ERWAT scoops six national Green Drop awards

The City of Ekurhuleni’s water services entity, ERWAT, has emerged as a national leader in wastewater management after securing six of the 14 Green Drop Awards issued across South Africa.

The announcement was made by Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina during the release of the 2026 National Green Drop Report on March 31.

This report evaluates wastewater treatment systems, while also providing updates on the Blue Drop and No Drop programmes, which assess drinking water quality and service delivery.

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The Green Drop certification is regarded as one of the country’s most important regulatory tools, used to measure how effectively municipalities manage wastewater, protect public health, and safeguard water resources.

Six ERWAT Water Care Works in Ekurhuleni received certification – Benoni, Carl Grundlingh, Daveyton, Herbert Bickley, JP Marais and Welgedacht.

Out of the 14 awards issued nationally, eight were awarded in Gauteng, with ERWAT accounting for six, highlighting the entity’s strong performance in the sector.

In addition to this, three ERWAT plants, JP Marais, Welgedacht and Herbert Bickley were ranked among the top-performing wastewater treatment systems in the country.

Speaking at the event, Majodina said the Green Drop programme remains a critical instrument for ensuring municipalities uphold environmental standards and deliver safe sanitation services.

Several officials attended the ceremony, including MMC for Water and Sanitation in Ekurhuleni, Councillor Jean Sthato, ERWAT board chairperson Ursula Ntsubane, and City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, among others.

ERWAT Managing Director Kennedy Chihota said the recognition reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering sustainable and high-quality wastewater services.

“These awards reflect ERWAT’s commitment to both municipal and industrial wastewater management, ensuring a sustainable future,” he said.

The achievement aligns with the national theme, “Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity,” reinforcing ERWAT’s position as a key player in South Africa’s water sector.

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