South Africa
What challenges is South Africa facing?
Due to water shortages, businesses are under pressure to implement sustainable strategies and ensure that they are reducing their water consumption, hitting net-zero targets and working towards Corporate Social Responsibility.
Water stress
Cape Town 4-5
Fears of another ‘Day Zero’ loom over Cape Town, meaning the city plans to spend R5.8 billion over the next decade to support businesses and consumers when reservoirs are expected to run low. Dozens of businesses already see Propelair as part of the solution and are reaping the benefits with significantly lower consumption.
Johannesburg 4-5
Water restrictions are being implemented with the current dam levels sitting at only 50%. Propelair has been recognised by the City of Johannesburg council as being central to their strategy to improve water conservation within the Johannesburg area.
Durban 3-4
Due to an increase in population and water supply restrictions at irregular intervals, public protests and water tanker hijacks are on the rise. Many socially responsible businesses rely on Propelair to aid sustainable strategies.
The water risk takes into consideration factors such as water stress, water depletion, interannual variability, seasonal variability, groundwater table decline, riverine flood risk, coastal flood risk and drought risk. Higher values indicate higher water quantity risk.
Source – Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas

The solution: Propelair
1. Propelair® has a two-section cistern; one for air and one for water
2. Before Flushing, the lid is closed to form a seal
3. When the flush sensor is activated water enters the pan to wash it, followed by air from the unique patented pump. The air cannot escape due to the sealed lid. This pushes out the entire contents of the pan to give a powerful, reliable flush.
4. The remaining water fills the water trap.
5. The flush is completed in 3 seconds with the toilet ready to be re-flushed in 20-30 seconds. (subject to water supply pressure)
Propelair Footprint 2022
It’s our mission to enable others to use water more efficiently. Across South Africa, we have helped numerous organisations already to reduce their annual water consumption by circa 520 million litres – and we are still counting!

Case studies
Find out how much our clients are saving.
Save Water
Toilet flushing can account for up to 48% of water consumption in commercial buildings. Changing your toilets to a more efficient technology can really pay dividends when seeking to save water and energy.
Uses up to 84% less water
Propelair uses only 1.5 litres of water per flush, a fraction compared to the UK average of 9 litres. Average flush volumes can be significantly higher than their cistern capacity due to double flushing, leakages and filling while still flushing.
Save Money
Water is becoming an ever more valuable and costly resource. Propelair is a quick, simple and economic solution to reducing water costs instantly.
Reduce outgoing costs
Propelair reduces water and sewage bills by up to 60%.
Achieves quick payback
This can be achieved in less than one year.
Receive 100% tax relief on your first-year investment
ECA eligible – claim 19% back of investment
Reduce Carbon
Propelair’s significant water savings help organisations to reduce their environmental impact by becoming more efficient and using less resources.
Uses up to 80% less energy
Boosts resource efficiency and building performance.
Creates on average over 80% less carbon
Less energy for water and waste processing, meaning the toilet’s carbon footprint is reduced on average by over 80%.
*statistics based on a 9 litre average flush
Improve Hygiene
Propelair is one of the most hygienic systems available, creating a cleaner toilet environment for customers, clients, patients and staff, while having a positive impact on health, well-being and productivity.
Eradicated aerosol germs
Propelair reduces aerosolised germs by up to 95%. The germs are trapped inside Propelair’s unique closable lid, and then efficiently removed with its powerful air flush, creating a more hygienic and healthier washroom environment for users.
Reduces odours
Thanks to Propelair’s unique closable lid, odours are dramatically reduced.
Protected by SteriTouch®
Antimicrobial additives in the handle help reduce germs.
Removes contaminants
Conventional toilets can leave 6% of previous users’ contaminants behind after flushing, which can become airborne during frequent flushes. Propelair removes up to 99.9% of contaminants, ensuring less risk of cross-contamination.
Avoid the “sneeze effect”
Flushing a conventional toilet creates a “sneeze effect,” spraying bacteria, viruses and moisture into the air. These airborne aerosols can travel up to 1 metre away from the toilet itself contaminating the surrounding washroom surfaces.
Harmful bacteria can survive up to 24 hours on washroom surfaces making it a perfect breeding ground for viruses and germs to spread. With Propelair, this unhygienic “sneeze effect” is avoided.
Improved Design
Propelair’s design is a significant step change compared to conventional toilets, with better performance, quicker flush and a simple maintenance process.
High performance
Combining 1.5 litres of water and displaced air technology creates a powerful, high-performance flush which easily removes all waste with one flush.
Queue time reduced
Propelair quickly refills in up to 30 seconds compared to conventional systems which can take up to 2-3 minutes. An efficient flush saves time and reduces queues, especially during periods of high usage.
Maintenance made easy
Propelair’s rimless pan and side hinges make previously hard-to-clean areas easily accessible, ensuring a thorough cleaning process can be carried out.
Durable design
Propelair is designed to be strong and durable, making it well suited for heavy use / challenging environments.
Contact the team today


Clayton Horn
Technical Manager – South Africa
E: clayton.horn@propelair.com
T: +27 78 535 8674
Li: Profile here