Ethekwini Water and Sanitation – Operating non-potable reuse of recycled water since 2001

eThekwini is a coastal municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province. South Africa has recognised the need for water reuse in its National Water Resource Strategy, Water Reconciliation Studies, National Development Plan and Sanitation Master Plan; as the country is fully using its available surface water resources, and running out of locations for future dams.

Ethekwini has been leading the way on innovative reuse by practicing non-drinking recycling for some time, including for a paper factory and oil refinery, since 2001. Now, eThekwini is exploring more non-drinking recycling plus direct potable reuse to help the municipality ensure a reliable and safe water supply in future. In future around 20% of the total demand of 1,100 million litres (290 million gallons) per day could come from reuse, groundwater supply, rainwater harvesting and desalination.

Since 2001, Durban Water Recycling has been producing high quality recycled water for industrial use. The plant can treat up to 47.5 million litres (12.5 million gallons) per day to almost drinking water level. This has provided excellent experience, learnings and sustainable water for many years, which will be a helpful foundation for eThekwini’s exploration of purified recycled water for drinking in future at the other locations.