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ENVIRONMENT and ENERGY
Planning and executing the procurement of
technology with the appropriate emphasis
on functionality and proven performance;
Ensuring that local knowledge of and
support for the technology are available;
and
Providing technology guidance and training
to reuse project implementing agencies/
organisations.
Public education and awareness
The concept and implementation of water
reuse will require a focused and sustained
public education programme to develop and
entrench awareness of the different facets of
water use and specifically water reuse. Multiple
awareness creation and information campaigns
related to a spectrum of water-related matters
are launched by the Department, public
institutions, and private companies each year.
It is important to develop and incorporate
communication material related to water reuse
into these campaigns.
August 2017 Volume 23 I Number 6
Public perceptions and opinions vary on the
topic of water reuse, specifically as it relates
to indirect or direct water reuse. A structured
communication strategy must be developed and
implemented based on:
• An understanding of the diversity of
perceptions and opinions;
• Appropriate material to inform the public
and stakeholders;
• Active communication and debate on the
topic; and
• Targeted media coverage. the poor performance of municipal wastewater
and effluent treatment plants may have to show
results on a consistent basis, before placing
municipal water reuse onto the national water
agenda.
The overall objective of public awareness creation
and information dissemination programmes is to
enhance the understanding and promote informed
decision-making related to water reuse. The
current public perceptions and awareness of the
poor operation, maintenance, and performance
of municipal wastewater treatment plants pose
a specific challenge. It will be difficult to gather
support for municipal water reuse within the
current situation. The national efforts to address South Africa has the potential to be a leading
innovator in water reuse technology, particularly
in the area of the treatment of acid mine
drainage.
Technology innovation and
development
A range of water reuse projects have been
implemented in South Africa (see Appendix A
of the NWRS-2 documentation available on the
Department’s website).
The Department will encourage the Water
Research Commission (WRC) to make water
reuse technology development a key focus area,
and encourage the development of centres of
excellence at selected universities. PA
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