The root system in the first-generation prototype VUF-MEWS. Bacterial colonies
living on the roots provide the processing needed to remove nutrients and metabolise
metals and other harmful substances. Specific bacterial and archaea species can be
inoculated to metabolise specific compounds, but this research is ongoing globally.
waste is entirely possible. From an economic
perspective, the technologies are becoming
more affordable, with reverse osmosis (RO),
ultra-filtration (UF), membrane bio-reactor
(MBR), and engineered wetlands each
having a rightful place in any optimal solution.
What is needed in South Africa is political
leadership to articulate a clear vision about
the future economic growth of the country
being based on a dual-stream economy where
water of different qualities and price is used
for different purposes. This vision should
be supported by robust scientific studies,
carefully designed to allay public fears. In
a dual-stream reticulation economy, water
recovered from waste need not necessarily be
used for potable purposes, as it can easily be
directed to industrial applications. In Durban
South, a pulp mill and a petrochemical plant
are the end users.
Given the strategic importance of ‘New
Water’ as a critical element in driving inclusive
economic growth, consideration could be given
by the government to create a water board at
national level, responsible only for New Water.
This would give government control, while
enabling existing water boards to continue their
normal task of providing bulk potable water.
In effect, the existing water boards would
become the customer for the product created
by the New Water Board — either desalinated
seawater or mine water, or water recovered
from waste.
International experience has shown
that the key element is the management of
perceptions, so branding must be credible
and scientific research on human health risks
must be transparent and accessible. The use
of engineered wetlands as final polishers of
water recovery processes is likely to grow in
acceptability. u