Major cities in Gauteng, the economic heartland of South Africa, are experiencing water shortages due to prolonged loadshedding affecting Rand Water’s distribution network.

This has also placed the spotlight on the major investment in water and wastewater treatment works required by many local municipalities. In addition, there is an urgent need for proactive maintenance of ageing infrastructure.

“The demand for clean water will continue to increase as more and more people move to cities due to urbanisation,” comments Bearings International General Manager Christian Chipamaunga.

Increasingly stringent regulations for water and wastewater treatment have seen significant investment in new treatment technologies and processes.

Water and Sanitation (DWS) Minister Senzo Mchunu stresses that sustained investment in innovative technologies and solutions will revolutionise sanitation, especially technologies that use less water or no water at all.

The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan highlights the top issues confronting the water and sanitation sector. It seeks to rally all water sector stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that South Africa stays ahead of the curve in relation to both current and future challenges.

Leading supplier Bearings International, has a broad product portfolio that provides cost-effective solutions for water treatment applications involving pumping. Complete solutions range from electric motors and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to bearings, seals and lubrication to power transmission.

Special requirements for products used in the water and wastewater treatment sector are a high IP rating as they are exposed to constant elements such as rain and dust. In addition, potable water requires a food-grade level of lubrication quality.

Any metal components subject to rust contamination must be made from high-grade stainless steel.

Other products for the water sector include V belts and pulleys, sprockets and chains, couplings and gearboxes.