Facebook groups such as “Water Shedding Western Cape” have become treasure troves of information and tips for reducing water consumption. Suggestions range from homemade rainwater harvesting methods to recycling and distilling grey water from the shower and washing machines.
Here are a few things that you should try to do everyday, which will help Cape Town save water:
Follow Facebook groups and blogs that provide useful suggestions and ideas for saving water. Some of these ideas are actually great DIY projects that will be fun to build and rewarding to complete. Most of the tips will also save you money and cut down your water bill for years to come. Besides the information circulating on these groups, the feedback and interaction with the people is an amazing opportunity to unite and build a stronger community.
If possible, visit your municipality website and upload your water reading electronically on the e-Services platform. Monitor your daily usage and learn how to read your water meter.
Check your external taps, tanks and pipes for any leaks or signs of damage. If you live in a complex of apartment block, do the same and notify the body corporate of any drips or leaks.
Go the extra mile with water saving - instead of showering for two minutes, turn off the water after wetting yourself and only turn it back on to rinse. This will cut a two minute shower down to less than one minute. Catch the cold shower water in a bucket and use it to clean floors or for your laundry. Collect used laundry and sink water in buckets, then use it to flush toilets.
Be an advocate for water saving when you’re at work. Your daily limit for water also includes the time you spend at work. Encourage your colleagues to cut down on water consumption too.
Avoid using sea water. Some residents, particularly those living near the sea, may be tempted to use sea water to flush their toilets. If this is done, the salt in the water will increase the salinity levels at the local sewerage treatment, killing the microbes that are used to treat the sewage. This will cause the treatment works to shut down and Cape Town will then have another problem on its hands. The same applies to private septic tank systems.
Save old newspapers and brown paper bags to wipe down pots and pans after cooking. This will soak up the grease and oil, making washing up quicker and reducing the need for water.
Attach pipes to the ends of your gutters and direct them to your pool. Pool water can be used for flushing, washing floors and other non-potable uses when Day Zero arrives.
It is important to remember that saving water doesn’t mean letting go of your hygiene; you should wash your hands and food regularly to prevent illness and the spread of bacteria. Similarly, avoid drinking untreated water - even from your borehole or rainwater tanks.
Although these tips and ideas only scratch the surface of the possible ways of saving water, it is a good place to start. Spread the word and help Cape Town to fight off Day Zero for as long as possible.