DROUGHT: Water time bomb explodes

This is according to Julius Kleynhans, Head Environmental Affairs at AfriForum.

South Africa is at the moment experiencing a drought, with the Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Nomvula Mokonyane due to hold a briefing today at the Rand Water headquarters in the south of Johannesburg, to outline possible strategies and interventions.

The water utility recently issued a notice to residents in some municipalities, calling for responsible water use.

Mokonyane is expected to update the country on current coping mechanisms to deal with the drought.

Mokonyane, however, reportedly also said that no water shedding will take place during the drought that’s gripped large parts of the country, affecting somewhat 2.7 million households.

While the government has warned against the expected low rainfall season, Mokonyane said South Africans need not worry about ‘water blackouts’ and that the country was not necessarily running out of water.

Kleynhans, however, said AfriForum is extremely concerned about the poor management by the National Water Regulator and most municipalities regarding the crisis bought on by the drought.

“We believe it’s time for an independent regulator to serve and protect our water resources,” said Kleynhans.

“AfriForum warned Water Affairs in 2012 that South Africa will experience a drought this year, but the lack of competence and accountability has now put the entire country at risk.”

AfriForum emphasised its concern, stating that the Department of Water and Sanitation did not spend the R2-b allocated to them for 2014/2015, which had to be returned to Treasury.

“Though R2-b is only a drop in the bucket, the money could’ve been spend to establish emergency water points, such as boreholes in towns, or upgrading water infrastructure which would’ve alleviated the crisis,” said Kleynhans.

He pointed out 2014 was a tragic year in which communities lost family members due to contaminated drinking water.

According to Kleynhans, more than 40 per cent of clean drinking water – worth an estimated R7 billion – is lost every year due to leaks caused by badly maintained infrastructure, a lack in operations funding and bad management.

“The water issues in South Africa should easily convince the government that its National Development Plan is at risk and that fracking in the Karoo should never have been considered.

AfriForum’s Environmental Affairs Division has compiled the following tips to save water:

* Install a proper water filtration system in your home;

* To avoid water shedding, turn to backup water solutions, like the installation of an additional water tank on your premises;

* Make use of a borehole;

* Never dispose of waste water if it can be used to water your plants or garden of for cleaning purposes;

* Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs. Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute.

*Reducing the toilet flush volume alone can save 20 per cent of total water consumption. This can be done by putting a 2 litre soda bottle, filled with water and a little sand, into the cistern;

* Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models;

* Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily;

* Don’t let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while you’re waiting for the water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin;

* Fix all the leaks on your property.

In the meantime, due to the ongoing drought, there are also fears that consumers will be paying more for food come 2016.