Page 29 - Landscape-Issue123

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WATER WISE

Urban water management

The water sector in South Africa is facing significant challenges in ensuring a
sustainable supply for all citizens.

South African water consumption for domestic purposes both before and after the implementation of
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is much higher than the international water consumption WDM interventions. The issue is that many water
limit due, in part, to unchecked leaks and illegal water reticulation systems are currently not functioning
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supply. The average per capita domestic water use in properly as a result of many years, if not decades, of
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South Africa is estimated to be 237 l/d, compared to the neglect. An approach is required to convert water-
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international benchmark of 173 l/d. wasting habitats to water-sensitive habitats where
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water is managed, and adequate maintenance of
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There are a few water conservation and demand water supply systems is performed.
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management (WC/WDM) techniques that can be
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implemented, such as efficient metering, leak detection, Examples of water-sensitive habits are:
pressure management, asset maintenance, and water • Converting gardens to water wise gardens, such as
saving tips. WC/WDM implementation is one of the most swapping out lawn for native and drought tolerant
critical tools for meeting rising water demand. Different plants.
departments are responsible for implementing WC/WDM • Reusing water at home, such as by using greywater or
throughout the water cycle, with municipalities having to collecting rainwater.
deal with the water supply distribution. • Conserve water in the bathroom by minimizing water
use in the shower, turning off the tap while brushing
WC/WDM is necessary and the most cost-effective your teeth, and repairing leaking pipes.
solution to addressing water shortages. In South Africa,
there are issues preventing the successful implementation There are many other simple ways you can save water.
of WDM. The following are the issues: Visit the Water Wise website by going to the Rand Water
website and clicking on the Water
• Inadequate consumer support. Water consumption is Wise logo for more information.
extremely high in many areas. To protect the existing
water resources, all South Africans will need to change Always be Water Wise!
their habits drastically in the future.
• Inadequate water supply system maintenance,

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60