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RAND WATER EDITORIAL

in the domestic sector has increased by
5% over the last decade; it is expected
to increase by more than 1% over the
next ten years. While this may seem like
an insignificant amount, the country is
fast approaching full utilisation of all
available surface water. Currently, urban
water needs sit at 27% of total water
needs in the country’s major economic
sectors. Water re-use is a cost-effective
solution to the reliance on potable water
for application in the landscape, provided
the quality of water is suitable for its
intended use. It must become a part of
the country’s culture in all aspects of life,
including landscape design, planning
and implementation. The wise use of
water needs to be at the forefront of
everything we do.
Constructed wetland with
monoculture, i.e only one The Water Wise DIY Constructed Wetland
species of aquatic plant manual is a comprehensive guide to
installing your own greywater treatment
system, demonstrating how the system
additional benefit to constructed stored for longer than 24 hours without can be upscaled to accommodate larger
wetlands in the landscape, together with being treated in a constructed wetland volumes of water if required. It can be
indigenous wetland plants, is the increase or other treatment system, as this downloaded for free: visit the Rand Water
in biodiversity and wildlife. encourages the growth of bacteria which website, click on the Water Wise logo and
may lead to foul smells and encourage look under the Green Industry tab.
Filtration systems are essential to remove water-borne pests.
hair, lint, food, oil and grease. Use For more information email us at waterwise@
environmentally-friendly products to The future of water in randwater.co.za. Alternatively, see our social
prevent these from being washed down South Africa media content on Facebook, YouTube and
the drain. Greywater should never be Our water crisis will worsen and demand Twitter. Remember – always be Water Wise! n