The City of Cape Town is currently performing aerial assessments of subterranean aquifers under the areas of Mitchell’s Plain, Khayalitsha, Philippi and Atlantis, with the aim to provide an additional supply of water through groundwater extraction.
Airborne surveys were conducted on Sunday using a helicopter fitted with an electromagnetic loop, with a helicopter flying 60-70m above ground to determine where the highest volume of water can be abstracted from the aquifers. Environmental and ecological considerations were taken into account to ensure zero disruptions.
A survey has already been completed of the Atlantis-Silwerstroom aquifer which has been estimated to bring an additional 25-million liters of water per day beginning from July 2018, while the Cape Flats aquifer could return the same volume from June 2018.
Both fall under the broader Table Mountain Group aquifer, with more locations being assessed as part of the water resilience project which aims to ensure increased water security next year. A yield of 10-million liters of water will be pumped into the Steenbras Dam as the first phase of the project, and approximately 50-60 million liters of additional water will be extracted from the Helderberg, South Peninsula and Wemmershoek aquifers.
Photography Courtesy