On a warm December morning in 2023, at the Emperor’s Palace, a significant gathering took place. It consisted of key figures from the water and sanitation sector, representatives from various municipalities, and government officials from across all spheres. They came together for a critical event the unveiling of the Blue Drop, No Drop Reports, and Green Drop Progress Reports. The day was highlighted by an awards ceremony.
Cape Town is leading the world in water management with its innovative plan to increase potable water supply by 7% by 2040 through water recycling. The city brought together global leaders in water reuse to exchange knowledge and experiences, and the New Water Programme aims to enhance the daily water supply by 300 million litres from fresh sources by 2030. This groundbreaking strategy is a testament to the city’s dedication to sustainability and resilience, positioning it as a preeminent figure in global water preservation and recycling.
The South African Department of Water and Sanitation has reintroduced their Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop Watch Reports. These regulatory mechanisms were halted in 2014 but were recently revived by Minister Senzo Mchunu in late 2021. ### Enhancing Municipal Drinking Water Quality
As winter approaches, the City of Cape Town is taking proactive measures to mitigate potential flood risks through its annual Winter Preparedness program. This initiative is crucial, and the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) department is responsible for managing the city’s stormwater assets throughout the year. Recently, Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, joined the RIM teams in Atlantis, Parklands, and Joe Slovo Park to monitor their cleanup operations.