Welcome to the Institute for Groundwater StudiesThe Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) is the only institute in South Africa dedicated to geohydrology. Founded in 1974 by Professor FDI Hodgson the IGS is the oldest institute on the UFS Campus and has produced more than 1000 postgraduate students.
The institute conducts contract research on a wide variety of water-related topics of special interest is its contribution to the mining and industrial sectors in terms of water management, minimisation of pollution, as well as understanding the nature and behaviour of South Africa's aquifers. The institute provides a complete service to these industries through field investigations, the development of specialised field equipment, a well-equipped commercial and water research laboratory and a number of computer models for the management and operation of the aquifers, protecting them from pollution.
The institute also takes part in research projects for the Water Research Commission (WRC), Coaltech, and the government. We are proud of the fact that technologies developed through these projects are now in use worldwide.
The IGS has expertise in the following fields of geohydrology:
- Groundwater research, Laboratory services, Groundwater in a mining environment, Development of groundwater monitoring programmes, Hydrogeological and contaminant investigations, Geochemical assessments, Groundwater software development, Acid-mine drainage prediction and management, Assessment of groundwater pollution, Groundwater risk assessments, Groundwater resource development and management etc.
Besides the IGS' advanced work in groundwater research, the IGS water research laboratory also obtained ISO 17025 accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for all methods used in IGS. This accreditation indicates that they adhere to all the conditions and requirements as stipulated by this body via international standard. ISO 17025 is complementary to the generic quality management system standard ISO 9001. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), based in Switzerland, created the industrial standards. ISO 9001, a quality management system used in all industries - small and large - is by far the most successful and most widely recognised standard.
Postgraduate StudiesIGS offer the following degrees in Geohydrology:
- BSc Honours in Geohydrology
- Master of Science Majoring in Geohydrology
- Doctor of Philosophy Majoring in Geohydrology
For more information, please consult the Faculty Rule Book.
Director
Dr E Lukas
E: lukase@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2793
Programme Director (Academic Enquiries)
Dr PJH Lourens
E: LourensPJH@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2840
Academic Head (Academic Enquiries)
Prof A Atangana
E: AtanganaA@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3744
Academic Enquiries
A Rossouw
E: rossab@ufs.ac.za or igs-info@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2175
Financial Enquiries
L Rust
E: rustl@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2380
Laboratory Manager
Dr LM Deysel
E: CruywagenLM@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2317
Please take note that NO enquiries should be sent to the Director.