Water campaign takes to the streets

MHLATHUZE Water embarked on a regional water campaign in an effort to highlight the importance of the water crisis which the province is currently facing.

To commemorate National Water Week, a campaign to increase residents’ water saving techniques was carried out by the utility’s staff.

Motorists were given a range of handouts at traffic lights with the purpose of reminding them about ways in which they can conserve water.

Campaigning at one of Meerensee’s intersections was uMhlathuze Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Sibusiso Makhanya, who believes that each person can make a difference.

‘Saving water is the responsibility of all and together we can save more water. The theme for this year’s National Water Week is ‘Water has no Substitute’ and it is time the community takes this message seriously,’ he said.

KZN was declared to be in a drought crisis earlier this year, mainly owing to the shortfall of rain compared to previous seasons.

Mhlathuze Water appeals to all users to continue using water sparingly.

Water saving tips

• Turn the tap off between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving

• Taking a five-minute shower a day instead of a bath will save up to 400 litres a week

• Kettles should not be filled to the brim, but with just enough water for your needs. This will reduce your electricity bill too

• Reducing the toilet flush volume alone can save 20% of total water consumption. This can bedone by putting a 2-litre cold drink bottle, filled with water and a little sand to add weight, into the cistern

• Use ‘grey water – used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources to flush your toilet

• Fix a leaking toilet otherwise it can waste up to 100 000 litres of water in one year

• Use low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilet mechanisms and water-efficient washing machines

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Every time you flush the toilet, 12 litres of water is used