There are many wonderful aspects to mountain living. The air is crisp, the landscapes are vast and golden in winter, and nature is never far away. Yet life in a remote mountain setting also comes with challenges that are less glamorous: waste, wastewater, odours and sewerage. These are the things most of us would rather not think about, but they are essential to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.
Following the COVID lockdown years, we gained a renewed appreciation for the importance of systems that operate consistently and reliably. At the same time, our many decades in hospitality highlighted the need to upgrade and modernise some of the infrastructure that quietly supports the guest experience. One of the most significant investments has been the installation of a Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS).
DEWATS is a modular, on-site sanitation solution designed to treat wastewater close to its source. Rather than relying on large municipal treatment facilities, the system uses a series of carefully designed, gravity-driven treatment units that harness natural biological processes. Wastewater passes through several stages, including settling tanks, anaerobic reactors, filters and a constructed wetland. Throughout the process, naturally occurring bacteria break down waste and remove contaminants, producing treated water that can be safely discharged or reused for purposes such as irrigation.
What is remarkable is how effectively nature does the work. With carefully managed flows, the right conditions and healthy bacterial communities, wastewater is transformed from something undesirable into a valuable resource. The final stage, a beautiful wetland area, not only provides additional treatment but also creates habitat and biodiversity, demonstrating how engineering and ecology can work hand in hand.
This past week, we welcomed the team from BORDA Africa, who provided additional training and information-sharing for our staff. They collected samples, reviewed the system’s performance and shared ideas on how we can continue to improve and optimise the process. Their expertise helps ensure that the system remains efficient, effective and aligned with best environmental practices.
As water becomes an increasingly precious resource, solutions like DEWATS offer an important way forward. They reduce environmental impact, improve wastewater management and create opportunities for beneficial water reuse. For us at The Cavern, the investment is about more than infrastructure; it is about protecting the landscapes we love and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same pristine mountain environment that inspires us every day.
Wastewater may not be the most glamorous topic, but it is an important one. Behind the scenes, innovative systems, dedicated staff and countless hardworking microorganisms are helping us turn a challenge into an opportunity; transforming waste into a resource and taking another step towards a more sustainable future.
For more information on the DEWATS:
BORDA South Africa – Alvin Anderson
email: anderson@borda-africa.org
Cell: 079 298 9896
Work: 031 940 4102