This study compares the environmental burdens resulting from two different technologies used in the production of potable water in South Africa. The first one is the conventional technology and is currently employed at Wiggins Waterworks, a waterworks of Umgeni Water situated in Durban, South Africa. The second technology is based on the use of an emerging South African membrane filtration method, and the following processes are involved: prefiltration, membrane filtration, chlorination (different to the previous technology) and storage. There are three pilot plants employing this membrane technology in South Africa.