Terra Nova in Trichardt invests R18m in wastewater to drinking water plant
Terra Nova is set to become one of the few developments in the region capable of turning wastewater into pure drinking water through a state-of-the-art treatment plant currently under development.
Terra Nova is taking another major step toward self-sustainability with the development of a new wastewater treatment plant that will convert used water into pure drinking water.
The project, currently underway, is a 600-kilolitre-per-day treatment facility designed to clean and recycle wastewater into safe, reusable water for the growing development.
According to developers, the plant will treat up to 600 000 litres of water daily, helping to reduce pressure on freshwater resources while securing a reliable long-term water supply for residents.
The purified water will be suitable for irrigation and drinking water quality applications. Developer André Boshoff said the project forms part of Terra Nova’s broader eco-friendly infrastructure plan.
“We are going to be taking our wastewater and renewing it to pure drinking water,” Boshoff said.
“It creates pure water when no one else has, and this is the way to go in times we are facing water challenges.”
Boshoff described the plant as an advanced renewable-water system that complements Terra Nova’s existing solar and gas supply projects.
“We have our solar plant, gas supply plant, and soon the water purification plant,” he said.
“We will have uninterrupted water supply, gas, and electricity when other towns don’t have.”
The treatment process involves several stages. Wastewater first enters screening systems, where rubbish, plastics, rags, and other solids are removed. Biological treatment then uses bacteria to naturally break down waste materials.
The water is further cleaned by filtration before undergoing reverse osmosis, a deep-purification process that removes remaining contaminants. Final disinfection ensures the water is safe by eliminating germs and bacteria before distribution.
The facility will operate through a fully automated system, including a live monitoring application that provides 24/7 oversight of the entire plant.
The app tracks water quality, equipment performance, tank levels, and safety alarms through a remote online dashboard. Developers say the technology enables continuous monitoring, early fault detection, enhanced equipment protection, and greater operational reliability.
The plant has been designed with a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years and can be expanded as Terra Nova continues to grow. Its modular design also allows for faster installation and easier operation.
The R18m project is funded by Terra Nova developers Westech and designed by SewTreat (Pty) Ltd, a company founded in 2016 that has completed water treatment projects across Africa.
SewTreat’s portfolio includes projects at Komoa Copper, Carletonville Centre, Pick n Pay, Merino Mall, the University of Johannesburg, and Morupule Coal Mine.
Since its first development in 2013, Terra Nova has experienced significant growth, with the new water treatment facility marking another major investment in the long-term sustainability plans.
