Bulk scale industrial effluent reuse potential in South Africa

Abstract

Globally, responsible and efficient water management is fast becoming a pressing reality for domestic users, agriculture and industry alike. The challenge is therefore to capitalise on the limited water we currently have. Solution: Bulk-scale reuse of industrial water effluent can play a significant role in water security in a water scarce country, such as South Africa, as it can augment or partially substitute freshwater resources needed for domestic purposes and future development. Water reuse in South Africa is however lagging. Approach: An Atlas for potential industrial bulk scale water reuse was produced from publicly available Natsurv and WARMS data. It highlights the urgent need for water reuse to form an integral part of an integrated water management supply approach in South Africa.