The eThekwini Municipality is set to implement a water reuse project aimed at converting wastewater into drinking water, amidst concerns about the city's capacity and public trust.
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The eThekwini Municipality is embarking on an ambitious water-reuse project that seeks to convert wastewater into potable drinking water for its residents.
The project aims to augment the city’s water supply and ensure water security. The eThekwini Municipality recently announced its plans to ensure water security, which includes treating effluent to augment the potable water supply.
The water reuse project is drawing mixed reactions, with experts stating that this is the right strategy for the city, but it will require a great deal of trust to be successful. A ratepayer group, however, has warned that the City does not have the capacity.
In a statement, the municipality announced that its eThekwini Water Services unit is progressing in the development of water reuse projects designed to augment potable water supply through innovative treatment solutions.
The flagship direct potable reuse project will produce at least 70 ML/day from both the Northern and KwaMashu wastewater treatment works. This process involves advanced treatment of effluent to potable standards before being reintroduced directly into the municipal water distribution system.
Phase 1 is anticipated to be commissioned in 2029, which will include 24 ML/day at each site, with an expansion to 48 ML/day at each site in 2034. A demonstration plant programme is also being implemented, with Phase 1 anticipated to be re-commissioned by 2028, which will include a 6.25 ML/day plant to supply the Durban central business district (CBD). Phase 2 will be commissioned by 2030 to upgrade to 50 ML/day, and Phase 3 is to be commissioned by 2032, which will include an expansion of 100 ML/day to supply the CBD and southern regions, said the municipality.
Professor Faizal Bux, Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), said reusing water is a strong strategy.
“I strongly promote wastewater reuse to augment potable water supply. All potable water has to subscribe to national water quality standards. The municipality will have to meet these stringent standards to augment the city water supplies.
“There are many proven technologies that are currently available globally, using multiple treatment stages such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, UV irradiation, and advanced oxidation processes,” he said.
“However, it should be noted that, as per the last Green Drop national audit of wastewater treatment plants operated by the city, many of these plants did not comply.” He emphasised that assurance needs to be provided by the city regarding its capacity to deliver good water quality to the public using the reuse technologies.
“In terms of the stigma associated with the reuse of water by the public, there needs to be a high level of trust that the city enjoys from the public regarding providing clean and safe drinking water. Unfortunately, that needs to be improved.”
Bux added that there also needs to be an independent body that monitors drinking water quality, which will help to gain public confidence. He stated that the city will have to be accountable for ensuring public safety. “It should be noted that water reuse is currently being strongly promoted and tested in the Western Cape and many parts of the world due to ensuring water security,” he said.
In terms of water security for the city, the foremost challenge is addressing the non-revenue water losses, which are currently over 50%. More than half the water received from the bulk water supplier is lost primarily due to leaks and theft.
“This is not acceptable and needs urgent remedial measures by the city. In the short to medium term, fixing the leaks will help to satisfy the demand. In the long term, investing in water reuse technologies is a step in the right direction,” he concluded.
Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA), was sceptical of the project.
“Really, reuse water? I cannot explain this when you are losing 60% of clean, reusable water. If the municipality gets area plumbers to immediately stop leaks, you basically will get 50% of your water back. Then why really reuse water? Problem solved—enough water for all. I am saying a maximum of 10% water loss, which is still a lot, can be lower if action by plumbers is fast.”
He expressed further concern about the ability of the city to produce this water at the required level. “The city has no capability, but if they function more with the Ratepayers Associations, they will get far. We have very good solutions, but the city does not want to work with us.”
The DA's Andre Beetge said the City was already running short of water which is reflected in the shortages across the city.
“So this initiative is quite welcomed and long overdue. Technology has existed for a long time so we are quite excited that the City has taken this initiative. The DA will obviously will keep a very close watch on it to make sure that the water that is purified is suitable for human consumption. It is not something new, it is used all over the world.”
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