You better think twice before opening that tap

Water restrictions are likely to be implemented in Mogale City soon, as a result of insufficient rainfall in the catchment area and low dam levels.

The Vaal Dam water level has dropped far below the required 60 per cent, due because of low rainfall in the province, paired with unseasonable heat. Rand Water, the supplier of Mogale City’s water, receives its water from the Vaal River system, and because of the water level at the Vaal Dam, restrictions need to be implemented in order to reduce consumption.

In order for Mogale City to achieve the required water savings in the allocated amount of time, we need the help of our readers. The Department of Water and Sanitation will be running an awareness campaign, that will include tips on how to reduce your water usage.

Here are some preliminary tips on how to save water:

•Do not wash your vehicle with a hose pipe, use a bucket or take your vehicle to

a car wash that recycles water

•Do not water your garden between the hours of 5am to 8pm

•Reduce your time in the shower

•Fix all water leaks, for example taps, cisterns and leaking pipes

•Do not use your hose pipe to clean driveways

•Use plants in your garden that require less water

•Replace your shower head with a more efficient approved water-saving fitting

•Place a brick in the toilet cistern to save water

•Recycle water for your garden

•Use rain tanks to capture water from your roof

•Cover your swimming pool to reduce water evaporation

•Report all visible water leaks outside your property to the municipality

•Close the tap when brushing your teeth

Fines may be implemented for excessive water waste, as per Clause 51 of the by-laws.

Water is life, without water there is no life.

If you have any other water saving tips, please send them to ghia@caxton.co.za