UJ 48‑Hour Water Backup System

Project Overview

SOMBS Holdings was appointed by the University of Johannesburg to deliver a fully turnkey 48‑hour water backup system for the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus. The solution ensures uninterrupted water supply during municipal outages, safeguarding the campus population and critical operations.

Working closely with UJ’s Sustainability and Utilities Projects (SUP) team, SOMBS provided complete design, civil works, mechanical & electrical installation, automation, and commissioning — delivering a reliable, fully compliant facility that meets all specified technical and regulatory requirements.

"This project showcases our ability to manage complex, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure from concept to handover, with zero compromise on quality or safety."

Scope of Work

Design of a 1.25 Ml storage facility using multiple interconnected tanks, with cross pumping to maintain water quality.
Connection to the existing 250 kl storage tank and to both municipal supply lines along Hampton Road.
Automated monitoring and warning systems for water levels, flow rates, pressure, and usage anomalies.
Provision for road tanker water injection and integration with the campus fire water supply.
Energy‑efficient pumping and treatment equipment, with generic, non‑proprietary components for long‑term maintainability.
Civil structures, piping, electrical distribution, and all necessary compliance certifications.

Key Technical Specifications

Total Storage

1,250,000 litres

(1.25 Ml across multiple tanks)

Backup Duration

48 hours

at average daily demand of 750 kl

Water Quality

SANS 241 compliant

Continuous potability ensured

Monitoring

Fully automated

Real‑time alerts & data logging

Implementation & Compliance

The project was executed under a strict JBCC contract, with work commencing within seven days of the official purchase order. All construction adhered to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), SANS 10400 National Building Regulations, and relevant water services legislation. SOMBS provided professional sign‑off on all structural and civil works, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Outcome

The completed system now provides the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus with a robust, fully autonomous 48‑hour water backup, protecting the university against supply interruptions and enabling seamless operation during city water maintenance or emergencies. The project was delivered on budget and within the agreed schedule, with a 12‑month warranty and support guarantee covering all supplied equipment and piping.