Water, conservation and water demand management
As much as the municipality seen a decline of water usage during the lockdown, it has experienced high theft volumes of water meters which contributes to high real water losses
Water is life, water is hygiene, while the whole world is still fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by keeping our hands safe by washing them regularly, we are urged to continue doing so and that we use water more sparingly and efficiently to keep us all hygienically clean to stop the spread of the virus.
The spring season has sprung forth while many rivers in South Africa as per the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) are sitting on 36%, which is 22% lesser from last year’s percentage after the winter season, we are still lucky that the Witbank dam is slightly above 95% as from September 7.
Emalahleni Local Municipality has seen a decrease in water usage under the lockdown since the end of March, because Emalahleni is an economic hub of Mpumalanga Province, industries, businesses and most residential homes and facilities were not occupied during the highest levels of the countries lockdown.
As the restrictions are uplifted gradually and levels are lowered the water demand is starting to rise again and communities and consumers are then urged to continue to save water.
As much as the municipality seen a decline of water usage during the lockdown, it has experienced high theft volumes of water meters which contributes to high real water losses.
Communities are requested to report such incidents to law enforcement agencies and the municipality for action and corrective measures to be taken.
Climate change is a reality we need to live with and as the temperatures sky rocketing the water demand is increasing and high evaporation rates are experienced affecting rivers and dams.
The following are some of the water saving tips to be followed:
- use of showers instead of baths,
- ensure that all water taps are properly closed,
- no watering of gardens,
- use bucket to wash cars,
- repair internal water leakages and
- report water leakages to the municipality.
This communiqué serve as a clarion call to all communities, users and consumers to all unite to conserve this precious natural resource water for the current and future generations.
#Water is life
