Page 39 - Waterfall City August Issue 2023

10 WAYS TO

BE WATER-WISE

P redictions are that the

demand for water will
outstrip supply by 2025.
The only answer to this
dilemma lies in changing people’s
attitudes, and thus their behaviour,
by using water more wisely.

Here are 10 tips to save water:

IN THE HOUSE
Where to start
Visit the Water Wise website and
use the calculator to calculate your
current water use.

Draw up a plan
Take a look at the Water Wise report
generated from the calculator to see
where you use most of your water,
and start there. If it’s in the shower, for The earlier, the better. Try to water Hydro-zone your garden
instance, reduce your showering time. the garden in the morning before Grouping plants according to their
Plan how much you want to save. 7am or in the afternoon after 6pm. watering needs not only saves water,
Only water when plants show signs of it can also save you money. Divide
Read your water meter needing water. the garden into high, medium, low
Learn how to read your water and very low water zones. Then water
meter (usually just outside your Make use of greywater accordingly.
property; for complexes, ask the Reusing greywater in the garden is
Body Corporate) to see how much another great way of saving water. Mulch and mulch and mulch!
water you consume daily, weekly and Make sure that the greywater is Mulching your garden saves water,
monthly. More importantly, a water suitable for the types of plants you protects plant roots and prevents
meter is a great way of detecting have in the garden. weeds. Mulch helps with retaining soil
if there is a leak in your home or moisture, making it easy to maintain
garden. Install a rain gauge your garden and reducing the amount
This is a simple way of measuring of water your garden needs.
Make small stickers or how much you need to water the
posters garden during rainy seasons. There is There are many other simple ways you
Remember that some habits are hard no need to water if you have received can save water.
to change. Make interesting posters enough rainfall.
that you can put around your house Visit the Water Wise website by going
as a reminder. This is a fun activity Harvest rainwater to the Rand Water website for more
you can do with your children. This can be as simple as putting information.
a bucket outside when it rains, or https://waterwise.co.za/site/home.html
IN THE GARDEN installing a rain tank and directing
It’s all about the timing water from the gutters into the tank.
Watering times are very important This method can also reduce your Always be water-wise!
when it comes to watering a garden. water bill.

Waterfall City Issue 8 2023 37