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Science and expertise at the heart of City’s planned desalination plant

The City’s plan to establish a state-of-the-art desalination plant in Paarden Eiland will be driven and informed by science, expertise and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The project is a fundamental part of roll-out of the City’s New Water Programme, a proactive initiative which aims to secure a more resilient future for water supply in Cape Town. This addition to the City’s water supply will continue to meet the excellent drinking water quality standards, in compliance with SANS 241:2015 standards. Read more below:

Desalination is a proven technology used globally, in which the process converts seawater into safe, quality drinking water. Nearby examples, such as the Erongo Desalination Plant in Namibia, demonstrate the success of this technology, with plans for the construction of a second desalination plant already under way.

Science-driven technological innovation

The City’s desalination project is being developed based on rigorous scientific research and advanced technological innovation. The design of the plant features a comprehensive multi-barrier treatment process with Reverse Osmosis (RO) playing a key role, by using high-pressure membranes to remove dissolved salts. Together, several steps in the process will ensure the safe production of high-quality drinking water.

In addition, a UV oxidation step will also be considered depending on the results of the seawater quality.

Brine management is another critical component, with environmentally-responsible strategies outlined for discharging the concentrate into the sea. All of these treatment methodologies adhere to global best practices, in an effort to manage plant operations efficiently, while minimising environmental impact.

Expert guidance

To further meet international standards, the City has established a comprehensive water quality monitoring programme, focusing on the proposed seawater abstraction zone near the harbour.

A multidisciplinary Independent Advisory Panel (IAP), comprising local and international experts was established, to guide the planning and design of the Paarden Eiland desalination plant. Following the successful completion of the panel’s first term, the City is now working towards a longer-term agreement with the IAP, through the Water Research Commission.

The independent panel brings valuable, multidisciplinary expertise in:

·       water quality

·       public safety

·       project financing

·       desalination technology

·       water purification

·       engineering and,

·       marine and environmental sciences.

By evaluating all aspects of the City’s implementation plan, the IAP will review and give guidance throughout the planning, construction and operational phases of the plant.

‘The proposed desalination plant forms part of the City’s broader Water Strategy to produce an additional 300 million litres of water per day from various sources, including water reuse, groundwater extraction, and the clearing of invasive alien plants. Desalination is expected to produce 50 to 70 million litres of water per day, significantly bolstering Cape Town’s diversified water resources. This will enable us to build resilience by supplementing our water supply, to provide for generations to come,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Collaboration and engagement

Currently, a feasibility study is under way in collaboration with the National Treasury’s Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to explore the most suitable, sustainable and cost-effective options for financing, building, and operating the plant.

The City recently completed an optional, pre-application scoping phase from 14 November to 13 December 2024, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The purpose of this option was to adequately identify and register interested and affected parties (I&APs), as well as to gauge initial public sentiment and feedback from various authorities on the planned project.

The next phase of the EIA process is the scoping phase, which is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2025.

The City invites the public to participate in the process, tabling their views to help shape the implementation of this critical project.

To receive the latest notifications on the EIA process and to remain informed on upcoming opportunities to review/ comment on reports, register as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) by sending your full name and contact details (email or postal address) to the City’s appointed Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP):

·       E-mail: PPP@zutari.com

·       Post: PO Box 509, George, 6529

 

 

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