Water crisis on doorstep: Mokopane businesses, schools urged to save water
The Doorndraai Dam level is currently at an alarming state of 25,99% compared to last year's 50,3%.
LIMPOPO – Korny Dekker, DA Councillor at Mogalakwena Municipality said he do not think residents of Mokopane know how seriously the situation is. “Everyone want to scream when there is no water but what do they do to save water? And I’m not only talking about residents. Businesses and schools also should ask themselves what are they doing to save water? There is also no help from the municipality. We have already suggested that they should work according to a schedule and areas should not have water at a fixed time. Thus, residents can know when they do not have water and plan accordingly. I urge residents, businesses and schools to actively engage and save water.”
Below are some tips on how to save water
• Saving water while taking a shower by using a bucket. Showering with a water receptacle on the floor of the shower to collect water for re-use in the toilet.
• Dishes and laundry water can be used again. One of the quickest, easiest ways to save water is by capturing the “warm-up” water when you wash dishes or do any of your hand washing in the laundry, by placing a bowl or bucket under the tap while you let the water run to warm up. Use this water to rinse the dishes, or clothing, water a plant or to flush a toilet.
• Capturing the runoff from your dishwasher or washing machine in a reservoir or large plastic bins means you can flush toilets, water gardens or wash your car. Use Eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents instead of harsh soaps and chemicals, and avoid watering fruits and veggies you intend to consume with grey-water.
• Fixing unnecessary leaks around the house.
• Watering times play a great role to save water. Water your garden before 10:00 or after 16:00. It is important to note that watering your garden before midday allows the water enough time to reach your plants’ root systems before the midday sun starts to accelerate the evaporation processes.
• Choose the right plants to conserve our water resources. During times of water crisis and drought, it becomes more important than ever to plant water-wise plants that thrive in dry climates or can thrive being watered with grey-water.
• Businessmen to educate and train their employees. Many of the water saving tips employable in the home are applicable to and employable in the work-space or office environment as well. Put posters up around the office to remind employees to be water-wise and conscious of their water consumption.
• Install water efficient devices throughout the building. If your building is not already fitted with high tech slow-flow fittings, now might be the right time to invest. Shower heads and taps are not the only fittings that can be water efficient. These days there are also a number of water-wise toilets on the market. At the very least, drop a brick or two in the back of each toilet tank or cistern in the building.
• Save water at school, when teaching the water cycle in geography class, teach children their roles and responsibilities in it. In a Life Orientation class, teach children about social rights and responsibilities as well as privileges. Getting everyone involved means educating our children and making conscientious consumption a priority for them from day one. Creating more awareness also means getting all their teachers involved in teaching water-wise attitudes.
• Signs can be strategically placed around public areas that aim to educate the public on how the space aims to save water are also useful.
• Install low-flow devices in restrooms
Dekker said he hopes these water saving tips will help everyone to save water at home, in the kitchen, in the laundry, at work, at school and in public with minimal effort and maximum reward. “Remember that it is each and every one”s responsibilities to help save water, save the planet, and save ourselves from the impending water shortage.”
Nicolas Kotzé of Fly Aquila Africa recently flew over the Droorndraai Dam in his microlight aircraft and sent photos to Bosveld. “It was a big shock for me to see the dam from the sky because then you realize how little water there is. It does not even look like a dam, but just a stream of water.”
