The City of Ekurhuleni has delivered a clean sweep at the 2026 Department of Water and Sanitation Awards, securing top honours across key national programmes.

The city achieved first-, second-, and third-place rankings among top-performing wastewater systems and earned six Green Drop Gold certifications for its wastewater treatment plants.

MMC for Metro Trading Utilities, Clr Jean Sthato, hailed the achievement as a reflection of sustained investment and dedicated institutional focus.

“We welcome the outcomes of the Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop reports as a validation of the work we are doing to modernise our water and sanitation systems,” Sthato said.

“These results reflect the dedication of our technical teams and the transformative impact of programmes such as Aqua Leap, which are fundamentally reshaping how we manage water in the City.”

National recognition across programmes

Ekurhuleni’s JP Marais Wastewater System claimed the top spot nationally, followed by Welgedacht and Herbert Bickley plants in second and third place.

Six other wastewater treatment plants, Benoni, Carl Grundlingh, Daveyton, Herbert Bickley, JP Marais, and Welgedacht, received Green Drop Gold certifications for meeting the highest standards in wastewater management and environmental compliance.

“This achievement is no accident. It is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investment, and a long-term commitment to water security and infrastructure development,” Sthato.

The city’s performance was recognised across all three key programmes, Blue Drop (drinking water quality), Green Drop (wastewater management), and No Drop (water conservation and demand management).

Aqua leap programme drives success

At the heart of Ekurhuleni’s performance is the long-term Aqua Leap Programme, launched in 2016.

The initiative has strengthened water security through infrastructure upgrades, reservoir expansion, pressure management, and reduced water losses.

Sthato said that through Aqua Leap, they have increased storage capacity, stabilised supply in high-demand areas, and proactively managed water losses.

“These interventions position Ekurhuleni as a municipality that is actively responding to current service delivery pressures while preparing for future water security challenges,” Sthato explained.

Commitment to continuous improvement

While celebrating these accolades, MMC Sthato stressed that the city remains focused on improving operational performance and ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water services for all residents.

She said that they are encouraged by this recognition, but they continue to prioritise addressing remaining challenges and improving service delivery.

“Our approach aligns with the broader Fixing the Frontline programme, which focuses on restoring core municipal services, strengthening infrastructure, and building internal capacity.”

Sthato also congratulated city manager Kagiso Lerutla, Business Unit Head: Water and Sanitation Thokozane Maseko, and ERWAT managing director Kennedy Chihota for their leadership in achieving this national success.

The City of Ekurhuleni’s recognition at the Department of Water and Sanitation Awards underscores its ongoing commitment to excellence, accountability, and the delivery of quality basic services.