Kampa Senkwe writes in response to the editor’s note, Turn off the tap off, week ending 6 November:
It is a moot point that South Africa is in a serious crisis when it comes to water. However, while some households are going for weeks on end without water, others are not affected by this problem in any way whatsoever. This is where the real problem lies, in my opinion.
Those who are not affected by this crisis don’t see the need to conserve water or use it sparingly because, to their understanding, water is available in plenty. So why the need to conserve it?
The issue of water conservation needs everyone’s attention especially those who are not affected by it. I feel there are many actions that homeowners can take to do their part and see that we preserve this precious commodity.
We take water for granted, never giving a thought to having a shortage where we could be limited to not using dishwashers, not washing the car, not running the water continuously when brushing our teeth, or washing vegetables, or maybe not taking daily showers or perhaps having our drinking water limited. The latter would really put a dent in my 50 to 60 ounces drank daily.
I think it has to be up to each individual to police themselves and make a conscious effort to conserve one of our most needed resources.
I’m sure none of us want to run out of water.
Perhaps those of us who are beyond a certain age are familiar with the old adage, ‘Waste not, want not.’
