Namibia's capital Windhoek is a pioneer in water treatment and production. The city is between two major deserts, the Kalahari and the Namib, making water a scarce commodity. Reused water has become a lifeline for Namibians.

Windhoek

Namibia's capital, Windhoek, stands out as a pioneering city in the realm of water treatment and production. Situated between the expansive Kalahari and Namib deserts, the city faces a challenging environment where water is a scarce and valuable resource. Given this backdrop, the innovative use of reused water has emerged as a crucial lifeline for the local population.

The geographical location of Windhoek, flanked by two of Africa's largest deserts, positions it in a unique spot where the management of water resources is vital for survival. This need has propelled the city to develop and implement advanced water treatment processes that allow for the safe reuse of water. Such initiatives underscore Windhoek's role as a leader in sustainable water management practices amidst a challenging environmental setting.



Namibia's capital Windhoek a pioneer in reusing water

Communal taps like these are a lifeline in informal settlements like this one in Windhoek. The water that comes out is cheap, and for those on the receiving end, the process seems simple. In truth, it's the product of a high-tech process which many know little about. I have been living here for the last 20 years but I don't know where the water comes from It changes colour, sometimes it is brownish, but I don't know if the water is recycled or not. Much of what she drinks comes from the Horianhab water reclamation plant. It processes domestic sewage to take the water out and make it drinkable. To do this, the plant sends treated wastewater through filtration and chemical treatment processes. Regular tests are conducted in a laboratory to ensure the water meets global standards. That laboratory takes samples on a daily basis from different areas in Windhoek and tests the water for compliance. They will immediately alert us when there is one or two samples out of spec and then we will react and see how serious it is and take action. The project was the first of its kind in the world and first started decades ago. In the 60s, Windhoek water resources was about to run dry and the municipality of the time decided there is only one solution to that and that is to reclaim your domestic sewer, treat it to a potable standard and reuse it. The current plant has been in operation since 2002 and supplies between 15 and 25 percent of the town's overall water. It has also served as a model for other countries who have come to the plant to learn more about the process. We are very proud of what we are doing here and therefore I say cheers, zum wohl, santé.

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