Direct Potable Water Reuse Plant Securing Urban Water Supply for Windhoek
The Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant in Windhoek is a landmark facility and the world’s first successful Direct Potable Water Reuse (DPR) plant. Operational since 2002, it uses an advanced multi-barrier purification system to transform treated wastewater into high-quality drinking water. The plant plays a central role in securing water for Namibia’s capital city, especially in an arid region facing chronic freshwater scarcity.
Advanced Multi-Barrier Treatment Ensuring Safe, High-Quality Drinking Water
To ensure absolute safety and reliability, the plant integrates a comprehensive multi-stage treatment scheme. This includes pre-ozonation, coagulation and flocculation, dissolved air flotation, dual media filtration, ozone treatment, activated carbon filtration, granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, and ultrafiltration. These steps act as multiple defensive barriers, ensuring consistent removal of contaminants and meeting international drinking water standards.
Water Reuse for Climate-Resilient Urban Development
As a pioneering water reclamation system, the plant produces 21,000 m³/day of safe drinking water directly from reclaimed wastewater. This reduces dependence on over-stressed surface and groundwater sources, helping Windhoek meet up to 35% of its total water demand sustainably. It is one of the finest examples of potable reuse strengthening long-term water security for drought-prone cities.
Sustained Impact for Namibia’s Water Security
The Goreangab DPR plant supports the city’s growing population with a drought-proof and climate-resilient water supply. By transforming used water into a dependable drinking water source, the facility minimizes vulnerability to climate variability, reinforces local ecosystems, and serves as a global benchmark for urban water reuse.
Comprehensive EPC and O&M Scope Ensuring Long-Term Reliability
The project was delivered under an EPC and long-term O&M framework by the WINGOC JV for a 20-year period. This ensures the treatment plant’s lifecycle performance, regulatory compliance, and 24×7 availability, backed by robust operational excellence and stringent process control.
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Multi-Barrier Treatment Process Guaranteeing Drinking Water Purity
The engineered treatment chain includes:
- Pre-ozonation
- Coagulation & flocculation
- Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)
- Dual media filtration
- Main ozonation
- Biologically activated carbon filter
- Granular activated carbon adsorption
- Ultrafiltration
This integrated multi-barrier process ensures the plant consistently produces potable water of exceptional quality.
High-Quality Water Reuse Supporting Urban Sustainability
The DPR system directly converts treated wastewater into potable water, reducing pressure on limited freshwater reserves and enabling a stable, long-term urban water supply.
Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact for Windhoek
The plant delivers far-reaching benefits:
- Ensures reliable drinking water for a rapidly growing city
- Reduces dependence on scarce natural sources
- Supports economic growth by providing consistent water availability
- Sets a global example for resilient water reuse in arid climates
Windhoek’s DPR facility stands as a global model, demonstrating how advanced water reclamation can secure a city’s future in the face of climate challenges.
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