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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS

The Overberg Water Board is dedicated to ensuring sustainable and efficient water management across the region. Our mission is to provide high-quality water services that meet the needs of our communities while promoting responsible usage and environmental stewardship. By implementing innovative practices and technologies, we strive to enhance water security and contribute to the overall well-being of the residents in the Overberg area.

WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

Our water supply primarily comes from a diverse range of sources. The Rûensveld-West scheme draws its main source from the Sonderend River, which originates in the Theewaterskloof Dam. This dam features an earth embankment and a cement spillway, with an impressive capacity of 480 million m3. To ensure the highest quality of water, we have installed three flexible suction pipes equipped with stainless floats in the river, allowing water to be drawn from above and preventing silt from entering the system. The water is then pumped to the raw water inlet through a dedicated brick pump house, which is equipped with essential electrical switchgear. Our station houses three efficient ABS pumps that facilitate the smooth and reliable delivery of clean, potable water.

 

The Rûensveld East scheme also utilizes the Sonderend River as its primary source. Water is drawn via a concrete suction pipe at the bottom of the river, complemented by a flexible suction pipe with a stainless-steel float, which helps maintain water quality by drawing it from above and keeping sludge out. The water gravitates to the intake tower, which is equipped with two Mono pumps featuring separate motors.

 

Additionally, the Duivenhoks Scheme sources its water from the Duivenhoks River Dam, characterized by a dome-shaped concrete arch embankment standing 45 meters high and holding a capacity of 6.2 million m3, with a catchment area of 148 km2. To ensure a clean supply, a concrete structure with a grit trap is placed in front of the intake to filter out sticks, trees, and other debris. The water gravitates to the intake tower, where it is pumped to the treatment plant using two submersible pumps connected to two “Duckfoots” with steel pipes. This comprehensive system ensures reliable access to clean water for homes, businesses, and public facilities throughout the region

WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

At Overberg Water Board, maintaining high water quality is a top priority. We adhere to the South African National Standards (SANS 241), which outlines stringent requirements for drinking water quality to ensure the health and safety of our customers. Regular monitoring and testing are conducted to ensure that our water meets or exceeds these standards. To further ensure accuracy and reliability, our water is tested at two independent and accredited laboratories, providing an extra layer of assurance for our residents. In addition to these measures, we have implemented a comprehensive water safety plan that assesses potential risks and establishes protocols to mitigate them. Our team is committed to continuous improvement in water quality management, ensuring that we safeguard the health of our community while providing reliable access to clean, potable water.

 

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

 

The Overberg Water Board is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and responsible water usage within our community. We recognize that water is a precious resource, and our initiatives aim to conserve it while educating the public on the importance of water conservation. Our water-saving campaigns encourage residents to adopt practices that reduce water waste, such as using water-efficient appliances, fixing leaks, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems.

We actively engage in community outreach programs and informational sessions to raise awareness about the critical importance of protecting our water resources and the environment. Through partnerships with local organizations and schools, we aim to instill a culture of environmental stewardship among residents, fostering a sense of responsibility toward our natural resources.

Additionally, our operations focus on minimizing the ecological footprint of our water supply and distribution processes. We continually assess and improve our infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily operations, such as looking into utilizing renewable energy sources where feasible and adopting eco-friendly technologies, we strive to ensure that our water management practices are both effective and environmentally responsible.

Overall, our commitment to sustainability reflects our dedication to protecting the Overberg region's natural resources for future generations, ensuring a secure and reliable water supply while promoting a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.