Water Security

Cape Town and the Western Cape’s insufficient rainfall over the past two years has resulted in a water crisis. Together with population increases, urbanisation and global climate change, this has increased our need to use water more conservatively and find long-term and innovative solutions to increase the water supply. While water shortages impact on everyone, key industries are dependent on a reliable water supply for production to contribute to economic growth and the long-term sustainability of the region.

Join us as we hear from Peter Flower, Director in the Water and Sanitation Department at the City of Cape Town about the City of Cape Town and WC Government plans to address water supply with an overview of the current situation.  We will also hear from Dr Naidoo Executive Manager for Innovation and Business Development at the Water Research Commission on innovative solutions being considered to increase water supply.  The City of Cape Town and WC Government are collaborating through the New Technology Committee to explore innovation and new technologies, so contact Mario Carelse at the City of Cape Town if you can contribute towards solutions.

The Speakers

Peter Flower, Director of the Water and Sanitation Department of the City of Cape Town

Peter is a qualified civil engineer with over 35 years of experience in the water sector in planning, design, construction project management, operations and management. At the City of Cape Town, he has been involved with, and responsible for, the planning and development of a significant portion of the bulk water supply infrastructure. The Department of Water and Sanitation is responsible for the full water cycle from “source to tap” and back to the environment, comprising Bulk Water, Reticulation and Wastewater treatment and Water Demand Management which has played a role in the City’s Water Conservation Strategy since 2000.

Dr Valerie Naidoo, Executive Manager for Innovation and Business Development at the Water Research Commission

Dr Valerie Naidoo has 10 years’ experience in wastewater treatment processes such as anaerobic digestion and activated sludge systems. She has 5 years experience in industrial research and development processes in South Africa, UK and Turkey. She is currently leading research groups undertaking a variety of water-related research projects in academia as well as within industry on subjects ranging from industrial wastewater, stormwater, sewerage and biotechnology.