Safeguarding Our Water, Preserving Our Environment

At the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), water quality management is central to our mission of protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and supporting sustainable development across the region. Through advanced monitoring systems, accredited laboratory testing, and stringent operational controls, ERWAT ensures that all treated effluent meets — and often exceeds — national regulatory standards.

The Green Drop Certification Programme

The Green Drop Certification Programme, initiated by the Department of Water and Sanitation, is a critical benchmark for wastewater treatment excellence in South Africa. The programme assesses the performance, compliance, and operational readiness of wastewater systems nationwide.

For ERWAT, the Green Drop Programme is more than a compliance requirement — it is a strategic driver of excellence.
It strengthens our focus on:

  • Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
  • Process optimisation and asset management
  • Skilled operational capacity and staff development
  • Continuous improvement across all treatment plants

Participation in the Green Drop assessment ensures that ERWAT’s systems remain resilient, well-managed, and aligned with the highest national standards. The programme also provides transparent, independent verification of our water quality performance, reinforcing public trust and accountability.

In the previous assessment by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), ERWAT received Green Drop Certification for seven ERWAT Water Care Works, as well as one award for the top three Water Care Works (WCW’s) in the country.

ERWAT has participated in the Green Drop certification for wastewater since its inception in 2008 by the DWS, that aimed to set standards higher than minimum requirements in a quest for all water services authorities to reach exceptional levels of excellence.

Although the certification programs for both the Green Drop (wastewater) and the Blue Drop (drinking water) were not implemented since 2014, DWS has since revitalised the Green Drop Certification programme to ensure the overall improvement of municipal wastewater management.

Various criteria are evaluated, amongst others the management of capacity and the environment, as well as financial and technical management. Quality compliance is also an important criterion.

The Ekurhuleni Water Care Company, ERWAT, has since its inception in 1992 provided bulk wastewater conveyance systems, while operating 19 WCWs in the Ekurhuleni area, including the Lesedi Local Municipality and a small portion of Johannesburg.

During the awards ceremony, ERWAT was awarded with a total of seven Green Drop awards, an excellent achievement against serious challenges with ageing infrastructure and limited funds.

Daveyton WCW ranks among the top three best-performing wastewater treatment facilities in South Africa