Saving water, a compulsory lifestyle…?
According to Umzinyathi District Municipality normal usage in a house amounts to approximately a 1000 litres a day, or 30 kilolitres per month. In a townhouse or duplex, this will be 600 litres of water a day.
The current water crisis, caused by a stubborn lack of rain over an extended period of time in Northern Natal has caused authorities to reach for water conservation ideas and plans not seen since the 1984 drought. Residents have been urged to read their water meters on a very regular basis to ascertain water usage, and more importantly, to make sure that they have no water leaks on their properties.
Water leaks can be determined by shutting off all faucets on the property, making sure there are no running water outlets anywhere. If the water meter is still moving, there is a leak on the property somewhere.
According to Umzinyathi District Municipality normal usage in a house amounts to approximately a 1000 litres a day, or 30 kilolitres per month. In a townhouse or duplex, this will be 600 litres of water a day. The authorities are requiring residents to reduce this usage by at least 50%. To do that, a few lifestyle change would have to be implemented.
Umzinyathi District Municipality’s conservation drive uses the catchwords Reduce, Re-use and Repair. Reduce the amount of water you use, re-use water where possible, and repair all leaks.
The use of hosepipes to wash cars is frowned upon. Rather use a bucket. People with swimming pools shoud put covers in place to prevent splashing and evaporation.
Buffalo River
Courtyards should be swept with a broom instead of hosed down with a pipe. Watering on windy days should be avoided, and exposed ground must be covered with leaf and grass cuttings to prevent undue evaporation.
Trees or shrubs that use less water, should be planted, and pot plants with the same water needs, should be kept in the same area.
Househould sugggestions to save water would have us flushing out toilets only when necessary, short baths and showers, and preferably no baths, use less soap in the kitchen, catch up water in a bucket before you step into the shower, keep cold water for drinking in the fridge, and repair leaky faucets.
Do not let taps run unnecessary.
Water has no alternative, and is a precious, scarce resource. All problems should be reported to the Umzinyathi District Municipalityr Customer Care Centre, which can be reached at 034-219500
.