WSE3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 JULY 2025
, WSE3701 Assessment 2 (30%)
1. ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Purpose of Assessment
Apply knowledge of mathematics, computer skills, natural sciences, hydrology, hydraulic principles,
South African and International design specifications, and standards to a reticulation system in relation
to an open-ended well-structured design project in reticulation design.
1.2 Module Brief
Water and Sanitation III is a mandatory and core component of the Advanced Diploma in Civil
Engineering. Water and Sanitation III is an exit-level module for this qualification. This module aims
to enhance students' competencies and skills in addressing a wide range of groundwater problems,
rainfall and surface runoff, flood analysis, hydrological modelling, fluvial hydraulics (sediment
transport), design parameters for reticulation systems, distribution components and ancillary works,
stormwater networks, wastewater networks, and pumping installations (Unisa, 2024).
2. PROJECT BRIEF: SANITATION SYSTEM DESIGN
The selection of an appropriate sanitation solution is important for ensuring public health,
environmental protection, and sustainable development. Site-specific factors such as population
density, soil permeability, groundwater levels, topography, and financial resources have a significant
influence on the choice between sewered systems, decentralized wastewater treatment, or on-site
sanitation options (Tilley et al., 2014).
In South African urban centres, conventional waterborne sewerage is common but often limited by
ageing infrastructure, water scarcity, and high maintenance costs (DWS, 2016). Consequently, in rural
areas, decentralized systems such as small-scale wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, and
ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines are widely used due to their lower capital costs and adaptability
to challenging site conditions (DWAF, 2008; Still & Foxon, 2012). However, poor operation and
maintenance of these systems have led to environmental degradation and health risks in some regions.
Therefore, selecting an appropriate sanitation solution in South Africa requires careful consideration
of local site conditions, community needs, and long-term sustainability to meet both national service
delivery targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (RSA, 2016; WHO, 2018).
Student task:
As a Water and Sanitation Engineering student, you are tasked with identifying a site with sanitation
system problems/challenges (this can be supported by a literature review and/or photos) and proposing
an engineered design solution.
3
, WSE3701 Assessment 2 (30%)
Your designs should address the following (but not limited to):
• Your design should accommodate 200 houses (it can be in a rural or urban, dwelling setting of
your choice with 200 houses).
• Select an appropriate sanitation solution based on site conditions (e.g., sewered system,
decentralised wastewater treatment, or on-site sanitation like septic tanks or VIP latrines).
• Design sewage collection and conveyance system, including pipeline layout, manholes, and
pump stations (if needed) using CAD or any relevant drawing software (No freehand layouts).
o The layout should reflect the number of your houses corresponding to your hydraulic
designs.
o The layout must be your own work, corresponding to the supporting stats/images of the
identified problem.
• Locate and propose a treatment method (e.g., oxidation ponds, biofiltration, or wetlands).
• Conduct hydraulic analysis of sewer flows, pipe slopes, and capacity.
o All design calculations must be shown.
o Your input assumptions must be guided by standards/codes.
o Use appropriate software for simulations/analysis.
• Develop a layout plan for wastewater infrastructure, ensuring compliance with environmental
regulations, including inspection manholes.
• Use relevant standards (for example, Human Settlement Red book, drainage manual, and
others).
Environmental & Sustainability Considerations
• Assess the impact of the water and sanitation system on local water resources.
• Propose sanitation solutions that minimise groundwater contamination and align with public
health requirements.
Technical Report & Justifications
• Your report should include:
• All assumptions, design calculations, and justifications for selected methods.
• Hydraulic and environmental impact assessments.
• Diagrams, maps, and layout drawings of the proposed system.
• Recommendations for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
4
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 JULY 2025
, WSE3701 Assessment 2 (30%)
1. ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Purpose of Assessment
Apply knowledge of mathematics, computer skills, natural sciences, hydrology, hydraulic principles,
South African and International design specifications, and standards to a reticulation system in relation
to an open-ended well-structured design project in reticulation design.
1.2 Module Brief
Water and Sanitation III is a mandatory and core component of the Advanced Diploma in Civil
Engineering. Water and Sanitation III is an exit-level module for this qualification. This module aims
to enhance students' competencies and skills in addressing a wide range of groundwater problems,
rainfall and surface runoff, flood analysis, hydrological modelling, fluvial hydraulics (sediment
transport), design parameters for reticulation systems, distribution components and ancillary works,
stormwater networks, wastewater networks, and pumping installations (Unisa, 2024).
2. PROJECT BRIEF: SANITATION SYSTEM DESIGN
The selection of an appropriate sanitation solution is important for ensuring public health,
environmental protection, and sustainable development. Site-specific factors such as population
density, soil permeability, groundwater levels, topography, and financial resources have a significant
influence on the choice between sewered systems, decentralized wastewater treatment, or on-site
sanitation options (Tilley et al., 2014).
In South African urban centres, conventional waterborne sewerage is common but often limited by
ageing infrastructure, water scarcity, and high maintenance costs (DWS, 2016). Consequently, in rural
areas, decentralized systems such as small-scale wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, and
ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines are widely used due to their lower capital costs and adaptability
to challenging site conditions (DWAF, 2008; Still & Foxon, 2012). However, poor operation and
maintenance of these systems have led to environmental degradation and health risks in some regions.
Therefore, selecting an appropriate sanitation solution in South Africa requires careful consideration
of local site conditions, community needs, and long-term sustainability to meet both national service
delivery targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (RSA, 2016; WHO, 2018).
Student task:
As a Water and Sanitation Engineering student, you are tasked with identifying a site with sanitation
system problems/challenges (this can be supported by a literature review and/or photos) and proposing
an engineered design solution.
3
, WSE3701 Assessment 2 (30%)
Your designs should address the following (but not limited to):
• Your design should accommodate 200 houses (it can be in a rural or urban, dwelling setting of
your choice with 200 houses).
• Select an appropriate sanitation solution based on site conditions (e.g., sewered system,
decentralised wastewater treatment, or on-site sanitation like septic tanks or VIP latrines).
• Design sewage collection and conveyance system, including pipeline layout, manholes, and
pump stations (if needed) using CAD or any relevant drawing software (No freehand layouts).
o The layout should reflect the number of your houses corresponding to your hydraulic
designs.
o The layout must be your own work, corresponding to the supporting stats/images of the
identified problem.
• Locate and propose a treatment method (e.g., oxidation ponds, biofiltration, or wetlands).
• Conduct hydraulic analysis of sewer flows, pipe slopes, and capacity.
o All design calculations must be shown.
o Your input assumptions must be guided by standards/codes.
o Use appropriate software for simulations/analysis.
• Develop a layout plan for wastewater infrastructure, ensuring compliance with environmental
regulations, including inspection manholes.
• Use relevant standards (for example, Human Settlement Red book, drainage manual, and
others).
Environmental & Sustainability Considerations
• Assess the impact of the water and sanitation system on local water resources.
• Propose sanitation solutions that minimise groundwater contamination and align with public
health requirements.
Technical Report & Justifications
• Your report should include:
• All assumptions, design calculations, and justifications for selected methods.
• Hydraulic and environmental impact assessments.
• Diagrams, maps, and layout drawings of the proposed system.
• Recommendations for long-term maintenance and sustainability.
4
