Cape Town's Progressive Water Strategy to Increase Supply by 2040

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, emphasized the city's commitment to sustainable water management during the opening of Cape Town’s International Water Re-use Conversation. The event underscores the effort by global cities to learn from each other’s experience in implementing water re-use techniques.

In a landmark initiative set to reshape the region's water landscape, Cape Town's Water Strategy promises to boost water reserves significantly. The strategy includes a comprehensive New Water Programme, targeting a supplementary 300 million litres per day from novel sources like water re-use, seawater desalination, and groundwater extraction. This vast augmentation is earmarked for completion by the year 2030, contributing approximately 7% to the city's total bulk potable water supply by 2040.

The New Water Programme will hinge on a state-of-the-art scheme to be constructed at the Faure Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir. This facility is poised to leverage the recently-upgraded capabilities of the Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works, transforming treated wastewater through a sophisticated multi-barrier purification system to meet strict drinking water standards.

The exceptional water quality from the demonstration plant at Zandvliet, which has been operational for two years, gives the city valuable insights into process optimization and protocol enhancement necessary for the future-scale Faure New Water Scheme.

In response to a severe drought that underscored the vulnerability of the city's water supply to climate variations and rapid urbanization, officials are taking a proactive stance. Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, reiterated the demand for resilient planning and innovative thinking. According to Badroodien, comprehensive resource management where "there is no ‘wastewater’, only wasted water," is the backbone of Cape Town's aim to become a world-class city of hope for all residents while fostering growth and long-term sustainability.

As Cape Town forges ahead with its comprehensive water management strategy, it boasts a blueprint for securing a resilient, sustainable water future. This initiative also reflects the city's broader commitment to environmental stewardship and adaptive resource utilization, positioning Cape Town as a leader in urban water sustainability initiatives.