2 July 2008

By Rudo Mungoshi

JOBURG WATER has been recognised for its work in conserving water, winning an award from the national Department of Water Affairs and Forestry for water conservation and water demand management in the domestic sector.

And that is not the only recognition it has received - earlier this year, Joburg Water won an award from the Water Institute of Southern Africa for its Olifantsvlei Treatment Works, which was recognised as the best managed large facility in the country.

The utility's communications and marketing manager, Tebatso Matsimela, said the quality of South Africa's tap water was rated among the best in the world. "And to ensure that this status is maintained, our officials routinely monitor over 500 drinking water samples a month."

Matsimela explained that the municipal-owned entity, which is responsible for water and sanitation services in the city, had a specific treatment process - the Fourstage Johannesburg Process - that biologically removed nitrogen and phosphorous from waste water.

"This process ensures that far fewer chemicals are used, which not only results in a significant saving, but also benefits the environment in that less methane is produced as the volatiles are used with [it]."

In the past seven years, Joburg Water has implemented numerous projects focused on water conservation and water demand management. These include replacing domestic meters based on age, installing bulk reservoirs meters, establishing integrity of water zones in Soweto, installing bulk zone meters, leak detection in direct feed areas, and Operation Gcin'amanzi.

Source: Joburg.org.za