2019 Groundwater Conference: Conservation, Demand & Surety (GWD)

The Ground Water Division was established in 1978 as a division of the Geological Society of South Africa with the objective of advancing the science and technology of groundwater. Our biennial groundwater conference has been pivotal in sharing knowledge about groundwater in South Africa, with this being our 16th three-day event. Our conferences have always centered around the science of groundwater, new technologies, networking, and meeting people who are passionate about groundwater, but this year we also want to focus on Water Use and Conservation, with an emphasis on groundwater.
20 Oct 2019 08:00 - 23 Oct 2019 17:00
Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Conference
  • Groundwater
  • Rainfall
  • Water

Event description

The Ground Water Division was established in 1978 as a division of the Geological Society of South Africa with the objective of advancing the science and technology of groundwater. Our biennial groundwater conference has been pivotal in sharing knowledge about groundwater in South Africa, with this being our 16th three-day event. Our conferences have always centered around the science of groundwater, new technologies, networking, and meeting people who are passionate about groundwater, but this year we also want to focus on Water Use and Conservation, with an emphasis on groundwater.

Boardwalk ICC, Port Elizabeth

About this event

Message from the Conference Chair

The recent drought in various parts of the country have highlighted the vulnerability of surface water sources, particularly if the anticipated seasonal rainfall is less than expected. But, the drought has also accelerated the demand for drilling for groundwater for private and business use. Companies have woken up to the realisation that a constant water supply is not guaranteed, no matter what legal contracts are in place with the water services provider. Business is being forced to bring water surety into their business models and this includes groundwater as a possible supply. Private drilling and private use of groundwater has become difficult to manage and this puts greater pressure on groundwater aquifers, both in terms of water quality and quantity. We simply have to get all groundwater users, planners, authorities and businesses to talk about this precious water resource, which we all share. We simply have to connect the science behind groundwater with the understanding, needs and expectations of the general groundwater user, be it a municipality, a business, a farmer or a residential property owner. Future developments, or higher levels of services, will have to adapt to the availability of water, not the other way around. South Africa has very limited freshwater resources and it is time to accept this fact and talk seriously about the management and protection of fresh water, including groundwater.

 

This conference is therefore an ideal opportunity for all sectors dependent on water, to come and learn, or share their experience, about groundwater as a sustainable source, if managed correctly. South Africa is currently building towards its future and access to fresh water (and the management thereof) is a vital step in this process. Your sponsorship is an investment in the most precious commodity which every human being requires daily, namely WATER. Your sponsorship shows a commitment to ensuring South Africa has a long term, sustainable water resource. The World Economic Forum Global Risks Reports 2009-2019 lists Water Crises as the fourth biggest concern for 2019. This, along with the recent focus on “day zero” for Cape Town, highlights that now is the time for action so we can avoid more situations like this in future. We will also be addressing the conservation and efficient use of water / groundwater, which opens many opportunities for companies to showcase their technology on water efficiency and water management, from large-scale groundwater well-fields, through to household level use. We have a range of sponsorship opportunities, from the main conference sponsor to a small display.  However, if you have any alternative sponsorship proposals, we would gladly like to engage with you further.

With your support, we are confident that this conference will be a huge success and the start of an awareness drive with a better understanding of groundwater. This will ensure a level of availability and sustainability in line with the ever growing demand.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting up with you at the conference.

Gert Nel
Conference Chair:  GWD2019
GWD Eastern Cape Branch Chair

 

Broadwalk

 

 

About the venue: Boardwalk ICC, Port Elizabeth

South Africa’s friendliest city is a city on the sea with little to no traffic, great undercover restaurants, fresh sea air and easy access to incredible wildlife. Port Elizabeth's Boardwalk International Convention Centre (ICC) is 10 minutes from the airport, on the beachfront Golden Mile, and have multi-functional space, a perfect fit for this Conference and Exhibition.

Speakers

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Dr. John Doherty

Lecturer

John Doherty, Ph.D., is the author of PEST, a software package that is widely used for groundwater model calibration and uncertainty analysis. He has worked for more than 35 years in the water industry, first as an exploration geophysicist and then as a modeler. Doherty been employed by both government and industry and has also worked at numerous universities where he undertook research and supervised postgraduate students.

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Zachariah Maswuma

Director

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Fanus Fourie

Hydrogeologist

Fanus Fourie from DWA’s Directorate Water Resource Planning Systems, Sub-Directorate Integrated Hydrological Planning, was the project leader of the umbrella project: Strategy and Guideline Development for National Groundwater Planning Requirements, under which the roll-out of the artificial strategy fell.

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Sivashni Naicker

Production Scientist

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Dr Ricky Murray

Geohydrologist

Dr. Ricky Murray, founder of Groundwater Africa, heads up the company and is an experienced scientist and a leader in the fields of hard-rock hydrogeology and artificial recharge.

Murray also set up and maintains the Department of Water Affairs' artificial recharge website

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Dr Shafick Adams

Research Manager

Manages water-related research projects within the WRC (implement, review, guidance, encourage, measure, record, and support)

Event Schedule

Day 1

01:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Early Registration opens
04:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Meet & Greet with some Cheese and Wine
07:00 pm - 07:00 pm
Day closes

Day 2

07:00 am - 08:30 am
Registration
08:30 am - 10:10 am
Plenary Session: Conference Opening/ Welcome Keynote Speakers
10:10 am - 10:30 am
Refreshments & Comfort Break
10:30 am - 01:10 pm
Lunch
10:30 am - 12:10 pm
Break-away sessions
01:00 pm - 02:50 pm
Break-away sessions
02:50 pm - 03:10 pm
Refreshments & Comfort Break
03:10 pm - 03:50 pm
Sessions end for Day 1
04:30 pm - 05:30 pm
GWD AGM
05:30 pm - 08:00 pm
Cocktail Function @ the Courtyard Hotel

Day 3

07:30 am - 08:30 am
Day Registration opens
08:30 am - 09:10 am
Plenary Session: Keynote Speaker
09:10 am - 10:10 am
Break-away sessions
10:10 am - 10:30 am
Refreshments & Comfort Break
10:30 am - 12:10 pm
Break-away sessions
12:10 pm - 01:10 pm
Lunch
01:10 pm - 02:30 pm
Break-away sessions
02:30 pm - 03:10 pm
Refreshments & Comfort Break
03:10 pm - 04:10 pm
Sessions end for Day 2
06:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Conference Dinner

Day 4

08:30 am - 10:10 am
Break-away sessions
10:10 am - 10:30 am
Refreshments & Comfort Break
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Break-away sessions
11:30 am - 12:10 pm
Comfort Break
12:10 pm - 01:00 pm
Closing Ceremony
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
Lunch (to book)
02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Field Trip (to book)

Exhibitions and Networking

The GWD Conference Exhibitors and Networking Stations, located adjacent to the Conference Plenary and Breakaway venues, will be representing relevant professional businesses, organizations, and sponsors from industries and businesses in the Sector. For Exhibitors, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with prospective customers, strengthen your bond with existing customers and strengthen (or establish) your brand. Book your stand now! Delegates are invited to visit the stands where you will learn about new developments in the industry and meet the companies/contacts that can further your interests. Coffee breaks and lunches will be held in the exhibition area.

For more info regarding the exhibition dates, layout, stall options, and regulations, please download the exhibition manual

Do you want to be an exhibitor?


Exhibitions image

Accommodation Options

Type Event accommodation name Contact number Distance Sort descending
Hotel Boardwalk Hotel +27 41 507 7777 0 km
Hotel Courtyard Hotel +27 41 583 4655 0.17 km
Hotel City Lodge Hotel +27 41 584 0322 0.3 km
Hotel Town Lodge Hotel +27 41 509 2000 0.45 km
Hotel Protea Hotel +27 41 583 3720 0.8 km
Guesthouse Garden Court +27 41 582 3720 1.2 km
Guesthouse Ballina Ga-El +27 41 583 2776 2 km
Hotel Summerstrand Inn Hotel +27 41 583 3131 2.1 km
Guesthouse Amor da Vida +27 78 207 8126 2.8 km
Hotel Isango Gate Boutique Hotel +27 41 811 2225 2.8 km
Hotel Paxton Hotel +27 41 585 9655 2.9 km
Guesthouse Admirality Beach House +27 83 555 6370 2.9 km
Guesthouse Algoa Guesthouse +27 41 583 3511 2.9 km
Guesthouse King Fisher +27 41 583 2150 2.9 km
Guesthouse Avocet Guesthouse +27 41 583 3586 3 km

2019 Groundwater Conference: Conservation, Demand & Surety (GWD)

20 Oct 2019 08:00 - 23 Oct 2019 17:00
Boardwalk International Convention Centre, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Conference

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