- South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated a call for continuous action from all citizens to secure the country’s scarce resource through a change of behaviour towards water usage.
- The department noted that South Africa is a water-scarce country and that water resources are under immense pressure due to climate change effects.
To further worsen the situation, the department said South Africans currently consume more water per capita at approximately 218 litres per day than the world average of approximately 173 litres per day, while Gauteng is sitting at 266 per capita per day.
“This means we are using more water than the required average and that is unsustainable. The demand-supply relationship for treated water in Gauteng is very tight and the system is vulnerable to disruptions now because there is no reserve supply capacity in the system due to high demand.
The DWS called on all citizens to contribute to saving water, emphasising that living in a water-scarce region means that “we all must use water wisely [and]water conservation is essential and can be done by everyone.”
“Finding and fixing water leaks is an essential part of reducing water wastage in our homes, businesses, sports clubs, schools, places of worship and everywhere else in our communities. We call on communities to follow restrictions put in place by your respective municipalities, and to use water with caution and reduce consumption.”
Enforcing bylaws on water restrictions
The department also called on Gauteng municipalities to implement strict water restrictions and enforce municipal bylaws to those who do not comply to water restrictions.
“Level 1 restrictions prohibit irrigation of gardens with sprinklers and hosepipes between 6am and 6pm; filling of swimming pools; and washing of paving areas and driveways with hosepipes.”
If high demand continues, the department said municipalities should implement higher levels of restrictions, including educating residents and communicating the benefits of conserving water, as well as the dangers of wasting it.
“Repair leaks and burst pipes timeously to reduce quantities of water lost, attend to illegal connections, and maintain water infrastructure to ensure reliability and sustainability. Residents, repairing leaking pipes in your property is your responsibility [and]by law, leaks should be repaired quickly, and this will also save you money,” the department explained.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
