The City of Cape Town has recognised 18 organisations for their commitment to water sustainability at the 5th annual Water Star Rating Awards. The award honoured 95 certificates with the programme growing steadily year-on-year to inspire more organisations to join the journey towards a water-wise city.
Reportedly, the 2025 Water Star Rating Awards was held at the Old Mutual Head Office in Pinelands on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The programme recognised organisations that comply with water by-laws and recognised excellence in water management.
The participating organisations voluntarily apply to be assessed on water usage at their premises and get rated from one to five stars by the Water and Sanitation Directorate based on their performance across four categories, such as – Water Supply, Water Use, Water Conservation and Water Discharge.
Moreover, this initiative forms part of the broader Water Strategy goals of the City of Cape Town to encourage responsible water use, that supports cleaner inland waterways and transition Cape Town into a water-sensitive city.
Since the beginning of the pilot project in 2016, the City of Cape Town has awarded a total of 95-star rating certificates, as 13 of which were reassessed over the years and showed improvement, which resulted in higher star ratings.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien said that the Water Star Rating programme has grown beyond its initial focus on the industrial sector.
Badroodien added that it includes a diverse range of organisations such as commercial properties, hospitality establishments, retail spaces, educational institutions and small-scale business enterprises.
For the first time this year, there were some religious institutions, which signified how broad city-wide commitment to responsible water use has become. Another significant highlight has impacted the awards that have had on the participants
As a result of being assessed, several companies have invested more into water conservation measures by installing water-efficient technologies. It has improved operational efficiencies and adopted best practices. The awards have become a catalyst for action, inspiring businesses to venture beyond compliance, towards integrated sustainability at the core of their operations.
Councillor Badroodien further added that the City of Cape Town started the Water Star Rating Certification as they recognised that water regulation is about enforcement, and involves encouraging self-regulation through such recognition and appreciation for those who made a significant effort.
They commended all 18 organisations who took part and invited all those who are interested in obtaining a rating to contact the City of Cape Town for a voluntary assessment.