Cape Town project turns polluted river water into 36,000L of clean irrigation daily
Researchers at the University of Cape Town have developed a nature-based filtration system that treats 36,000 liters of polluted river water daily. The system uses solar energy and natural materials to provide clean water for irrigation in local informal settlements.
Why it matters
This low-cost, sustainable model offers a scalable solution for improving food security and water safety in vulnerable communities facing climate-related water scarcity.
A simple combination of stones, sand and heat-treated wood is helping transform heavily polluted river water in South Africa into water clean enough to irrigate vegetable gardens and support food production in a growing informal settlement.Researchers from the University of Cape Town are using a nature-based filtration system to treat around 36,000 litres of water from the Stiebeuel River every day.The river has been contaminated by sewage, chemicals and traces of drugs and pharmaceutical waste.
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