What is the challenge?
Globally:
Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh and drinkable, and of that 2.5% is frozen in glaciers, leaving us with only 0.5% for all our fresh water needs; and
One fifth of the world’s population does not have access to clean water.
Locally:
11 out of 19 water management areas in South Africa have been identified as having water problems; and
Over 60% of water in South Africa is used to irrigate farmland.
The solution is that every drop counts
As individuals we often feel overwhelmed when faced with the environmental challenges facing our planet. We think that there is nothing we can do. We know that we have to do something but we don’t know where to begin. Woolworths is saying that it’s ok to start small. It’s not about the scale of your contribution – the truth is that every little bit makes a difference. In other words, every drop counts.
So here are some tips on how you can save water – and money – and make a difference.
Reuse water wherever you can – throw bath and shower water into your garden or toilet rather than down the drain.
Try to use phosphate-free, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products – there's a great range to choose from these days, they're much better for our environment and your plants won’t mind them.
Make sure that your home is leak free – read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter readings don’t match, you have a leak.
The most water efficient methods for cooking vegetables are microwaving, steaming or using a pressure cooker.
Stop taps dripping or leaking – A dripping tap can result in 10 220 litres of wasted water a year.
Put a bowl of water or a plug in the sink when you wash your hands, vegetables, fruit, pots, pans, cups, glasses and cooking utensils – as opposed to simply letting the tap run.
Reduce toilet flush volume – this can save 20% of water consumption with no reduction in convenience as older cisterns use double the water necessary to function.
Rather shower than bath – and keep a bucket in the shower to gather the water for your pot plants.
Use a low flow shower head.
Don’t let the water run while shaving or cleaning your teeth – Simply wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.
When buying a washing machine, look for one that is water and electricity efficient. Front loading washing machines use 40% less water than top loading washing machines.
Be sure the water heater thermostat is not set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and electricity.
Don’t hose down your porch/stoep – use a broom to sweep away debris.
Use a commercial car wash which recycles water. If you do wash your own car, park your car on the grass when you wash it.
Use water-wise plants. Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and in which parts of the lawn, and then plant accordingly.
Water early morning or late evening, during the cooler periods of the day, as much of the water used can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass when it’s too hot.
Don’t over water your lawn. Water every 5 to 7 days in summer, and every 10 to 14 days in winter. In between, as a treat for your grass, you can throw on your bath or shower water.
Raise the lawnmower blade to at least 3 inches – a lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the roots and holds soil moisture better.
Mulch your flower beds, pot plants vegetable and herb garden.
Make sure your water feature recycles the water it uses.
Create an awareness for water conservation in your children – avoid toys which require a constant stream of water.
Report all significant water losses to your landlord or the local authorities.
Conserve water because it’s the right thing to do – don’t waste water when you are staying at a hotel.
Important facts:
In 1995, South Africa established the Working for Water Programme under the leadership of Professor Kader Asmal, then Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry. To date the programme has cleared 1.96 million hectares of invasive alien plants and creates some 30 000 employment opportunities each year.
WWF Water Neutral Scheme allows participants to quantitatively balance water usage through a three-step process of reviewing, reducing and replenishing water. More at www.wwf.org.za/waterneutral.
The concept of Water neutrality is based on its carbon equivalent.
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