With the country being classified as the 30th driest in the world and the outlook for sufficient availability looking grim, all South Africans need to play their parts in using water more efficiently, says ActionAid South Africa. Last month, the organisation launched its Water Interrupted campaign and Running on Empty report that examine the state of water in the country. The report states that if there is no collective focus between government, industry, business, and consumers, there would be significant repercussions threatening the social and economic stability of the country.
 
“We understand the water crisis to be a systemic one that results in unequal access to quality water, with poor women in particular feeling the brunt.  However, in the context of the extreme nature of the crisis, what is required by us all, is to reconsider how we use and preserve water in the most sensible way possible,” says Fatima Shabodien, Country Director at ActionAid South Africa. Fortunately, there are significant quick wins to be had that could mitigate some of these risks. For example, if the average household water consumption is reduced by 20% today, it would contribute significantly to building the 10-year water reserve needed to avoid future water cuts.
 
Domestic users account for approximately 27% of the country’s water use, 3% of which is from rural areas. Water is used at the domestic level for drinking, cooking, cleaning, sanitation, and washing clothes, and in some cases watering lawns or filling swimming pools. Almost 90% of the population have access to basic service provision, including water, but the average amount of water used differs significantly between low-income, medium-income, and high-income households.
 
A middle-income four-person household typically allocates water to gardening (25%), flushing the toilet (25%), bathing and showering (24%), washing clothes (13%), and drinking, cooking and cleaning (13%). But in an economy where households are already feeling the pinch in terms of monthly expenses, what more could be done to save water and in turn save some precious Rands too?
 
Firstly, all household leaks need to be fixed with municipal ones being reported to the relevant water service provider immediately. Where possible, households can save approximately 10% on the water bills by simply looking at replacing their existing plumbing fittings with more efficient ones including dual-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, tap controllers, and aerators.
 
People should also make sure to insulate all their geysers and water pipes and reduce the amount of water used in the garden by sweeping instead of spraying paved areas. Most importantly, being water efficient requires a completely different outlook. Every drop counts. By turning the tap off while brushing teeth, washing vegetables in a bowl and not under running water, and not using hot water to defrost food will make a significant difference. “Closing the gap between future demand for water and its supply will be a challenge for some time to come. It requires a collective and inclusive approach to finding and implementing solutions. Individuals can also be more resilient to a changing environment and demand smarter products from government and industry that address the looming water crisis,” concludes Shabodien.
 
The Running on Empty report is available as a free download on the ActionAid South Africa Web site at www.actionaid.org