High-quality water supply is one of the most important contributors to successful cannabis cultivation. At a Cannabis Facility in Johannesburg, a large-scale agricultural operation focused on producing premium cannabis, precise water control is essential for plant health, product consistency, and environmental compliance.
To support these needs, we delivered a full turnkey water-management solution designed to ensure reliable access to clean, compliant, and efficiently distributed water across the entire facility.
Securing Long-Term Supply Through Borehole Development
Dedicated boreholes were introduced to reduce dependence on municipal infrastructure and create a stable primary water source.
This underground resource now provides the facility with:
- A consistent irrigation and processing-water supply
- Reduced operational costs
- Long-term resilience during municipal interruptions or high-demand periods
SANS 10299 & SANS 241-Compliant Treatment for Agricultural Operations
Water quality plays a major role in both growing and processing activities, and to ensure compliance and product safety, the treatment process was engineered to meet SANS 10299 water-treatment design and operational standards as well as SANS 241 drinking-water quality specifications. Together, these standards ensure that all water used across the facility is clean, safe, and aligned with regulatory expectations for controlled cultivation environments.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purification for Sensitive Crops
Because cannabis plants are highly responsive to mineral balance and water purity, we installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system to further refine the borehole water. The RO plant effectively removes excess salts, organic impurities, fine particulates, and dissolved solids, producing a reliable supply of high-purity water that is ideal for irrigation, fertigation mixes, and internal processing routines.
Automated Irrigation System for Precision Water Delivery
To optimise plant growth and reduce waste, we installed a fully automated irrigation system tailored to the facility’s cultivation layout. This level of automation gives growers precise control over water distribution, timing, scheduling, flow rates, and fertigation consistency, ensuring that every plant receives exactly what it needs at the right moment. This enhanced precision directly supports stronger crop performance and maximises water efficiency across each growing cycle.
Geological Survey & Hydro, Geological Studies before Drilling
Before the borehole was installed, our geological team conducted a full mapping and ground study to understand the site’s subsurface characteristics. This assessment identified the most productive water-bearing formations, ensuring the borehole was strategically positioned for sustainable long-term yield while reducing drilling risk and resource loss. The data gathered also supports future water-management planning as the cultivation operation continues to expand.
Integrated Water Treatment Plant for Complete Purification
Alongside the RO system, we installed a broader treatment plant that prepares, filters, and conditions the water before distribution. This multi-stage process includes advanced filtration, the removal of sediment and particulate matter, pre-treatment to protect the RO membranes, and final polishing to ensure the water leaving the system is clear, clean, and ready for use across the facility.
Steel Water Storage Tanks for Operational Reliability
To maintain an uninterrupted supply even during peak usage, we installed steel storage tanks to hold treated water.
These tanks provide:
- Sufficient capacity for daily irrigation and processing
- A protected reserve during maintenance periods
- Reliable coverage during high-demand growth cycles
Their durable construction ensures long-term performance in an agricultural environment where water availability directly affects output.
Project Outcome
Through this turnkey installation, the Cannabis Facility in Johannesburg now benefits from a robust, efficient, and fully compliant water-management system that supports both current operations and future expansion. The facility now has a dependable independent water source, supported by SANS-compliant treatment processes that ensure consistently high-purity output for both irrigation and internal operations.
The new automated irrigation system provides precise control over water distribution, improving plant performance and giving growers greater consistency across cultivation cycles. By shifting away from municipal dependency, the facility has achieved stronger operational resilience and improved long-term sustainability, with lower environmental impact through reduced water waste and more responsible resource use.
With all components- drilling, treatment, automation, and storage- functioning as a unified system, a Cannabis Facility in Johannesburg is now positioned for stable, high-quality production supported by a secure, efficient, and environmentally conscious water strategy.
If your agricultural or cultivation facility is experiencing water-supply challenges, or if you’re looking to secure long-term water resilience for high-value crops, iWater Management is ready to support you. We specialise in complete turnkey water-management solutions tailored to the unique demands of controlled-environment agriculture — from borehole development and SANS-compliant treatment to advanced purification, automated irrigation, and durable storage systems.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can design a customised water-management strategy that strengthens your production capability, reduces operational risk, and ensures a consistent, high-quality water supply for years to come.
