Each individual household with reticulated water needs to reduce its own usage considerably. Here are some useful tips.
Ultimately there will need to be a move away from water-borne sanitation systems as these are fundamentally a complete waste of water – if they knew in the 19th century what we know now, they would never have invented this system!
Each individual household with reticulated water needs to reduce its own usage considerably. Here are some useful tips.
Ultimately there will need to be a move away from water-borne sanitation systems as these are fundamentally a complete waste of water – if they knew in the 19th century what we know now, they would never have invented this system!
This will not only mean water-free systems being designed into new developments, but also that all existing water-borne systems will need to be phased out – one for all, all for one. We all need to learn to share this critical resource equably and sustainably – not an easy challenge, but one we all have to take up.
Not everyone of course is going to be happy with this, but there really is no option. For information on such systems go to: info@sanix.co.za or http://www.enviro-loo.com/
There also needs to be a move towards all households using rain as their main source of water. In the as-yet relatively unpolluted Eastern Cape, this is eminently feasible.
Middle and upper income households can afford to install gutters, downpipes and tanks, while plans and budgets need to be developed to provide these for all subsidised housing. Just imagine having an independent drinking water supply!
In immediate response to the current critical water shortage. Settlers Dam is currently only 9% full. We can’t expect endless supplies of water from the Orange/Fish because the river system is already over-allocated.
Do nothing and we will soon have no water in our taps. Starting today, ALL of us who are fortunate enough to have piped water in our houses need to:
Fix that drip: A dripping tap or leaking toilet can waste a staggering 1 000 litres of water in a month.
Test a leaking toilet: Put a drop of food colouring in the cistern and see if it shows in the bowl.
Put a full two litre bottle, with closed lid, in your cistern – you will flush two litres less.
Only flush when you need to: A 7- litre flush is a serious waste of water for just a few ml of urine. Of course, look at replacing the water-borne system entirely.
Shower, don’t bath: It will cut down your water and electricity bills. Use a low-flow showerhead: You can still enjoy your shower while saving water and electricity. Get it at your local hardware store.
Use shower water in your garden: Run a cheap black plastic pipe from your outlets into your flower beds.
Close the tap: Don’t leave taps running while you brush your teeth, rinse veggies or wash dishes.
Only do full loads of laundry: For massive savings, choose a washing machine that uses less water, and only run when it is full. The used water can be kept to flush the loo.
Report municipal leaks. If you see a leak anywhere in town, report immediately to 046 603 6136/6063.
Continue to do these things even where there seems to be plenty of water – Be part of the solution!
More info:http://www.ru.ac.za/environment/action/waterwise
www.kowiecatchmentcampaign.org.za
