Green drop programme in South Africa: The role of institutional commitment in sustainable water resources management: Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Incentive-based regulation is a key driver of change to improve wastewater management and sustainable water resource management. Although the Green Drop Certification program has existed since 2009, no academic studies have been done to determine its impact on the commitment, attitude and progress of participating in water services institutions. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of Green Drop incentive-based regulation initiative on sustainable water resources management in South Africa since its inception in 2009. This is a case study approach and six municipalities in the western cape of South Africa were used to showcase the impact of the Green Drop incentive-based regulation programme. The objectives of the study were as follows: 1] To determine the contribution of water services institutions to water resources management; 2] To determine challenges of water services institutions for managing water treatment facilities; 3] To assess the current progress of the green drop certification program for practical management and 4] To examine scientific aspects of the green drop certification program for wastewater management.