Facilities & Property Management News South Africa

Mutualpark office launches waste-to-drinking water filtration plant

Old Mutual's Mutualpark office in Pinelands, Cape Town recently launched the first corporate-based waste-to-drinking water filtration plant in the country. The 166,000m2 office, currently accommodating more than 9,000 employees and contractors, is now operating off the water grid.
Mutualpark office launches waste-to-drinking water filtration plant

“As a responsible business, Old Mutual continues to positively impact the socio-economic and environmental development of the continent and its people. By driving mutually beneficial projects, Old Mutual creates shared value. A project like this which is both cost-effective and responsibly geared to ensuring a sustainable future is a win-win for all,” said Iain Williamson, chief operating officer, Old Mutual Limited at the launch.

“This is another proud moment for us,” agreed Heloise Van Der Mescht, executive general manager, Old Mutual Customer Services. “The launch of this waste-to-drinking water filtration plant is providing a potential water-saving for the city of approximately 10 to 15,000 kilolitres a month.

Rigorous testing done

“Our water filtration plant, which has undergone rigorous testing, was certified SANS 241 compliant by the national and local governments making the filtered water drinkable, and is earmarked to be Mutualpark’s main source of water. It has the capacity to produce between 650,000 and 800,000 litres a day! Mutualpark’s average consumption is about 450,000 litres of water a day,” said Khiyam Fredericks, national technical manager, Old Mutual Limited.

“We have been piloting the plant since July 2018 and the results have been impressive. Not only is it contributing towards essential water conservation in the drought-stricken Western Cape, it has also encouraged a wonderful uptake in community involvement and participation in some of our water-saving initiatives,” Fredericks concluded.

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