Waterworks Museum (Cape Town)

The Waterworks Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, is a museum dedicated to the history of Cape Town’s water supply and sanitation. Located at the Molteno Reservoir in Oranjezicht, it showcases the engineering and infrastructure developed to provide potable water to the city from the early 19th century to the present day.

The museum's exhibits detail the challenges faced in securing a reliable water source for a rapidly growing population. They cover topics such as the initial reliance on springs and mountain streams, the construction of reservoirs like Molteno and Woodhead, and the development of pipelines and treatment plants.

Visitors can learn about the role of key figures in the development of Cape Town’s water infrastructure, as well as the social and environmental impacts of water management decisions throughout the city's history. The museum often features historical maps, photographs, and artifacts related to water engineering and sanitation. Its location adjacent to the Molteno Reservoir provides a tangible connection to the infrastructure being described within the museum. The museum aims to educate the public about the importance of water conservation and the sustainable management of water resources in a water-scarce region.