Young civic leaders explore what it will take to secure Cape Town’s water future

08 September 2026

Cape Town’s future water security will depend on decisions and investments being made today. The City’s Junior City Council (JCC) recently got a first-hand look. The Grade 10 and 11 learners visited Faure Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to learn about the challenges of providing enough water supply for a growing city, discuss progress on the development of alternative water sources and understand why using water wisely matters - especially for their generation.

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to expose young people to the work of local government and the low dam levels currently presenting challenges in Cape Town, the City’s JCC visited the Faure WTP.

Hosted by Alderman Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, the visit gave young leaders an opportunity to look beyond the tap and understand the infrastructure, science, planning and people involved in supplying millions of residents with safe, high-quality drinking water.

During their behind-the-scenes tour, the entire water treatment plant process was explained, demonstrating the steps taken to reach the City's drinking water quality standards.

The learners also discussed plans in progress to diversify Cape Town’s water sources through water reuse, desalination and groundwater extraction, which aims to increase the City's long-term resilience to drought and climate change, as an increasing population raises water demand.

‘Water security is not only about the infrastructure and technology we build; it is also about preparing the next generation to understand, value and protect this precious resource. Our engagement with the JCC is an important investment in young people who will increasingly have to navigate the impact of climate change,’ said Alderman Badroodien.

About the JCC

The JCC forms part of the City’s youth development initiatives and provides Grade 10 and 11 learners with an opportunity to gain practical insight into local government and the responsibilities associated with serving their communities. The programme is non-political and aims to develop young people’s civic awareness, leadership skills and confidence, while exposing them to the various services and functions of the City.

‘Visiting the water treatment plant was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the immense engineering and dedication required to supply clean water to our community every single day. I was particularly fascinated to see the multi-stage filtration and testing process in action, bringing the reality of public utility management to life. As a JCC member, this visit gave me a much deeper appreciation for municipal infrastructure and the teamwork behind essential City services. It equipped our Council with the real-world context we need to better advocate for responsible community resource management and youth civic engagement,’ said Sisipho Mbaru.

‘I am too used to clean water magically appearing from a tap right where I live. The visit to the Faure Water Treatment Plant gave me valuable insight into how the City’s water network operates, the science behind water purification, and how the City maintains its high water-quality standards. I also learned about the measures the City has put in place to prepare for future droughts and ensure that there is enough water available to serve millions of residents,’ said Albert Griesel.

‘I had an incredible excursion to the Faure Water Treatment Plant. A huge thanks to the engaging tour guides and to Alderman Zahid Badroodien for a fantastic presentation on the City’s future plans. Walking through the facility and seeing the treatment process firsthand showed just how much innovation goes into keeping our water safe. It's exciting to learn about the City's New Water Programme and how Cape Town is proactively preparing for future growth and water demand,’ said Montayo Kleinsmith

‘We are incredibly fortunate in Cape Town to open our taps and know that clean, safe water will flow. This visit was a fascinating opportunity to understand just how much goes into making that possible. I have no doubt that the JCC members will open a tap with a slightly different perspective now. More importantly, the visit reinforced just how precious water is, why we can never take it for granted, and why we all have a responsibility to use it wisely,’ said Councillor Nicola Jowell, JCC Custodian.

Planning today for tomorrow’s water needs

The City’s New Water Programme forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Cape Town’s water resilience by developing additional sources of water. The programme includes water reuse, desalination, groundwater abstraction and the clearing of invasive alien vegetation. Together, these interventions are intended to increase the City’s available water supply, diversify its sources and reduce reliance on dams, which remain vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns and drought.

The City is also progressing with plans for the Faure New Water Scheme, which will use advanced multi-barrier purification technology to produce high-quality drinking water from treated wastewater. Once operational, the scheme is expected to contribute approximately 70 to 100 million litres of additional drinking water per day, further strengthening Cape Town’s water resilience.

Captions 1 and 2:  JCC members on tour, learning about the process of producing high-quality drinking water at the Faure Water Treatment Plant.