UCT actively works to prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents or incidents at the university. UCT has a policy framework (environmental sustainability strategy, sustainable water management strategy and stormwater management infrastructure).  The university also has operational procedures (OHSE hazard/chemical risk requirements) and standard operating procedures on how to respond. The university also has comprehensive operational risk management frameworks in place and is in the process of targeting an ISO14001 certification. All of these policies, plans and operational practices work together to reduce the risk of polluted water entering the water system.

Prevention of pollution caused by accidents or incidents at the university
Hazardous-materials controls and emergency preparedness — UCT runs OHSE training and emergency-preparedness modules (including online training rolled out in 2023), requires risk assessments for hazardous substances, and maintains waste-management and health-care risk waste procedures that align with national hazardous-waste and HCS regulations. These systems require units to keep MSDS, use appropriate containment, and follow specified disposal routes — all of which reduce the chance of spills entering storm drains and rivers.

UCT’s Standard Operating Procedure on Waste Disposal Management details the steps to be taken to maintain safety in regards to hazards, both liquid and solid, and to dispose of/ recycle these in accordance with safety guidelines.

UCT’s Standard Operating Procedures for Chemical Spills include containment, clean-up, decontamination of the hazardous chemicals, in addition to first aid and reporting protocols. Spill kits are provided to prevent spills from polluting other areas or waterways.

UCT’s Mercury Spill Clean-Up protocol likewise includes containment, decontamination, and hazardous waste disposal steps which confine the mercury spill to controlled and safe conditions.