As a response to the water crisis and to help businesses adjust to the “New Normal” of water scarcity the Sustainable Water Use Journey has been mapped out and proposes actions for each step of the journey. As a first step, the below outlines what businesses can do to reduce their consumption.
There is a variety of free support available to businesses looking into reducing their water consumption
GreenCape's water programme concentrates on two broad areas: to improve the productive use of water to support sustainable economic development; secondly, to promote the uptake of green technologies and businesses. Visit the Water Sector Desk's website for more information. To support businesses during the drought, they have set up a Drought Business Support Page which consists of information on each step of the Sustainable Water Use Journey and the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that GreenCape receive from business with regards to the drought, and their answers.
Alternatively you can contact water@green-cape.co.za for business support in scoping for water solutions including:
- Independent advice on possible solutions for increasing water efficiencies, reusing or recycling water and supply options;
- Contacts for consultants and technology suppliers that could assist further;
- Case studies and business case calculations for industrial water users and wineries
GreenCape also runs water-focused networking and information sharing events. Sign-up to be a member and receive invites: http://www.green-cape.co.za/become-a-member
For businesses within the Agriculture sector, tools and water-related research is available on the GreenAgri website, which includes information on:
For any agriculture related queries you can contact Cathy.Pineo@green-cape.co.za.
The 2017 Water Market Intelligence Report produced by GreenCape, which highlights business opportunities for water in the green economy in the Western Cape, is available for free download.
For general water for the economy programme support including:
- Industry engagements;
- Links with municipalities and the Western Cape Government;
- Licensing issue
- Business related communications
Please contact Helen.Davies@westerncape.gov.za or Lourencio.Pick2@westerncape.gov.za or Fayruz.Dharsey@westerncape.gov.za
For businesses located within the City of Cape Town there is a plethora of information on how to contribute to use water efficiently and minimise wastage.
Alternative and recycled water sources for your business or organisation
The City of Cape Town's website has information on:
- Commercial water restrictions
- Alternatives/Recycled Water Sources
- Information on boreholes and wells
- Treated effluent re-use
- Re-using grey water
- Collecting rain water
For all the details on applying and making use of an alternative water system click here. This includes if your business is able to make use of treated effluent for irrigation or industrial purposes to assist in conserving the supply of potable water. You can apply to do so with the City of Cape Town via treat.effluent@capetown.gov.za
The City also has a rebate available of up to 30% of the capital cost for large consumers investing in significant improvement on quality or zero generation of effluent. For more information email: waterpollution.control@capetown.gov.za
Raising Awareness on reducing water consumption
The City of Cape Town has instituted Level 5 water restrictions which limit water consumption to 87 litres of potable water per person per day. The City's Residential Water and Sanitation Services website provides all you need to know about current water restrictions and how you can save water at home.
For materials to raise awareness amoungst employees and guests click here. While these have been developed by the City of Cape Town, these can be easily adapted for businesses outside of Cape Town.
The Western Cape Government is running its H2O Hero campaign with tips on how to save water at home, in the workplace and in your neighbourhood.
MORE DROUGHT RESOURCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE https://www.westerncape.gov.za/110green WEBSITE.