Hydrogeology University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Overview

Key Features

The main objectives of the Masters of Science  in the field of Hydrogeology by coursework and research report from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg are to:

• increase the scale and focus of groundwater research to promote an environmentally sustainable use of groundwater, including in mining and irrigation areas;
• build capacity among the South African groundwater professionals by providing both high quality postgraduate and post-doctoral training environments and short bridging courses for professionals working in the water sector; and
• establish the School as a point of interaction among higher education institutions, government, industry and the private sector in the country in the groundwater sector.

The concern about the availability of fresh water to meet the needs of future generations in South Africa has significantly increased owing to increased population demands, prolonged drought and the threat of long-term climate change.

In South Africa, surface water resources are nearly 100% allocated, but only between a quarter and a half of our groundwater resources are utilized. Quantification of the important role groundwater plays in the overall water budget and water management strategies in water-stressed areas is, thus, crucial for future food security and sustained economic growth in the country.

Groundwater occurrences in South Africa are characterised by a large variety of geological structures and settings, and are located in different climatic regions that condition the regional hydrogeological settings, all of which must be understood in order to maximize sustainable future utilization.