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Project: Managed Aquifer Recharge in Mitchells Plain 

Cape Town has faced increasing water scarcity, especially following the 2015 – 2018 drought. In response, the Future Water Reseach Insitute at the University of Cape Town, piloted a stormwater harvesting initiative in Mitchells Plain, retrofitting an existing detention pond to enhance infiltration into the Cape Flats Aquifer. The project demonstrates how retrofitting existing infrastructure for managed aquifer recharge can offer a scalable, nature-based solution for urban water resilience. 

Quantifying the Impact

Using ISO 14046 methodology and the Water Footprint Network approach, the project achieved an infiltration increase of 117%, leading to the expectation of a generation of 18.6 CAPs over five years, equivalent to 18,600 m³ of compensated water. One CAP equals 1,000 m³ of positive water footprint. The cost per CAP is calculated at €4,950. 

Social and Environmental Co-Benefits 

• Community Engagement: Local labour supported construction and ongoing maintenance. 
• Biodiversity Protection: Habitat restoration supported the endangered Western Leopard Toad. 
• Environmental Education: The pond serves as a learning site for local schools. 
• Public Space Upgrade: Improved aesthetics and safety of the site. 

Looking Ahead

Cape Town has more than 800 stormwater ponds with similar potential. Scaling up this model could unlock significant water savings and local benefits. For companies aiming to reduce or compensate their water footprint, investing in projects like this offers a transparent, impactful, and locally grounded solution. Water footprint compensation provides the framework to accelerate such sustainable interventions.