Make every drop of water count. That’s the City of Cape Town’s call to businesses and organisations, as a drier-than-usual summer looms on the horizon. They, along with everyone else, are called to step up their water-saving efforts and to make every drop count.

Make every drop of water count

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says this call to action is needed as dam levels drop weekly. A drier summer is also on the cards, which can exacerbate the water situation. Badroodien has reiterated that the Mother City is a water-scarce city. He says challenging times lie ahead, with the weather contributing to more challenging conditions that will need to be navigated.

He says every sector has a role to play in reducing unnecessary water use. “While the City continues to invest in new and alternative water sources and strengthen its water infrastructure, businesses can contribute by improving efficiency, reducing their reliance on drinking water and using alternative water sources where appropriate,” he added.

“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. It 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.”

 

Water-saving is possible across all sectors, even car wash businesses

The Alderman also recently visited Whizzo Car Wash in Somerset West to congratulate the business on achieving a Water Star Rating. This points to the business demonstrating how businesses reliant on water can evaluate their processes to save resources.

Badroodien says car washes are often perceived as heavy water users, but Whizzo Car Wash has transformed its operations by incorporating harvested rainwater into its washing processes. This reduces its dependence on the municipal water supply while continuing to provide quality service.

Recently, the City recognised 14 organisations at the sixth annual Water Star Rating Awards in June for their commitment to responsible water management.

The recipients represent a range of sectors, showing that practical water-saving measures can be implemented even in businesses and industries that traditionally require significant amounts of water.

Businesses urged to make every drop count ahead of drier summer

The Mayco Member added. “The City is investing in new water sources, stronger infrastructure and better management of the system. 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. This strengthens the resilience of the whole city.” He said that the City’s direction is clear that they must diversify their water supply while continuing to reduce unnecessary demand. He added that both are essential if Cape Town is to remain water secure in the decades ahead.

The Metro’s Water Strategy is about changing the way people think about water. One cannot build a future around the assumption that dams will always provide enough water. This particularly comes into play, as the current climate becomes less predictable and the city continues to grow.

You can also get recognition for becoming more water-wise

Badroodien says 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:

This is: Water supply. Also, Water use. Also look at water conservation and, lastly, water discharge

If you are interested in applying for a voluntary Water Star Rating assessment, email Water.StarRating@capetown.gov.za

With dam levels lower and a longer, drier summer expected, the City is calling on businesses and organisations across Cape Town to make every drop count ahead of the drier summer.