FEATURES
Treated wastewater can be used for construction-related activities.
network for additional use. This network is
separate from the potable water reticulation
network which supplies drinking water.
In the meantime, treated wastewater is being
made available to businesses. More than 200
businesses use treated effluent from
permanent pipelines, while 150 businesses
collect treated effluent at wastewater
treatment works and draw-off points. “These
include stormwater and sewer cleaning
companies, construction companies, painting
companies, boat-cleaning companies, car
washes, movie production companies, Cape
Town International Airport, outdoor
improvement companies, manufacturing
companies and drilling companies,” he adds.
Currently the City has made seven treated
water draw-off points available to businesses
– including the two points in Goodwood and
Thornton which opened in December 2017.
The City has made R2.4-million available to
make an additional 24 treated water draw-off
points available to businesses.
24
MARCH 2018
RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL
Using treated wastewater on site also makes
financial sense because at R5.30 (including
VAT) per kilolitre (1 000ℓ) it is much cheaper
than using potable water. More importantly,
using treated wastewater helps Cape Town to
conserve its potable water supply.
The wrap
“If we apply our minds, we have enough skills
in South Africa to definitely overcome the
crisis,” encourages Du Plooy. Water is a
natural resource and once it runs out, we