No More Wasted Water
Consider wastewater. The name itself implies that it is of no use, it’s just waste. But in a water scarce environment, turning so-called wastewater – which includes grey water (from baths, kitchens and washing clothes) and black water (sewage) – into water we can use would be incredibly useful.Spier’s wastewater treatment plant does just that. It treats 100% of Spier’s wastewater using only environmentally friendly methodology, and the clean water is recycled and used to irrigate our garden and grounds.
Sewage works are not usually the most pleasant to be, but Spier’s plant is both a cleansing and healing space for water. There are a number of theories that the way water is treated has an effect on its molecular structure, and Spier decided to put these theories into practice.
Apart from the fairly standard bio-mechanical processes to cleanse the water, there are some interesting elements, including a reed bed planted with mostly indigenous restios. There are also a number of ‘flow forms’ which calm and energize the water and help it to return to a more harmonious state as they mimic the flow of a river.
A labyrinth has been built by an artist, as well as a number of spirals out of rock and rose quartz – creating a feeling of calm and beauty in the space.
It may sound odd, but make sure a visit to the sewage works at Spier is high on your agenda – you won’t be disappointed. And you may even get to spot the fish eagles that live in the tree next door!