World Water Monitoring Day - Reducing the Risk

Today as we celebrate #WorldWaterMonitoringDay, we, at Talbot , believe that monitoring water is the first step towards sustainably using this precious resource, as well as protecting public health and the environment.

Infrastructure News interviewed our team on the weekly E.Coli tests done in the Umgeni River, Umdloti River and Msunduzi River,?as well as Durban’s Golden Mile and Umhlanga Beaches. Here're some snap shots from the article: "Testing The Waters: The Crucial Role Of Water Quality Monitoring".

“Talbot’s vision is ‘Activating the transition to sustainable water’. Water monitoring is a fundamental part of that journey. We can only make improvements once we know the water quality. From these test results, we can then assist clients in improving the water quality that is used in industrial processes as well as the water quality that is discharged back into the environment.” Carl Haycock, CEO at Talbot.

Over the past three years, Talbot have sponsored well over 1000 E. Coli tests on the rivers and beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. Combined results of both rivers and beaches, show 46% have been non-compliant. Some of the results have shown astronomically high E. Coli levels, caused by raw sewage pumped into the river systems.

The environmental burden, although extremely significant, is not the only factor to consider. “Discharge tariffs and fines are escalating and can easily become a financial burden. Simply monitoring water consumption can be the first step in saving costs. Companies also need to be aware of the risk that water pollution poses to their business. Incoming water quality may not comply with SANS 241 everywhere, all of the time. It is important to understand the water quality within an industrial process. Poor quality water can negatively impact production processes and the cost of production.” @Boitumelo Matshediso, the business unit manager of TalbotAnalytics.

“A core focus for Talbot has always been reducing the risk that poor quality and unreliable water supply can bring to companies. I do not believe that there are many industries that are fully optimised from a water perspective. We help companies use water more sustainably where they not only comply with regulation but mitigate their exposure to water risk. The less water used upstream and discharged downstream, the less exposure to risk. Water Monitoring is the first step in this process.” Micole Martens, director at Talbot.

Read the full article above for insight into Talbot's journey towards reducing industrial water risk, ensuring the safety of our community and environment, and Activating the Transition to Sustainable Water.