Recent rains should not be used as a licence to use water irresponsibly

As we welcome the most required rain in some parts of the country, it is important that we do not forget to conserve this most precious resource.

Rainfall is not a licence to use water irresponsible.

South Africa is a water scarce country and it’s not long that we were experiencing one of the worst and most devastating droughts in decades.

Our dams, rivers and other watercourses are still recovering from the effects of the drought, which simply means that we currently do not have the required amount of water in the country.

Rain is crucial for our rivers and wetlands to recharge and also to increase the water levels in dams.

The majority of our dams are not at full capacity and will still require some serious rainfall to be filled to capacity, so it is critical for all of us to use the available water sparingly and wisely to ensure that we do not deplete what we currently have.

The recent rain is also important to recharge our groundwater resources as most boreholes have run dry as a result of the drought.

Serious downpours are required to fully recharge our groundwater sources to cater for the needs of society.

Always remember that rainfall is not a daily occurrence and climate change negatively affects water availability.

So act and behave in a water-wise manner at all times.

Themba Khoza, Mbombela