AWWA REUSE52105

In the past, South African investigations into water reclamation have centered upon treatment of sewage effluent to potable standard for reuse in the main water distribution system, as has been implemented in Windhoek, Namibia, since the 1960s. Two pilot plants have been operated for potable reuse, in Pretoria and in Cape Town, but no major projects implemented. A recent study for the Water Research Commission, however, focused on the use of water reclamation to meet non-potable requirements. This paper presents the possibilities of intensifying non-potable reuse in a number of South African applications. After assessing the significance of water reclamation within the national water balance, the most promising applications of water reclamation in the South African context are presented through detailed case studies. These applications include urban reuse in coastal cities (case studies included of Cape Town and Durban), and direct industrial reuse of treated sewage (a case study of the paper industry is presented). Includes 14 references, tables, figures.