SOMERSET WEST – With dam levels lower and a longer, drier summer expected, Cape Town businesses are being urged to step up water-saving efforts as the water-scarce city braces for tougher conditions ahead.
While the City of Cape Town continues to invest in new and alternative water sources and strengthen its water infrastructure, businesses can play their part by improving efficiency, reducing their reliance on drinking water and using alternative sources where appropriate.
The City recognised 14 organisations at its sixth annual Water Star Rating Awards in June for their commitment to responsible water management, spanning a range of sectors and proving that practical water-saving measures can be implemented even in water-intensive industries.
Innovation in action
Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, recently visited Whizzo Car Wash in Somerset West to congratulate the business on achieving a Water Star Rating.
Car washes are often perceived as heavy water users, but Whizzo has transformed its operations by incorporating harvested rainwater into its washing processes, reducing its dependence on the municipal supply while continuing to provide quality service.
“Cape Town’s Water Strategy is fundamentally about changing the way we think about water,” said Badroodien. “We cannot build our future around the assumption that our dams will always provide enough water, particularly as our climate becomes less predictable and our city continues to grow.”
He said the City is investing in new water sources, stronger infrastructure and better management of the system, but becoming a truly water-wise city also means using high-quality drinking water more carefully. “Where businesses can reduce demand, improve efficiency or safely substitute municipal drinking water with an appropriate alternative source, that strengthens the resilience of the whole city.”
“Whizzo Car Wash shows what this transition can look like in practice. A business that depends on water has examined how it operates, introduced rainwater harvesting and reduced its reliance on the municipal supply without compromising its service. That is exactly the kind of innovation and responsible water use we want to see replicated across Cape Town,” he said. “Our direction is clear: we must diversify our water supply while continuing to reduce unnecessary demand. Both are essential if Cape Town is to remain water secure in the decades ahead.”
Get recognised
Since the programme was launched, 111 Water Star Rating certificates have been awarded. The voluntary programme assesses organisations on their water management practices and awards between one and five stars based on performance in four areas: water supply, water use, water conservation and water discharge.
Businesses and organisations interested in applying for a voluntary Water Star Rating assessment can email Water.StarRating@capetown.gov.za.
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