The Water Hub in Franschhoek is a research and demonstration site dedicated to improving the quality of urban water. The Hub applies nature-based solutions to filter polluted runoff from an informal settlement with inadequate service provision in order to improve and protect the Stiebeuel River and the wider Franschhoek Valley. The system is designed to remove nutrients, chemicals, and microplastics from water at a steady flow rate, with current projects aiming to treat 35 000 litres per day. This cleaner water supports downstream agriculture and strengthens ecosystems towards greater resilience. The Hub is a collaborative space. Researchers, government partners, and community members contribute to testing solutions that can be replicated across the Western Cape, South Africa and the World.
