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South Africa is considered a water-scarce country, and this has led to an increased demand for innovative alternative water sources. The GreenSource Rainwater Harvesting System in Orange Farm represents such an innovation. The system combines rainwater capture and filtration with a multifunctional sports facility, thereby providing freshwater to the local community while also supporting social wellbeing.
During the assessment of the project using the Water Footprint Network (WFN) method and the ISO 14046 method, the benefits of this project became more concrete.
The findings based on the WFN method showed that the system produces 18.36 CAPs annually and over a five-year project cycle this will result in 91.80 CAPs.
The ISO method estimates that the system generates 28.91 CAP equivalents annually and over a five-year project cycle this results in 144.55 CAP equivalents.
The cost per CAP over five years is €2,563.81 based on the WFN method. Based on the ISO method, the cost per CAP equivalent is €1,628.22.
Besides volumetric benefits, the calculations also considered social, economic, environmental and water scarcity co-benefits.
- The GreenSource Rainwater Harvesting System contributes to increased social cohesion through community engagement and provides safe recreational space for youth, while also reducing local water-related tensions.
- Economically, the project may contribute to direct and indirect employment opportunities within the community.
- Environmentally, the system supports improved urban space management, enhances local biodiversity, and reduces pressure on existing water resources through decentralised rainwater harvesting.
In conclusion, the GreenSource Rainwater Harvesting System demonstrates a considerable water footprint compensation potential using both the WFN and ISO 14046 methods, combining measurable volumetric benefits with broader socio-environmental impacts in a water-scarce urban context.