Dams in Endumeni are almost non-existent as the drought bites.  The Buffalo River has all-but dried up.  The situation is critical and the need to save water imperative.

At the moment, the Vaal dam 54% full compared to 77% full this time last year. Rand Water have started rationing the use of hosepipes and sprinklers and says the system is under severe strain.

Lots of small initiatives all add up and will make a difference.

Do a water audit to see how much water you actually use and potentially could save https://waterfootprint.org/en/resources/interactive-tools/personal-water-footprint-calculator/

Record your usage from your meter reading and challenge yourself to reduce this by a certain date

Implement some of these initiatives and see what saving you can achieve

Some ideas that we can all easily do:

• Have short showers rather than deep baths
• Consider installing low-flow shower heads
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving
• Don’t hand wash dishes under a running tap
• Use the economy cycle on washing machines and dishwashers
• Make sure washing machines and dishwashers are full before running them
• Repair any leaking taps by replacing the washer
• Repair any leaking toilet, a leaking toilet can waste up to 100,000 litres of water in one year
• Reduce the volume of each toilet flush by installing a displacement device. A coke bottle filled with sand will do.
• Don’t flush the toilet after every use. Use common sense here!
• Wash cars with a bucket not a hosepipe
• If you must use potable water to water your garden then use a watering can
• Adhere to the water restrictions in your area and challenge those that do not
• If you must use a sprinkler then do so sparingly and in the cooler times of the day (before 9am and after 6pm)
• Not all plants need the same amount of water, so do a bit of research and ensure you give the plants the water they need not what you think they need
• Cover your pool to reduce evaporation
• Don’t top up your pool
• Challenge others if you see them wasting water
• Pass on the message!

Some ideas that might need a bit more effort:

• Consider xeriscaping your garden using plants that don’t need much water
• Repair any leaking pipes
• Install dual flush toilets
• Install a grey water recycling system
• Install a Jojo tank to catch rainwater (when it rains) from your roof, and use this to water the garden or wash the car
• Water gardens with recycled water from your shallow bath or basins (or connect to the grey water system)