
A sac spider, Cheiracanthium species, that can be found on different crops. Photograph by Peter Webb.
Water is essential for life, and its journey from the source to your tap is made possible by a fascinating system of engineering. In South Africa, this journey often begins at a pump station, where water from dams, rivers, or reservoirs is treated and pressurized. But how does it get to your home? The answer lies in water pipes and the brilliant STEM professionals who design and maintain them.
Water travels through distribution mains, large pipes that carry water over long distances. These are often made of strong materials like steel or pre-stressed concrete to handle high pressure. At key points, the water branches off into smaller pipes called service lines, which connect directly to homes. Along the way, engineers and technicians use pressure regulators, valves, and meters to ensure water flows smoothly and efficiently.
Since the majority of the pipes are buried underground, the steel pipes are susceptible to external corrosion, for which precautions can be taken. This is a science in itself. Steel water pipes also require internal corrosion resistant linings such as epoxy or cement mortar.
Jobs in this field range from civil engineers, who design the systems, to hydraulic technicians, who maintain the pipes and pumps, and environmental scientists, who monitor water quality. Corrosion engineers ensure long term integrity of installed systems through material selection, coatings and cathodic protection. These roles are critical in South Africa, where ensuring access to clean water and helping communities thrive is a top priority, while preserving our planet's most precious resource.
Figure 1:
Left:
Modern-day basaltic pahoehoe lava flow on Hawaii (scientiafantastica.wixsite.com).
Right: A 3-billion-year-old basaltic pahoehoe lava flow in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa (David Russo, 2022).
A graphical illustration of the relationship between Geological Time (Hadean at 4.5 Ga) and the Explosion of Life in the Cambrian 542 Ma (from Marshak, 2011 Figure 12.15). Not to scale