As water conservation specialists we would like to commend the city of Cape Town for instituting such wide spread and innovative water saving measures at the new stadium in Green Point. Although there are no plans in place for the reuse of Grey Water for toilet flushing we nevertheless appreciate the sentiment of capturing and reusing rainwater. Now its up to ordinary citizens of Cape Town to pick up where the developers of the stadium have left off. The standard has been set-rainwater harvesting is definitely a viable option. Need a quote? Read on for the rationale behind these forward thinking developments.
During the conceptual design phase of the Green Point Common redevelopment, the issue of alternative water sources for irrigation of this 69 hectare open space was highlighted. In 2008, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) commissioned Arcus Gibb to undertake a feasibility study of alternative water sources for irrigation as opposed to the use of potable water, which had been used previously. The study investigated among other things desalinisation, feasibility of boreholes, greywater treatment, rainwater harvesting and the harvesting of spring water from the slopes of Table Mountain. The study concluded that the harvesting of spring water from the Oranjezicht Springs was the most cost-effective way to reduce the use of potable water for the irrigation of the Common. The spring water is not potable, and will require treatment to meet drinking water standards.
The history of Cape Town’s establishment as a trading post and refreshment station is directly linked to this source of fresh water from the slopes of the mountain. Over time, the spring water was canalised, and today it is mostly conveyed underground in a series of pipes and stormwater drains, eventually draining into Table Bay. The harvesting of this water for irrigation purposes presents a significant opportunity to elevate the role that water played in the history of Cape Town. The Reclaim Camissa project is working to restore the historical connection between the mountain and the sea, and develop heritage and tourist resources throughout the CBD linked to the springs and rivers on the slopes of the mountain.
1997 WWF Trust Award won by Water Rhapsody for the initiative shown by founder and inventor Jeremy Taylor in the creation of Water Saving systems that can save you up to 90% on your water bill.