Water security is everyone’s business

Earth Day, April 22, is globally celebrated to promote the sustainability and conservation of the earth and its natural resources.

The South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, believes simple behavioural changes by average South Africans could make a lasting difference in conserving our nation’s water resources.

“Our organisation’s environmental policy encourages members to improve their environmental stewardship concerning water to ensure effective water management from cradle to grave,” said Metcalf.

“This includes source protection, efficient water use and responsible effluent practices.”

She explained that before the bottlers of natural waters are accepted as SANBWA members, they must engage a qualified hydrogeologist specialising in groundwater to prepare a hydrogeologist report.

“This report will describe the water source and certify the resource supplying the bottling plant is sustainable and free from any pollution potential and sustainable,” she explained.

“Bottlers must further identify their individual and varied water footprints, indicating where water is used and set targets for sustainable reductions. By comparing industry practices we set benchmarks all our members can follow.”

Once bottlers meet local legislation and internationally accepted standards, the SANBWA logo is put on members’ products as a seal of quality, safety, and legally compliant and environmentally responsible packaged water.

SANBWA members’ brands include:
• Aqua Monte
• aQuellé
• Bené
• Bonaqua
• Nestlé Pure Life
• Dargle Water
• Designer Water
• Aquabella
• Fontein
• La Vie De Luc
• Thirsti
• Valpré

As SANBW members have to comply with stringent measures to ensure that the country’s water resources are protected and conserved, Metcalf shared the following water-saving tips that could easily be implemented in every household:
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
Running taps waste as much as six litres of water a minute. Rather, fill a glass to use when rinsing your mouth.

• Go digital when washing the dishes
Switching from handwashing to dishwashing saves 6 000l a year. Not pre-rinsing your dishes before they go into the machine could save a further 1 000l per year.

• If handwashing, do so wisely
Washing the cleaner dishes first means they are unlikely to change the water, which, in turn, becomes a water-saver.

• Use leftover cooking water (cooled) to water plants

• Ensure dripping taps are fixed
Also check those not often seen, like under the sink, in the laundry or in the garden.

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