Atlantis wastewater plant earns South Africa’s highest Green Drop honour

A wastewater treatment plant in Atlantis has placed Cape Town on the national map after earning one of South Africa’s highest water quality honours.

Image used for illustrative purposes/Joerg Hartmann/Pexels

The Wesfleur Domestic Wastewater Treatment Works has received Green Drop Certification from the Department of Water and Sanitation, making it one of only 14 facilities across the country to achieve the recognition in the latest assessment cycle, Cape {town}Etc reports.

Even more notably, the Atlantis-based facility secured Gold Status after maintaining Green Drop certification for two consecutive cycles, following a perfect score in 2021 and another strong performance in the 2024 assessment.

A behind-the-scenes success story

While residents may rarely think about what happens after water disappears down the drain, facilities like Wesfleur play a vital role in keeping communities healthy and protecting the environment.

Located in Atlantis’ industrial area, the site consists of separate treatment systems for domestic and industrial wastewater. The domestic plant, which began operating in 1986, does more than clean wastewater. The treated water helps replenish the Atlantis Aquifer – a crucial underground water source that supports drinking water supplies for Atlantis and neighbouring communities.

The facility achieved impressive compliance levels during the assessment period, recording 98% microbiological compliance, 95% chemical compliance and 98% physical compliance.

City officials recently visited the plant to celebrate the achievement with the operational team.

Recognition comes amid wider challenges

Although Wesfleur stood out nationally, Cape Town’s overall Green Drop score declined from 88% in 2021 to 75% in the latest assessment.

However, the Green Drop system evaluates much more than water quality. It also examines sewer networks, pump stations, maintenance practices, asset management and long-term planning.

Rapid population growth and increasing pressure on large wastewater facilities have created additional challenges across the metro.

Several major treatment plants, including Athlone, Bellville, Potsdam and Zandvliet, were undergoing upgrade and expansion projects during the assessment period, which affected operational performance while construction work was underway.

Investment continues across Cape Town

The City says it is continuing to invest heavily in wastewater infrastructure to increase treatment capacity and improve environmental outcomes.

Projects currently underway include upgrades to sewer pump stations, improvements to wastewater conveyance systems and targeted interventions at facilities requiring additional support.

The latest recognition for Wesfleur highlights what can be achieved when infrastructure investment, skilled staff and long-term planning come together.

Why the Atlantis Aquifer matters

The Atlantis Aquifer is considered one of Cape Town’s strategic water resources and has long been regarded as an example of successful water management. Recharging the aquifer with treated water helps strengthen water security in a region that regularly faces drought concerns and increasing demand.

As South Africa continues to grapple with ageing infrastructure and water quality challenges, Wesfleur’s achievement offers a rare good-news story and a reminder that effective water management often happens quietly behind the scenes.

Article shared by Cape ETC