Water shortage: what homeowners should consider
The question of how much water we really consume in our households becomes an important one, especially on days like today when there is a shortage of water.
POLOKWANE – With the planned water shortage today and the Polokwane municipality appealing to residents to save water, the question of how much water we really consume in our households becomes an important one.
Residential households are allowed to consume up to 20 kilolitres (kl) per month and anything in excess will automatically attract surcharges as per the billing system.
According to the system, town houses and flats are allowed to use water up to 15kl, while residential houses are allowed up to 20kl before penalties are charged.
The penalties are R10 per 1 000 litres for the first 10 000 litres and R40 per kilolitre for anything in excess of 10 000 litres.
“Surcharges are applicable to anyone using water above the set quota. This is charged according to meter reading cycle and sent to the consumer as part of the monthly billing,” explains Matshidiso Mothapo, Municipal Spokesperson.
“Anyone who doesn’t pay for services gets their services terminated until they make payment of what is due to the municipality. Even when you get a spot fine, that amount is forwarded to your account.”
According to www.waterwise.co.za, a family of four can use anything between 300 and 800 litres of water in the home per day.
• A bath at the depth of 100mm: 60 litres of water (30 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A shower at three litres per minute for fi ve minutes: 54 litres of water. (25 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A toilet uses nine liters for one flush. (Four and a half x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A sink filled to do dishes: 40 litres. (20 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
According to www.freewater.co.za:
• A twin tub washing machines uses 40 litres per wash, (20 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A front loader uses 90 litres per wash and (45 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A top loader uses 170 litres per wash. (85 x 2l cooldrink bottle)
• A dishwasher uses 20 to 50 litres of water per cycle.
More facts to consider:
– Each time you run the tap while you brush your teeth, you’re wasting about 11 litres per minute. (five and a half x 2l cooldrink bottle)
– It takes over 2 271 litres to water 300 m2 to a depth of two centimeters (gardens).
– Washing your car with a garden hose takes about 378 litres per wash.
– Your toilet might be the biggest water hog in your house. So remember, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”
– Every time you skip a flush, you save between five and 18 litres.
maretha@nmgroup.co.za
