**The eThekwini Municipality is under increasing pressure to discover sustainable alternatives to potable water usage due to KwaZulu-Natal's water constraint.** Large amounts of water were being taken from the municipal supply by nearby enterprises while industrial effluent was being dumped into the ocean, posing a problem for resource management and the environment that required a creative, long-term solution. [Learn more](#learnmore) ## **The** **Challenge** **Veolia created the Durban Water Recycling (DWR) plant in collaboration with eThekwini Municipality and regional industrial clients.** It was put into service in May 2001 and is situated at the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. In this historic public-private cooperation, Veolia assumed full responsibility for the facility's design, construction, and continuous operation, providing a top-notch water reuse solution in the center of one of South Africa's most industrialised areas.  ## **Veolia's Solution**  ## **What** **The Plant Delivers** ### Large-Scale Wastewater Treatment The DWR facility has a treatment capacity of 47.5 million litres of wastewater per day and is currently treating around 15 million litres, serving both residential and commercial needs. ### Near Potable Water Quality By achieving stringent quality standards across 22 continually monitored parameters, treated water is generated to a nearly drinkable standard, guaranteeing a secure and dependable supply for industrial reuse. ### Industrial Water Supply Recycled water is supplied directly to industrial users, including Mondi Paper, replacing potable water consumption with a sustainable, cost-effective alternative. ### Public-Private Partnership Model Veolia oversees the facility's entire operating lifecycle under a long-term public-private partnership, guaranteeing sustainability, compliance, and constant performance. - **Reduced Potable Water Consumption**: The DWR facility greatly lowers demand on KwaZulu-Natal's potable water resources by providing recycled water to industrial users, hence promoting the region's long-term water security. - **Decreased Environmental Discharge**: The plant dramatically reduces the volume of wastewater discharged into the ocean, protecting the coastal environment and marine ecosystems of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. - **Cost Savings for Industry**: Industrial users gain from a dependable, affordable substitute for potable water, which lowers operating expenses while upholding their own sustainability obligations. - **Improved Local Water Sustainability**: The DWR plant strengthens the long-term sustainability of local water resources, supporting eThekwini Municipality's environmental goals and the broader water security needs of the region. ## **The** **Impact**  ## **A Model for Sustainable Water Reuse** **in South Africa** As an example of how public-private partnerships, creative ecological solutions, and sustained operational commitment can turn water scarcity challenges into long-lasting environmental and economic benefits, the Durban Water Recycling plant is a model for sustainable industrial water reuse in South Africa.   ## Learn more about **Durban Water Recycling** [Talk to an expert](/contact-us)  **Municipalities** **We support** [All municipalities](/municipal-infrastructure-and-service-support) **\#** [Dolphin Coast Landfill Management ](/municipalities-we-support/dclm "Dolphin Coast Landfill Management") **\#** [Overstrand Municipality | Water & Wastewater Management](/municipalities-we-support/overstrand "Overstrand Municipality | Water & Wastewater Management, Western Cape") **\#** [Durban Water Recycling](/municipalities-we-support/dwr "Durban Water Recycling — DWR | Industrial Wastewater Reuse, KwaZulu-Natal")