Use available water more wisely for water security in our water scarce country
Climate change is upon us and we need to use water wisely and in a more conservative manner to adapt to the challenges brought by the changing weather and rainfall patterns
Themba Khoza from the Department of Water and Sanitation writes:
The Department of Water and Sanitation weekly state of reservoirs reports continuously show that water levels are dropping and also show that each and every year the water volumes keep declining in the water resources.
This basically shows that our water reserves are declining each and every day.
Rain is also very scarce and the changes associated with climate change show that our rain patterns are no longer as they used to be and we must expect less rainfall than before.
It is not difficult to see the challenges we face as everybody can see that some of the rivers and streams that used to flow all year round are now dry and no longer flowing.
Some of our big rivers have also turned into small streams and our dams are running low which some becoming dry.
This is an eye-opener for everyone and calls for action so that we do not find ourselves in a serious water shortage challenge as water has no substitute.
The time for action is now and everyone must play a role in conserving more and using the little available water in a more efficient way for the benefit of all.
The drought situation in parts of the country clearly shows that we can no longer relax as the situation is no longer normal.
First it was the Western Cape, now it is the Eastern Cape.
This really shows that we have rolled our sleeves and actively play a crucial role in water security in this dry country of ours.
We need to educate and encourage each other to stop water wastage as every drop counts in this water scarce country.
Climate change is upon us and we need to use water wisely and in a more conservative manner to adapt to the challenges brought by the changing weather and rainfall patterns.
Let us be responsible and never turn a blind eye when we see this scarce resource being wasted. Let us all be ambassadors and spread the message.
Let us fix all leaks and report leaks and pipe bursts for the attention of the municipalities to ensure that no special drop of water is lost.
Let us also share water saving tips and ensure that each and every member of our communities contribute to water security in our country, the region, the continent and the world.
Pollution of the water resources is another serious problem having a negative impact on water availability.
Our communities must also stop using our rivers and other watercourses as waste sites where they dump their waste which includes disposable nappies.
Disposable nappies negatively affect the water quality and may lead to waterborne diseases.
Municipalities must also ensure that their waste water treatment plants are well maintained and operated to prevent sewer spills into our limited and constrained water resources.
Pollution of the water resources, not only adversely affects water availability, but also the quality which makes it costly for municipalities to purify the water for communities.
It is therefore crucial that our behaviours contribute to healthy water resources and minimize the costs of water purification to ensure quality water for all at all times.
As we are now in the summer rainy season in most parts of the country, it is important that we practice rain water harvesting on those rainy days to relieve the pressure on our water resources and municipal systems, especially as the trend shows that we are receiving less and less rain every year.
Water is life and has no substitute and our behavior and actions in relation to water use are crucial for water security in this water scarce country, therefore let us all be responsible water users.
Municipalities and communities need to seriously relook their relationships and work more closely together to deal with leaks and pipe bursts as every drop counts in this country.
