The Operations and Maintenance function is responsible for the management and treatment of both domestic and industrial wastewater across ERWAT’s area of operation. The unit ensures that wastewater treatment capacity keeps pace with urbanisation and industrial growth, while maintaining service delivery at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

ERWAT applies a regionalised operational approach, which includes the consolidation of smaller Water Care Works (WCWs) where appropriate, as well as the extension and development of existing and new facilities. This approach improves efficiency, resilience, and long-term operational performance.

All ERWAT WCWs operate in strict compliance with standards set by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and are regulated through Water Use Licences (WULs). These licences prescribe specific operational conditions and effluent quality limits for each facility, ensuring high levels of environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

ERWAT currently operates 19 Water Care Works, strategically located across four drainage districts:

• Northern Drainage District (DD3)
• Upper Blesbokspruit Drainage District (DD4)
• Lower Blesbokspruit Drainage District (DD5)
• Klip River Drainage District (DD6)

This integrated operational footprint enables ERWAT to deliver reliable, compliant, and effective wastewater treatment services across the region.