While the City encourages households and businesses to use water wisely throughout the year, Somerset Mall is demonstrating how proactive water management can deliver meaningful financial savings too. Through a range of water-wise measures, the mall has reduced its water bill by roughly 30%. The Water and Sanitation Directorate recently visited the mall to learn more. 

Somerset Mall received a three-star rating in the City's latest Water Star Rating Awards, which recognise businesses that implement measures to improve water efficiency and reduce unnecessary consumption.
 
The mall welcomes about 9,8 million visitors annually and is home to 203 tenants. It has invested in a range of water-saving interventions, including water-efficient equipment in restrooms, leak detection, consumption monitoring and tenant awareness initiatives.

Small changes, measurable impact
 
Somerset Mall’s water-saving measures include:

• Propelair toilets: Installed throughout the mall, these toilets use an airtight lid seal, a low-volume water rinse and a high-velocity jet of air to clear waste using less than 1,5 litres per flush, compared with the four to six litres used by conventional toilets.
• Tap aerators: Fitted to taps to reduce water flow while allowing customers to wash their hands.
• Water monitoring: Submetering and utility data are used to identify leaks and unusually high water consumption.
• Emergency water storage: Two 790-kilolitre tanks provide up to seven days of back-up water in an emergency.
• Awareness session: Partnering with Aquaintell to host a water awareness session with all its service partners, covering water matters and measures to save water.

The three-star rating recognises Somerset Mall's commitment to using water responsibly and taking practical steps to reduce consumption. With thousands of people visiting the mall and numerous businesses operating under one roof, even small changes can make a significant difference when implemented consistently.

The City encourages more businesses to assess their water use, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and participate in the Water Star Rating Programme. Businesses and organisations interested in a voluntary Water Star Rating assessment can contact Water.StarRating@capetown.gov.za.
 
By making water conservation part of everyday operations, businesses can help reduce demand on our water resources and contribute to keeping dams fuller for longer.