The Prince Albert Municipality proudly celebrates our water management team, for securing first prize for the best poster presentation for a scientific professional at the 12th International Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (ISMAR12). Jan Myburgh from AGES presented the poster at the Symposium held in Stellenbosch from 28 April to 2 May 2025, where 170 delegates from 30 countries gathered under the theme “From Theory to Implementation and Operation.” Supported by the IAH, ASCE, and UNESCO, ISMAR12 highlighted our innovative approach to water security.
The poster (included on the following page) showcases current progress on the Prince Albert managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project, with funding from the Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), building on 2007–2010 studies by Groundwater Africa and the Department of Water and Sanitation. The team rehabilitated injection boreholes, installed injection and monitoring equipment and developed a shallow injection trench to be able to recharge both the shallow and deep aquifers along the Dorps River floodplain during times of excess surface water availability.
Short calibration injection tests were done, with extended trials planned for the dry season to assess sustainable long term injection rates. Currently, in collaboration with SMEC civil engineers, the team is also investigating the feasibility of flood retention structures, check-dams, a permanent intake weir and a potential off-channel storage dam in the Dorps River floodplain, to enhance raw water security in future.
This accolade underscores the municipality’s partnership with DLG, the Kweekvallei Water Users Association and our community, towards more sustainable water supply for agriculture and residents. We are immensely proud of the team for presenting our shared vision and of our dedicated planners, engineers, and stakeholders – whose collaboration aligns with global best practices while preserving Prince Albert’s unique character. As we pursue authorisations and refine infrastructure, our collective commitment positions us as a beacon of sustainability, securing a water-resilient future for our town.
