SME Monitoring’s Groundwater and Water Quality Monitoring Workshop at the University of Pretoria : Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

SME Monitoring’s Groundwater and Water Quality Monitoring Workshop at the University of Pretoria : Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

SME Monitoring recently had the privilege of presenting a two-day information session on Groundwater and Water Quality Monitoring at the University of Pretoria. This event was hosted for Honours students from the Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology departments.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Matthys Dippenaar and Nelda Smith from the university for giving us the opportunity to engage with the next generation of water professionals.

Purpose of the Session

The primary goal of the session was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in groundwater level and water quality monitoring. By providing hands-on experience with modern instrumentation and monitoring techniques, we aimed to equip students with a deeper understanding of the tools and technologies they will encounter in their careers.

Water is a valuable resource, and it needs to be protected wherever we find it. Effective management starts with reliable, accurate data ensuring that we make the best possible decisions for sustainable water use. The tools discussed will be widely used across various fields, from resource management in agriculture and industry to waste management and tailings dam monitoring in mining.

Day 1 – Theoretical Insights

The first day of the session focused on theoretical knowledge, highlighting the advantages of modern monitoring technologies and best practices in groundwater and water quality instrumentation. Key topics covered included:

• Automated Logging vs. Manual Logging:
  • The inefficiencies of using outdated or no technology.
  • Reducing engineers’ workload in data collection and management through automation.
• Vented vs. Non-Vented Pressure Logging:
  • The differences between the two systems and their respective applications.
  • Benefits of using Vented pressure / level instruments  referenced to barometric pressure in terms of increased accuracy and convenience.
  • Benefits of using  Non-Vented (Absolute) pressure / level instruments referenced to a vacuum in terms of cost saving.
• Barometric Pressure Compensation:
  • How barometric variations impact pressure readings and methods for accurate compensation.
• Pump Tests:
  • Impact of effective data collection techniques.
  • Summary of current logging methods and equipment available for pump testing
• Water Quality Monitoring in Various Applications: 
  • Groundwater Monitoring
  • Marine and Coastal Water Monitoring
  • Surface Water Systems
  • Water Quality Meters for handheld or long term deployment
  • Typical water quality parameters ie: Electrical Conductivity, temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen turbidity etc.
  • Technological advances in efficacy and reliability of more complex sensors like ISE sensors for Nitrates, Chloride and Ammonium
  • Optical sensors for Blue-Green Algae, Chlorophyll and Flourescein etc.
• Low-Flow Sampling:
  • Best practices for live sample monitoring and obtaining representative groundwater samples using the In-Situ low flow sampling software on the Vu-Situ app together with Multiparameter Water Quality Sonde
• Sensor Calibration:
  • Ensuring accuracy in water quality and effective maintenance of monitoring equipment.
• Remote Monitoring and Data Hosting:
  • Additional benefits of real-time monitoring and cloud-based data management using the In-Situ managed Hydrovu or SME Monitorings own data hosting hosting platform.
• Instrument Configuration Training:
  • Hands-on guidance on setting up and optimizing water monitoring instruments and how to deploy them.

Day 2 – Practical Application

Building upon the theoretical foundation, the second day focused on practical evaluation, where students engaged in hands-on testing using advanced logging equipment provided by SME Monitoring and In-Situ Inc. Activities included:

• Borehole Water Level Monitoring with Barometric Compensation:
  • Using In-Situ Rugged TROLL loggers to measure and log water levels accurately and compensate for barometric pressure.
• Water Quality Profiling in Boreholes:
  • Utilizing the In-Situ Aqua TROLL 600 multiparameter sonde to assess water quality   by logging Conductivity, pH, Dissoved Oxygen and Pressure recording every 3 secs throughout the water column.
• Pump Testing:
  • Comparing the efficiency and ease of use with the In-Situ Level TROLL 700 with integrated linear, linear average, logarithmic or step tests compared to  manual logging techniques by tasking students to use both methods in a simulated pump test.

Throughout the session, students demonstrated enthusiasm and a keen interest in learning about the implementation of real-world monitoring solutions. They were also evaluated on their understanding of the practical aspects of instrumentation and data logging.

Conclusion

This workshop was a great opportunity to engage with students and provide them with valuable insights into modern water monitoring technologies. SME Monitoring remains committed to empowering future water professionals by sharing knowledge and promoting the use of reliable, accurate data in sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with academic institutions to support the education and training of aspiring professionals in the industry.

Once again, we extend our gratitude to the University of Pretoria for hosting us, and we look forward to future opportunities to share expertise and innovations in groundwater and water quality monitoring.

Equipment used for the Practical Application:

      In-Situ Rugged TROLL Family                       In-Situ Level TROLL 700                               In-Situ Aqua TROLL 600