
- Comprehensive operator training for the College’s maintenance team
To ensure ongoing compliance and performance, MTG conducts monthly water quality testing and monitoring, verifying that the treated water continues to meet SANS 241 potable water standards.
Results & Benefits
Superior Drinking Water Quality
The advanced treatment process consistently produces high-quality potable water that meets SANS 241 standards, providing safe drinking water for learners, staff, and boarding house residents.
Effective Hardness Reduction
The inclusion of Reverse Osmosis technology successfully addresses the site’s high hardness levels, improving water quality and protecting plumbing infrastructure and equipment.
Enhanced Water Security
The additional 142,000-litre storage reservoir provides calculated reserve capacity to accommodate peak demand periods and maintain reliable supply across the campus.
Fully Automated Operation
Automation minimises manual intervention, improves operational efficiency, and ensures consistent treatment performance.
Long-Term Sustainability
By utilising available borehole water resources and reducing reliance on external water supplies, the College benefits from greater water independence and long-term operational resilience.
Building a Resilient Water Future
The Pecanwood College Water Treatment Project showcases MTG’s expertise in solving complex water quality challenges through innovative engineering and advanced treatment technologies.
By transforming hard borehole water into high-quality potable water, MTG has provided the College with a dependable, sustainable, and future-ready water solution that supports its educational environment for years to come.
This case study fits seamlessly with your other education-sector projects and highlights MTG’s capability to deliver advanced treatment solutions where challenging water quality conditions, such as high hardness, require specialised treatment technologies.
