NEU Water Pilot demonstration: Into the advanced planning stage

Between October 2025 – February 2026, project team conducted several planning workshops in relation with the “upstream” pilot with the intention of demonstrating the viability of urban water recycling close to the source of pollution at Langrug informal settlement, Franschhoek. Through co-design workshop with local residents and stakeholders, the local water needs and interest for recycled water for urban greening was identified. A team of co-researchers from the community has been supporting the project in data collection related to the use of water in the settlement. Following technical assessments, a plan for separating out most of the greywater which is currently flowing into the Steibeuel river and treatment of 5m3/day of water using constructed wetlands was conceptualized and a site was identified near the Groendal Secondary School. Both Stellenbosch Municipality (responsible for water management) and Western Cape Education Department (responsible for the site) has supported the process. Detailed designs are being currently prepared by the project team. Upon completing the approval processes, the implementation is planned for later half of 2026 subject to the approval form municipal council.