The City of Johannesburg, in the hope of reducing the demand for industrial use of fresh water, has introduced using treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes.
According to Johannesburg Water, wastewater treatment is a process of converting water that is no longer needed or suitable for consumption into effluent or waste that can be returned to the water cycle with minimal environmental issues. This according to Stan Maphologela, the Customer Communications director within the Finance Department.
“This type of water is an effective means of conserving our limited high-quality freshwater supplies while helping to meet the ever-growing demand for water,” he said.
The City implemented Level 2 water restriction tariffs in September in a bid to reduce the City’s water usage. Its intake has decreased by 15 per cent and now residents are urged to do the same.
Throughout August, Johannesburg Water invited bulk water customers who might be interested in using treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes, to indicate how much water they needed, what they needed it for and how long they would use it for, Maphologela said.
Institutions such as golf clubs, stadiums, parks, schools, farms and industrial establishments will more likely be in need of using treated wastewater. The entity would use the information in its planning for future delivery, based on the available budget.
Maphologela added that the Kelvin Power Station uses treated wastewater, also called treated effluent.
“Where possible, the use of high-quality potable water has been replaced with treated effluent that is safe to use,” he said.
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