Cape Town Water Treatment Plant: Saving Water and Costs at One & Only Resort
Introduction
In the face of Cape Town’s persistent water challenges, businesses are turning to innovative solutions to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness. At the luxurious One & Only Resort, Sewtreat has implemented state-of-the-art water treatment plants that are revolutionizing water management.
These plants not only help the resort save significant amounts of municipal water but also reduce operational costs dramatically, setting a benchmark for water conservation in the hospitality industry.
As Cape Town continues to grapple with water scarcity, solutions like this water treatment plant in Cape Town are crucial for businesses and the environment alike.
The Water Situation in Cape Town
Cape Town has been grappling with water scarcity for several years, with the city coming close to “Day Zero” in 2018 when dams were critically low.
Although recent rains have improved dam levels, the region remains vulnerable to drought, and water conservation measures are still in place. The high cost of municipal water and sewage disposal further exacerbates the financial burden on businesses, making water-saving solutions essential.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation department, businesses must adapt to a “new normal” where water conservation is a priority. This situation underscores the importance of innovative approaches like those provided by Sewtreat.
Sewtreat’s Solution for One&Only Resort
Sewtreat, a leading provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions in South Africa, installed Above Ground HDPE Wastewater Treatment Plants at the One&Only Resort.
The project was implemented in two phases to maximize water savings and cost efficiency, demonstrating how a wastewater treatment plant in South Africa can address local water challenges effectively.

Phase 1: Initial Installation
In the first phase, Sewtreat installed a system that treats sewage to product water standards, allowing the resort to reuse water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and cooling towers.
This phase alone saves 40 kiloliters of municipal water per day, resulting in a monthly cost saving of R114,000 for the resort, or R1.368 million annually. By reducing reliance on municipal water, the resort not only conserves a precious resource but also lowers its operational expenses significantly.
Phase 2: Expanding the System
Phase 2 of the project will further treat sewage to potable standards, enabling the resort to use recycled water for additional purposes like swimming pools, cleaning, laundry, and toilets. This expansion is expected to save an additional 80 kiloliters per day, bringing the total daily savings to 120 kiloliters.
The annual cost saving from both phases will be R4.104 million, with a return on investment of just eight months. This demonstrates the long-term financial benefits of investing in a water treatment plant in Cape Town.
The Benefits of Water Recycling
By recycling wastewater, the One&Only Resort can reduce its reliance on municipal water supplies, which are both costly and under strain. This not only helps in conserving water but also significantly lowers operational costs.
Moreover, Sewtreat’s solution is easy to install and maintain, with minimal civil works required and low operational costs.
Businesses interested in calculating their potential water and cost savings can use Sewtreat’s online savings calculator. Such tools empower businesses to make informed decisions about water conservation.
How Sewtreat’s Plants Work
Sewtreat’s Above Ground HDPE Wastewater Treatment Plants use advanced biological treatment processes to convert sewage into clean, reusable water.
The plants are designed for efficiency and reliability, with features like air scrubbing systems to eliminate odors, ensuring they meet the high standards of luxury resorts like One&Only.
These plants are part of Sewtreat’s comprehensive water treatment solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
Results and Impact
The implementation of Sewtreat’s water treatment plants at One&Only Resort has led to remarkable results. After both phases are completed, the resort will reduce its potable water usage from 220 kiloliters per day to just 40 kiloliters, representing a 90% reduction.
This not only ensures the resort’s sustainability but also positions it as a leader in environmental stewardship within the hospitality sector.
The success of this project highlights the transformative potential of wastewater recycling in addressing Cape Town’s water challenges.
Why Choose Sewtreat
Sewtreat is a trusted leader in water and wastewater treatment solutions, with years of experience serving clients across South Africa.
Our team of water engineers and experts are committed to providing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
From designing and installing treatment plants to offering operations and maintenance support, Sewtreat ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
Conclusion
Sewtreat’s partnership with One&Only Resort demonstrates the transformative power of innovative water treatment solutions in addressing Cape Town’s water challenges.
By investing in wastewater recycling, businesses can achieve significant water and cost savings while contributing to the broader goal of water conservation.
As Cape Town continues to navigate its water situation, solutions like the water treatment plant at One&Only Resort will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future.