Anton Jones has found his passion in the field Geo-Hydrology, a science that deals with the character, source and mode of occurrence of underground water. His career path was not a conventional one, but he fell in love with it nonetheless.
Jones grew up in the Northern Cape’s diamond mining capital of Kimberley and maintained that education was his biggest hope.
Growing up he had an interest in the different rocks found within his hometown.
This led him to study Geology at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.
During the course of his studies, the interest in ground studies developed also and Jones continued to study at the UFS Institute for Groundwater Studies, obtaining his honours in Geo-Hydrology, specialising in underground water.
Jones works for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Free State as a scientist.
The young man from the Diamond City has been with the department for ten years.
“There are not many geo-hydrologists in the country. I remember that a few years ago there were only 300 of us, it might be a little more right now,” said Jones.
His responsibilities include assisting municipalities in the Free State to check the availability of their ground water resources, as well as verifying how much of that water the municipality can use.
“These studies are done to enable the extended use of this resource.”
Jones has made interesting findings about groundwater in the 13 municipalities in the Free State.
“The municipalities in the Free State are dependent on ground water as either a primary or secondary source.
“Ground water as surface water has to reach certain standards before consumption, hence it must be treated. Ground water is cheaper to treat as it mainly requires chlorine or to be mixed with surface water to unbalance other chemical pollutants.”
Jones’ dream is to take his career to another level.
“I would like to see myself manage ground, surface and re-used water in the near future to be able to optimise the benefits for communities.”
Jones has encouraged young people to consider a career in Geo-Hydrology.
“You spend a lot of time outdoors, so if you are not an office-and-suit kind of person, and you care about our most important resource, then this will be your best choice.
“It offers different kinds of opportunities in the country.”
The following subjects are required to study Geo-Hydrology: Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science (Biology) and Geography.
