TODAY is World Water Day, and with the continuing drought gripping the country, its significance has never been more critical.
The intentional day was established to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about water-related issues and to encourage them to take a more proactive stance on water conservation.
The theme for this year is ‘Water and Jobs’. According to the state-owned entity, Umgeni Water, there are several ways in which we can conserve water:
– Turn the tap off between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.
– Take a five-minute shower a day – showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute.
– Fill only enough water in the kettle to suit your needs and not to the brim.
– Reduce the toilet flush volume to save up to 20 per cent of total water consumption by placing a 2-litre bottle filled with sand into the cistern.
– Fix a leaking toilet, otherwise it can waste up to 100 000 litres of water in one year.
– Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues and other waste in the bin rather than the toilet. Every time you flush the toilet, 12 litres of water are used.
– Use ‘grey water’ – used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources – to flush your toilet.
– Do not over-fill or excessively backwash your swimming pool.
– Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash your car. A garden hose could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.
– Do not pour paint and chemicals down the drain.
– Farmers must ensure that they keep toxic insecticides away from water sources and streams.
