The second phase of a multi-million rand water works operation, which will increase the amount of clean water to the residents of Port Elizabeth, has been launched.

The R126.4-million project will double the clean water supply from the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works (WTW)to the Nelson Mandela Bay area by February 2017, effectively meeting the region’s increasing demands for water.

The new extension includes the use of the cutting-edge filter technology and the use of ultra violet (UV) light for better quality and increased volumes of water supply to Nelson Mandela Bay, a water stressed area.

“The new system is more efficient than older false-floor and nozzle systems used in the past, allowing more water to be filtered over longer periods with less frequent backwashing and cleaning of the filters needed.

“This, in turn leads to operational cost savings for the metro and ratepayers,” said Kevin McRae, Executive Manager for Water & Sanitation at AfriCoast Consulting Engineers, the engineering consultancy appointed to the project.

The use of UV light as part of the disinfection process is also a first for the NMBM. “The decision to make use of UV was based on a number of factors, including better water quality and reduced consumption of chlorine gas. Chlorine will still be used for final disinfection.”

The project will double the treatment capacity of the Nooitgedagt WTW from 70-mega litres per day (Ml/d) to 140Ml/d and will also provide the new low-lift pump station to complete the NCLLS to Port Elizabeth – where construction was recently completed.

Once this extension is completed it will supply approximately 100Ml/d through the Low Level Scheme, relieving pressure on the supply from the western dams system and reducing pumping costs.