WRC does not carry out research itself but administers research funds at a national level. WRC provides the country with applied knowledge and water-related innovation, by continuously translating needs into research ideas and, in turn, transferring research results and disseminating knowledge and new technology-based products and processes to end-users.

One of WRC's five key strategic areas is entitled "Water Use and Waste Management" and Thrust 3 of this key strategy area deals with "Sustainable Municipal Wastewater And Sanitation". This thrust focuses on the development of technologies and systems that optimise the full wastewater and sanitation services chain in the municipal (domestic) sector. This includes the reticulation, treatment and management of the residues. The challenge is to implement fitting solutions for a particular application that will remain functional throughout the intended lifespan of the installed infrastructure. This includes the responsible management of the wastewater sludge and faecal sludge that is generated. The need for innovative technologies and solutions is recognised as we prepare for the future – achieving more stringent effluent discharge standards, developing acceptable non-waterborne sewerage solutions, reliable treatment of ever-increasing high-strength domestic wastewater, and informing future policy.

Research overview
- Thrust 3: "Sustainable Municipal Wastewater and Sanitation"
- Knowledge Hub
- Partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of the Sanitation Research Fund for Africa Project to develop capacity in Southern and Eastern Africa for faecal sludge management.

Filter / Tags

Capacity developmentTechnology comparisonsRural areasCommunity sanitationOperation, maintenance and sustainable servicesGroundwater protectionHealth and hygieneProduct design and engineeringPolitical processes and institutional aspectsSpecific to one or several countriesToilets or urinals (user interface)Emptying and transport (non sewered)Treatment of wastewater or greywaterTreatment of faecal sludgeResource recovery Enabling environment and institutional strengtheningCapacity development (WG1)Sanitation systems and technology options (WG4)Decentralised wastewater treatment (e.g. DEWATS)Faecal sludge treatment processesFundamental research and engineeringOther funding source or unspecifiedPeri-urbanRuralSchoolsUrban informal settlements (slums)PractitionersGovernment-owned entity (not university or research)

Related Countries

South Africa