The Institute for Water Research (IWR) at Rhodes University is leading a national training initiative to support implementation of South Africa’s revised Water Quality Guidelines for Surface Freshwater Ecosystems, funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC).
The updated guidelines replace the 1996 version and are delivered as an interactive software tool designed to strengthen risk-based water quality management. The system operates across three tiers. Tier 1 generates ecological boundary values for inorganic, organic and pharmaceutical compounds using toxicological databases. Tier 2 produces spatially specific, ecosystem-level risk guidelines based on observed water quality or macroinvertebrate data. Tier 3 enables users to interrogate and explore risk scores in greater detail.
To build national capacity, the WRC has funded a four-city training roadshow. Workshop locations were selected based on user demand following a multi-stage stakeholder identification process that identified 359 potential trainees. Participants represent the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), other national and provincial departments, municipalities, catchment management agencies, bulk water suppliers, research institutions and consultancies.
The first workshop was held in Pretoria on 9 February 2026 and was attended by 48 participants, most affiliated with DWS. Each attendee received the software tool and supporting manuals. The next workshop will take place in Cape Town.
Beyond training, the workshops provide a structured opportunity to gather user feedback. Insights from practitioners will inform ongoing refinement of the software, ensuring that the revised guidelines remain practical, responsive and aligned with the needs of South Africa’s water quality stakeholders.