SOME concerned residents have called in to ask us to help them save water by giving more information on boreholes and using greywater systems and how you can go about doing this.
A borehole is a narrow shaft bored in the ground, either vertically or horizontally and is constructed for many different purposes including the extraction of liquids or gases. Engineers and environmental consultants use the term borehole to collectively describe all of the various types of holes drilled as part of a geotechnical investigation or environmental site assessment.
Joburg Water also gives us more information saying that this alternative water supply is an innovative way to curb the water demand throughout the City.
MUST READ: https://www.johannesburgwater.co.za/campaigns/boreholes/
Benefits of drilling a water borehole
• Saves costs: borehole water costs less than the average of municipal water
• Perfect pressure: a borehole can achieve the water pressure for its purpose
• Avoid price hikes: with a borehole system you will not be affected by future increases in water prices
• Improved quality: water derived from a borehole is often of high quality
• Locally sourced: it comes from underneath your property and no energy is wasted on transportation
• Saves water: with borehole water you will be able to save directly because you are going to source pure water from your land rather than from your normal tap.
Where to start?
• Determine if there are other boreholes in your area. This will give you a good indication whether there is adequate groundwater available and at what depths.
• Use a professional and registered borehole company.
• Acquaint yourself with the municipal by-laws and regulations and take environmental factors into consideration.
• Check that there are no water or sewerage pipes or electric cables under the ground where the drilling will take place.
• Ensure the borehole conforms to safety regulations and do maintenance on a regular basis.
• Remember whether there is water or not, the client carries the cost, so be prepared for any scenario.
For any questions, enquiry or advice on your borehole, please contact the Borehole Association of Southern Africa on 011 447 0853 or email info@bwa.co.za or visit www.bwa.co.za
Greywater harvesting
This describes the installation of a tank and/or drum that is acceptable for all grey water. It provides the opportunity for reusing household greywater for various applications, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets and more. Greywater is defined as water from showers, baths, hand basins in the bathrooms and washing machines. It does not include water from the toilets, kitchen/scullery sinks or dishwasher (classified as black water).
There are two types of greywater systems:
• Simple System: Water is fed into a 50-litre drum and passes through a macro filter before use and must be used within 24 hours.
• Sophisticated System: Water is pumped from a 50-litre drum into an above-ground JoJo tank and passes through a venturi valve which injects ozone into the water before being used. This system allows the water to be stored for longer durations.
Greywater harvesting is very complex, and if it is not matched in terms of flow rate, ozone dosage, air pump pressure and pump size, the installation will not function properly. It is advisable to make use of a professional for an installation of this complexity.
For installation, contact a preferred installer in your area. Visit: https://www.jojotanks.co.za/content/recommended-installers
Also visit www.jojotanks.co.za for everything you need to know about water solution.
In the Western Cape water is already an issue and with the growing population and limited resources for collection of water, there will come a time when water restrictions and penalties will be permanently in place. An average household (family of four) will use between 300 and 400 litres of reusable water on a daily basis. The residues, soaps etc. in the water in diluted quantities can provide useful sulphates and nitrates which some experts say is more beneficial to the garden than clean tap water.
Advantages of using greywater
• Lower fresh water usage
• Less strain on septic tank
• Greywater has effective nutrients for plant life
• Ground water recharge
• Cost effective, up to 80 per cent of waste re-used
• Avoid penalties for water restrictions
• Connect to existing irrigation.
For more information also visit: www.greywater.co.za
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