AS thousands of holiday makers have flooded into the city over the last few weeks, the country’s water crisis has remained a concern in Durban.

In a statement the city has not only appealed to both locals and visitors to use water sparingly as the drought continues throughout the festive season, but also to reduce their water consumption.

“A continuous awareness campaign has been carried out throughout the festive season with city officials visiting beaches and engaging with commuters in trains and at bus stations to raise awareness of the drought and provide tips on reducing their water consumption,” it read in the statement.

Ideally the city officials hope to reduce domestic, commercial and industrial consumption by 50 per cent in the areas north of Durban.

The following simple water-saving tips can help save water:

• Fix leaking taps immediately as a dripping tap wastes up to 76 litres of water. A bucket can be placed under the tap until it is fixed

• Use a bucket to collect water from the shower while waiting for the water to warm up

• Reuse water. ‘Grey water’ can be used for a number of purposes, such as watering the garden

• Turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth can save up to six litres of water per minute

• Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily as the toilet uses about six litres of water with every flush

Contact the call centre on 0801313013, or sms 43554 to report any water-related matters.

Related articles:

Durban North/uMhlanga water shortage looms

eMdloti water shortage drives tourists out

Water concerns loom over eMdloti’s festive season