Smart Tips For World Water Day 2024
World Water Day is on 22 March and we offer some smart ways to play your part in helping our country preserve this precious resource.
21/03/2024
Smart ways to save water in all areas of your life
South Africa faces ongoing challenges of managing its water resources responsibly, with people constantly reminded to do all they can to save water in their daily lives. South Africa is classified as a water-scarce country, with an average rainfall of about 40% less than the global average. Efforts to improve water conservation are therefore critical in addressing this challenge.
With World Water Day on 22 March, here are smart ways to play your part in helping our country preserve this precious resource.
At home and in your garden
The effects of
climate change are already being felt around
the country, with recent spells of extreme
heat being attributed to El Niño. This,
coupled with predictions by ESI Africa that
we are approaching physical water scarcity
in 2025 and a 17% water deficit within five
years, means that waterwise features in the
home have become a necessity, rather than a
nice-to-have, says Bradd Bendall, CEO
(interim) of BetterBond.
“We learned
many lessons from Day Zero in 2018, where
Cape Town almost ran out of water following
years of drought conditions. Many
homeowneers have taken action to combine a host
of
green features in their lifestyle to cut
back on their water
consumption. A common feature to see in
homes and gardens today is rainwater harvesting
and storage tanks and boreholes for groundwater, and
while they may not necessarily add value to the price of
a home, prospective buyers will show positive
interest in one that has its own
irrigation options and a thriving garden all
year round,” says Bendall.
There are
many options available to ensure a waterwise
garden. Artiticial lawns require zero
maintenance and offer the homeowner a green lawn throughout
the year.
However, if you want grass, consider a
wellpoint or borehole for irrigation. Opt
for drought-tolerant plants that require
little water, such as aloes and spekboom,
and think carefully about the way you
landscape your garden, suggests Bendall.
“By planting seasonal plants, shrubs and
trees according to
their water requirements you can reduce their
water consumption in the garden and by using permeable
materials as opposed to concrete, this allows
water to seep through so that those
areas require less frequent watering. Also,
by adding mulch to the soil you can reduce
evaporation by up to 70%.” Bendall also
advises directing bath, shower and washing
machine water into a holding tank - this
greywater can be used to water the garden.
You should also regularly check your
home for leaks in taps, toilets, and pipes,
and repair any leaks promptly - even a small
leak can waste a significant amount of water
over time. And, installing water-efficient
fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and
dual-flush toilets will reduce water usage
without compromising on performance.
Water-efficient appliances like dishwashers
and washing machines with a good energy
efficiency rating will also help your
household use less water compared to older
models.
When you go out for dinner
Saving water should be a priority at all times, even when going out for a meal. If you prefer your beverages without ice, or if you don't need a large amount of ice, let the waiter know when placing your order. This reduces the amount of water used to produce ice cubes and while it might not seem like a large amount at the time - it all adds up. When selecting dishes from the menu, consider opting for options that require less water-intensive ingredients or preparation methods. For example, choosing plant-based dishes over meat dishes can help reduce water usage.
At work
Saving water in the workplace is essential for both environmental sustainability and cost efficiency. Companies should look at installing water-efficient taps, toilets, and urinals in the bathrooms and encourage responsible water use by displaying signs or posters in restrooms and kitchen areas, reminding employees to turn taps off after use, report leaks promptly, and use water efficiently.
Incorporate water conservation goals and initiatives into your workplace's sustainability efforts. Recognise and reward employees and colleagues who contribute to water-saving efforts and encourage collaboration on sustainability initiatives. And, if your workplace has outdoor landscaping, use drought-resistant plants and install a drip irrigation system to minimise water waste.
In your area, and beyond
Spread
awareness about the importance of water
conservation among family, friends, and
community members, to encourage others to
adopt water-saving practices in their daily
lives. Get involved in local water
conservation projects such as river cleanups
and tree planting initiatives. In the lead
up to World Water Day, consider taking part
in a fun virtual race to raise funds to
provide clean, safe water to villagers in
SA.
Relate, a not-for-profit social
enterprise that raises funds for various
charitable causes, is holding a Virtual
Walk/Run 6km event this week, where each
entry will gift one person clean running
water for life. Entrants can walk or run
anywhere, anytime - even on a treadmill,
during the week of World Water Day, says
Relate Founder, Lauren Gillis.
“Across SA, women in villages with no access to water walk approximately 6 km every day to collect water from open sources for their families. This isn’t clean, running water, and it’s often contaminated. They then need to walk back with 20-25 litres of water on their heads. Horrifically, the women face a daily risk of being attacked while on their journey,” adds Gillis. Funds from the race will go towards providing the 4,000 residents of the Nomu Wa Huku Village in Mpumalanga with a sustainable solar water system that will provide clean running water to taps throughout the village.
By participating in these activities, you can help raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and contribute to creating a more sustainable future for our planet.