The plant is currently in its test phase of implementation, and the centre is in the process of fine-tuning the extraction and purification process.
The plant will draw underground sea water using ultra filtration and reverse osmosis technology that removes the salt and contaminants from the water by pushing it through a semi-permeable membrane at high pressure. This produces fully potable drinking water that will comply with the SANS 241 of 2015 Standard for Drinking Water.
200 000 litres can be produced by the CTICC plant in any 24-hour cycle, and additional storage tanks with a capacity of 400 000 litres will allow the centre to cater for our potential maximum demand scenarios.
“The plant, in conjunction with our water storage capacity, will provide five times our average daily water consumption, thus ensuring that the CTICC can offer 100% water-neutral events,” says Chief Executive Officer of the CTICC, Julie-May Ellingson.
Water-saving has always been a priority at the CTICC.
“The reverse osmosis plant is just one of our initiatives. Our water-wise campaign is a strategic response that makes sound business sense for the CTICC and our clients,” says Ellingson.
Other water-saving initiatives at the CTICC include:
- The addition of 265 000 litres of rain-water storage tanks. The CTICC reuses this water for cleaning activities inside the centre as well as running its cooling towers for the air conditioning system.
- Capturing the condensate from our air-conditioning units which is used for maintenance in and around the centre.
- Our water savings information boards, placed throughout the centre, inform visitors on the need to save water.
- The installation of water-smart showerheads in the centre’s meeting suites and aerators for taps in our main and satellite kitchens.
“I would like to thank all our delegates, clients and the CTICC team for their concerted efforts to support the CTICC’s water-saving initiatives. Our reverse osmosis plant will allow us to host water neutral events that impact positively on our economy without placing any burden on the City of Cape Town’s precious water resources,” Ellingson adds.
As at September 2018, Western Cape dam levels sat at 74.3% compared to 36.8% in 2017.
For more information, contact the CTICC Corporate Communications department at +27 21 410 5000 or email media@cticc.o.za.
www.cticc.co.za
