Business to help Cape Town pupils save water
"Smart water metering not only aids behaviour change due to increased awareness about water consumption, it also assists with the prevention of water losses due to leaks that would otherwise have gone unnoticed," the university's Professor Thinus Booysen said.
The devices were developed in conjunction with Bridgiot, a local startup company. Hector Peterson Secondary School in Wallacedene - which has more than 1200 pupils - participated in the pilot programme which saw them save 40kL of water a day.
"We are a non-fee paying school so any savings that can be realised are redirected to other projects," principal Mike Mavovana said.
"For example we have just introduced e-learning so now we can buy more computers and open up more access for the learners."
Three other schools took part in the pilot project and water savings were also noted.
As a result, the Shoprite Group will sponsor 100 of the highest water-using schools in Cape Town with a device and CapeTalk radio has also pledged its support for the initiative.
In September, Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille called on corporates to promote water-saving habits.
Source: Herald