In South Africa, approximately 85 percent, or 42,000 MW, of the nation’s electricity is generated via coal-fired power stations. Burning coal is harmful to the environment in many ways. Burning coal in power plants emits hazardous outdoor air pollutants: particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, mercury, arsenic, and various other heavy metals. Despite environmental concerns, coal will continue to provide the majority of South Africa’s power for the next decade, although the share from renewables will grow rapidly.

The water in Cape Town is supplied by 14 dams. Most of this is provided by six large dams: Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Berg River, Wemmershoek, and the Steenbras Upper and Lower dams. Water is purified and treated at 12 water treatment plants. The next 26 large reservoirs store treated drinking water before it is piped to homes and businesses. Faure Reservoir, the largest of these, can hold the equivalent of 250 Olympic swimming pools. A network of reservoirs, pump stations, and 20,000 km of pipelines provide drinking water (potable water) and wastewater to and from properties.

Here are some fun facts about Cape Town’s Water:

• Only 13% of our water source areas are under some level of formal protection in terms of The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2000 (NEMPAA)
• 9% of South Africans rely directly on springs, rivers, and wetlands for water
• 18% of South Africans rely on communal taps
• Roughly 3% of SA’s water is lost to alien plants
• 60% of our river ecosystems are threatened and 23% are critically endangered.
• 65% of our wetlands are threatened and 48% are critically endangered