August 2026
WECISA Participants Advance Water Efficiency Plans at Johannesburg Workshop
On 28 August 2026, participants in the WECISA Monitoring and Implementation Workshop gathered in Johannesburg to review progress, share practical experiences, and plan the next steps toward achieving measurable water savings. Hosted at our offices, the workshop brought together participating organisations, technical experts, and project partners to strengthen the implementation of water efficiency measures and prepare for the project's final phase.
Turning Data into Action
A key focus of the workshop was helping participants make better use of the water monitoring systems that have been installed at their facilities. During the interactive "Water Detective Challenge", experts Gerrie Brink of AQUAffection and Jannes Bester of BBEnergy guided participants through the process of analysing water consumption data on the monitoring platforms. Together, participants explored trends, investigated unusual consumption patterns, and identified potential signs of water savings.
The exercise highlighted an important lesson for water management: data alone is not enough. Meaningful insights are only possible when water consumption data is understood within the operational context of each organisation. By combining real-time monitoring with local knowledge, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of their water use and identify areas for improvement.
Sharing Successes and Lessons Learned
The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to showcase the water efficiency measures they have already implemented. Through group discussions and plenary sessions, organisations shared experiences, results, and lessons learned from their implementation journeys. Discussions covered topics such as improving monitoring practices, increasing staff awareness, detecting leaks, and achieving greater water use efficiency.
Participants also worked together to address common implementation challenges through a peer problem-solving session. By exchanging practical experiences and advice, organisations were able to learn from one another and identify solutions to barriers such as technical constraints, budget limitations, and operational changes.
Preparing for the Final Stretch
In the final session, participants assessed their progress and developed concrete action plans for the months leading up to the project conference in November 2026. Each organisation identified priority actions that will help strengthen their water efficiency efforts and contribute to measurable project outcomes. Key upcoming milestones include the implementation of final water-saving measures, the analysis of water use data, and the completion of Water Efficiency Management Plans.
The workshop reinforced the collaborative spirit of the WECISA project and demonstrated the value of combining technology, data, and peer learning to improve water management practices. As participants move into the final phase of the project, the focus remains on achieving and demonstrating real, measurable water savings. As highlighted during the workshop: "Our success will be measured not only by what we have installed, but by our ability to demonstrate real and measurable water savings."
July 2026
German Water Metering Technology Gains Foothold in South Africa Through WECISA
The Water Efficiency for Commercial and Industrial Southern Africa (WECISA) project continues to support the introduction of innovative German water technologies to Southern Africa.
As part of the project, German metering specialist Engelmann Sensor GmbH https://www.engelmann.de/en/za/ has installed intelligent water metering technology at selected individual dwellings of WECISA's participating housing complex to test how the technology can support long-term water conservation efforts and more equitable billing practices. Giving residents greater visibility of their water usage will increase accountability for actual water use and encourage more responsible water consumption.
At the beginning of July 2026, representatives from Engelmann visited South Africa to engage with project stakeholders, strengthen local partnerships, and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration in the region. The visit demonstrated the company's commitment to the South African market and its interest in contributing to sustainable water management solutions.
A further milestone in Engelmann's activities in the region is the appointment of Utility Pal https://www.utilitypal.co.za as the company's first distributor in South Africa. This partnership will improve local access to Engelmann's water metering technologies while providing customers with dedicated local support and expertise.
The collaboration highlights one of WECISA's key objectives: creating opportunities for German companies to demonstrate their technologies in Southern Africa and establish lasting commercial partnerships. Through initiatives such as this, WECISA continues to foster knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and sustainable water stewardship while supporting investment in the region's water sector.
