Addressing Water Insecurity with a Greywater Hydroponics System in South Africa

Climate change, increasing human population, and continued environmental degradation all threaten access to clean drinking water. As approximately seventy percent of all freshwater is used for agriculture globally, these threats also pose a challenge to food security, especially in developing countries. To combat issues of local water insecurity, a hydroponics, or soilless farming, system was designed in partnership with LEAP 5 School in Jane Furse, South Africa. This system, which utilizes sustainable materials, a self-monitoring controls system, and greywater input, will act as an educational tool for students and significantly reduce freshwater use compared to traditional, in-ground agriculture. An education plan will accompany the implementation of the system to provide an avenue for community engagement and encourage the adoption of alternative, water-saving farming methods.