Your household’s next objective
Having a Wikipedia page dedicated to a years-long national drought is not something any country wishes for. Yet, that is exactly what South Africa has achieved. South Africa has always been a country prone to droughts and has become rather resilient against the threatening heat, but when the rainfall lost its regular pattern across most of the country and almost entirely disappeared in some of the southernmost parts in 2018, no one was prepared for the dire effects that would follow over the next two years. While most of the country has since recovered, there are still parts of South Africa that are struggling to find their feet again.
In the wake of such an event, it is vital that we learn how to preserve our resources and become more water-wise in our daily routines.
Fix dripping taps
There’s nothing as irritating as a dripping tap in the middle of the night, but the waste of water may be even more troublesome. The amount of water wasted through something as small as a dripping tap can amount to roughly 30 litres per day: Not a small amount for such a small nuisance.
The same concerns apply to all dripping faucets, pipes, and connections, where the accumulation of wasted water can be staggering. Toilets and washing machines may be the biggest culprits for loose connections and small leaks, but each home’s water usage is unique and requires you to analyse any possible areas of concern specific to your home.
Reconsider your bathing routine
It might seem like a small issue, but leaks are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to wasting water. A dripping tap or a leaking pipe can add up to thousands of litres of water lost over time. That’s water you’re paying for but never using. The good news is that fixing leaks is simple and cost-effective. A quick check around your home to repair drips and leaks can make a huge difference—saving both water and money on your water bill.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)
Recycle water where possible
One household item that many people neglect to consider when they think about water usage is the washing machine. The average washing machine can use between 60 litres (for front loaders) and 140 litres (for top loaders) per cycle; water that, just like our bathing water, goes directly down the drain again. While there are numerous eco-friendly washing machines that minimise the water usage drastically, not everyone can purchase a new washing machine on a whim. The best alternative is to find a way to recycle the water used for uses such as garden irrigation. This may require a bit of DIY engineering and a bit of extra effort on your end, but the ultimate water savings will be substantial.
Most of the country is free from water restrictions at the moment, but it is important that we curb our water usage in an effort to avoid having those restrictions imposed on us again. If you’re looking for ways in which to improve your home’s water usage or looking for a home where you can implement more water-wise solutions, get in touch with us to help you.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)
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