Despite the recent heavy rains, large parts of South Africa are still facing water shortages as a result of a crippling drought.
The water restrictions imposed by various municipalities still apply and South Africans are urged to use this precious resource sparingly and to cut their water usage by 15 per cent.
“Residents are not only being asked to be frugal with water, but Joburgers will be charged an additional tariff if their monthly water consumption exceeds 20 kilolitres of water,” said Graham Craggs, a spokesperson for Budget Insurance.
Homeowners will pay 10 per cent extra on consumption of between 20 000 litres and 30 000 litres per month, 20 per cent extra on consumption of between 30 000 litres and 40 000 litres per month, and 30 per cent extra for consumption of more than 40 000 litres per month.
“This is a significant amount of money to add to your monthly bills,” said Graham. “This, plus the fact that South Africa is in a water crisis, should motivate consumers to be frugal with their water usage.”
As a starting point, Craggs suggested adhering to Level 2 water restrictions if they have been imposed in your municipality. This means residents may not water or irrigate their gardens between 6am and 6pm (this is because water just evaporates), or use municipal water to fill their pools, or use hosepipes to wash cars or do things like hose down paved areas.
Here are some more day-to-day water-consumption tips from Budget Insurance to ensure better water usage, and to prevent extra tariffs:
• Fix faults in plumbing throughout your property. A leaking tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year.
• Put a brick in your toilet’s cistern, and leave it to mellow. Toilets use more water than is necessary, and flushing can be unnecessary. A brick will substantially reduce water use. Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily, and rather dispose of tissues, cotton wool, trash etc in the rubbish bin.
• Save electricity. Eskom uses 3 per cent of South Africa’s water, so saving electricity will ease that burden on the environment.
• Shower instead of bathing, and shorten showers.
• Get the kids to shower together instead of separately.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. After brushing your teeth, use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.
• Don’t refill the swimming pool – and rather use a pool cover to prevent evaporation.
• Only water your garden when it is absolutely necessary.
• When scrubbing dirty dishes, don’t leave the water running.
• When shaving, use water in the washbowl to clean your razor between strokes, or use an electric razor.
• When using washing machines and dishwashers, make sure they’re on the most water-efficient cycles, and avoid pre-washes.
• Consider long-term “investments” such as dual-flush toilet mechanisms and low-flow shower heads.
• Collect rainwater when it rains. Collecting it in buckets or with a JoJo tank can provide you with water for cleaning your car or watering your garden.
• Remember that everything you do makes a difference, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Read more:
Reduce your water consumption – warns Government
Water restrictions for the whole Rand West City
