Upgrading Potsdam Wastewater Works: A Step Towards Sustainable Growth and Environmental Restoration

Cape Town is embarking on a major infrastructure project, the R5.2 billion upgrade of Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works, the second largest infrastructure effort in Western Cape. Scheduled for completion by 2027, this project aims to double the plant’s treatment capacity and improve the environmental health of the Milnerton Lagoon.

Increasing Treatment Capacity

The upgraded facility is slated to treat up to 100 million liters of wastewater daily, far surpassing the previous capacity of 47 million liters. The project will incorporate cutting-edge membrane technology to achieve high treatment standards.

Simultaneously, several other sewerage infrastructure upgrades will take place in the area, including the Montague Gardens Bulk Sewer Rehabilitation, Koeberg Pump Station Upgrade, and long-term pump station and pipe replacement programs.

Restoring Milnerton Lagoon’s Health

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized the Potsdam project’s significance in restoring the Milnerton Lagoon’s health. Over the years, the lagoon has suffered from pollution buildup. The City is hoping to eliminate pollution sources leading to the lagoon and eventually dredge the waterbody to remove sediment laden with decades-long pollution. This task will begin in two years and coincide with the installation of advanced wastewater treatment technology at Potsdam.

Massive Infrastructure Investment

The Water and Sanitation infrastructure budget has seen a 223% increase over three years, from R2.3 billion in 2022/23 to R7.8 billion in 2025/26. Key investments include R8.6 billion in wastewater treatment works upgrades over three years, R1.3 billion allocated to sewer spill responsiveness, R1.4 billion in bulk sewer upgrades, and quadrupling pipe replacement from 25 km to 100 km annually.

Short-Term Measures to Combat Pollution

The City is also undertaking various short-term measures to combat pollution in the Diep River catchment. These include installing over 20 litter nets along the river, expanding waste interception efforts to other rivers and canals, investigating and rectifying cross connections between stormwater and sewer pipes, and ongoing by-law enforcement operations.

Critical Maintenance Work

Critical maintenance work is underway to improve treated effluent quality at Potsdam, including cleaning of maturation ponds and re-engineering natural reed beds to prevent pollution from reaching the Diep River.

Public Involvement

The extensive action plan involves collaboration with local communities, civil society stakeholders, information sharing, and public involvement.

The Potsdam Wastewater Works upgrade is a testament to Cape Town’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental restoration. Investing in advanced technology and infrastructure lays a strong foundation for future generations. Although the journey may be long, the destination promises a cleaner, greener Cape Town for all.