“Water is one of our most precious resources, and at Century City, we are committed to using it wisely.” says Gordon Ralph, COO of Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA). “As part of our Smart Environmental Sustainability principles, we rely on non-potable treated effluent water for irrigation – an approach that helps conserve drinking water while keeping our beautiful landscapes green.”
“However, you may have noticed a decline in the quality of the irrigation water recently, which has affected the appearance of some of our landscaped areas. This is due to ageing infrastructure at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works, which supplies our irrigation water. While this has posed challenges, there is good news on the horizon.”
A brighter future: upgrades to Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works
The City of Cape Town has embarked on a R5.2-billion upgrade to modernise the Potsdam facility and improve the quality and reliability of its effluent supply. A key part of this upgrade includes a new section designed to deliver cleaner, higher-quality water to Century City.
This effluent reuse project is expected to be operational by winter 2025, marking a turning point for our irrigation systems and supporting our commitment to Green Building requirements.
“In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as our team works diligently to manage the current water quality issues and maintain our landscaped spaces as best as possible.”
Being water wise: how you can help
While we work towards improved irrigation quality, we encourage businesses, residents, and visitors to adopt water-wise habits in their daily lives. Here are some practical tips:
1. Use Water Efficiently at Home and Work
- Fix leaks promptly—a dripping tap can waste thousands of litres per year.
- Take shorter showers and turn off taps while brushing your teeth.
- Use water-efficient appliances and opt for eco-friendly car washes that recycle water.
2. Choose water-wise plants for your garden
Planting drought-resistant, indigenous plants helps reduce water consumption while maintaining a lush landscape. Some great options include:
- Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) – A champion of carbon absorption and water conservation.
- Restios (Cape reeds) – Hardy, wind-resistant, and perfect for local conditions.
- Aloe species – Require minimal water while adding vibrant colour.
- Buchu (Agathosma) – Not only water-wise but also a fragrant addition to any garden.
Visit the link for a more complete list of indigenous and water wise plants: https://centurycity.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1461683570_Revised-Century-City-Plant-List-SEPTEMBER-2008-1.pdf
Looking ahead: a sustainable future for Century City
“We are committed to keeping you informed about the progress of the Potsdam upgrade and will share updates as we receive them.” concludes Gordon. “Thank you for your continued support as we work towards a greener, more sustainable Century City. By working together and making small changes, we can protect our water resources and ensure that Century City remains a thriving, environmentally responsible urban space for generations to come.”
