Dual water plan perfect for SA

IN 2009, civil engineers AA Ilemobade, JR Adewumi and JE van Zyl, from Wits and Johannesburg universities, produced a report titled: Assessment of the feasibility of using a dual water reticulation system in South Africa. The report was sent to the Water Research Commission.

They queried why it was practice in South Africa for potable water to be used for toilet flushing and irrigation. It is common cause that this is unsustainable. This is a water-stressed country.

They argued that a dual reticulation system, as found in the UK, Australia, Namibia, the US, Singapore, Japan, China, Trinidad, Tobago, the Netherlands, Israel, and the Marshall Islands, was feasible for our country as well.

Studies by Botha and Pretorius in 1998 revealed that dual-systems allowed for adequate water supply to be maintained. Even though technology has evolved, an enabling environment has not materialised. Our failure to use water optimally has worsened our woes.

Dual systems allow for non-potable water to be recycled and for consumers to enjoy discounts of up to 60%. Total water supply nearly doubles. That is something to think about. Regular control and monitoring will have to be guaranteed.

The water crisis in Cape Town has forced us to use potable water sparingly. Most of us, who consciously want to avert day zero, are no longer using it to flush our toilets. Supplying potable and non-potable water via a dual system makes sense. Moreover, we will never be in such crisis again.

The engineers point out that local authorities will need to be equipped with qualified personnel to undertake control and monitoring tasks and enforce regulations. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry will have to set out policies regarding non-potable water reuse and dual systems to guarantee safety.