Environmental warriors Rodney Genricks and Gordon Ernstzen are internationally renowned for their efforts in cleaning contaminated wastewater by using bacteria-based tablets.
They are partnered with Unicef to clean pit-toilets across Africa and are in negotiations with a number of other countries to roll out their bacteria solution as a sustainable alternative for cleaning water sources. Rodney and Gordon have featured on 50/50 four times for their work in cleaning waste and contaminated water.
Two of the duo’s most notable projects were their involvement in cleaning of Johannesburg’s Blue Dam in Homestead and Bruma Lake. Rodney and Gordon have also been part of large scale clean-up operations at Gillooly’s Farm, a number of power stations, Roodeplaat Dam and many more. Now the two hope to bring their living solution a little closer to home.
After a successful eight-month trial with the South African Local Government Association, Rodney and Gordon say their product would help local municipalities.
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Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys said the use of bacteria to clean residential sewage systems is a sustainable look at the future.
She said when the source of the problem is targeted it will relieve the pressure on the municipal infrastructure.
Through their proposed solution, the bacteria tablets would be dropped in residential sewage lines where the bacteria would clean away toilet paper, effluent, grease and oils.
“EcoTabsGauteng answers the need for a safe, environmentally friendly, easy-to-use solution for the mitigation of fats, oil, grease and sludge in residential, commercial and industrial facilities,” Rodney said.
“The tablets help to increase overall system efficiency, reduce costly maintenance and eliminate the need for toxic chemicals and special handling procedures.
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“The product also reduces the need for frequent and costly pump-outs of waste water, pump and lift stations.The bacteria-based tablets are not harmful and can be used in grease traps, septic systems, portable toilets, water bodies, agricultural farms and car wash facilities.
“This is a non-toxic solution to control solid waste and provide odour control.”
Rodney explained in any healthy water there should be oxygen but when contaminates such as sewage enter the water it depleted the oxygen levels.
“When the bacteria are added to the water, the living organisms work to bring balance back and increase the oxygen levels. At the same time, the bacteria digests the harmful contaminants, eliminating the danger as well as the smell.
“Once the source of contamination is eliminated and the water is clean, the bacteria naturally die off,” he told the NEWS.
For more information on household Eco-Tabs Gauteng visit www.ecotabsgauteng.co.za
