SA’s water crisis: Here’s how you can help

Dorencia Pillay of ENSafrica Attorneys writes:

The current status of water scarcity in South Africa could be easily described as a catastrophe.

South Africa has experienced the worst drought in 23 years.

Due to the hot and dry conditions primarily caused by climate change, five out of the nine provinces have been declared disaster areas, including KwaZulu-Natal‚ Free State‚ North West‚ Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The hot weather has led to the substantial evaporation of dams across the country. Add to that a lack of proper infrastructure and leaking pipes nationwide, and South Africa is staring down the barrel of a loaded gun.

The drought has severely affected farmers as they are unable to harvest crops or feed livestock. This could mean a food shortage in South Africa in the very near future.

Due to the crippling effects of the drought, the government is reviewing the National Water Act 36 of 1998 and the Water Services Act 108 of 1997 to ensure that the Department of Water and Sanitation intervenes in water challenges.

Many people fail to take water conservation seriously. Thus, the Minister of Water and Sanitation has urged citizens to use water sparingly and wisely.

Here’s how you can help save water:

• Water your garden with a watering can rather than a hosepipe

• Avoid washing cars with a hosepipe – use a bucket of soap and water

• Don’t leave taps running, especially while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands

• When washing dishes, don’t leave the water running for rinsing – fill the basin and then rinse in water

• Don’t use a hosepipe to clean the driveway or pavement – use a broom

• Fix any leaking pipes, hoses, taps and toilets

• Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily – an average flush uses about six litres of water

• Collect rainwater in buckets or containers to water your garden or wash your car

• Cook food in as little water as possible – this also helps it retain more nutrients.

Parents need to take the time to teach their children simple water-saving methods around the home, which can make a huge difference. It is imperative that families make everyone aware of the importance of water conservation.