Ways to be water-wise

While the heavy rains that have hit the province over the last few months might suggest otherwise, the Eastern Cape

and by extension, Ndlambe Municipality are still grappling with drought conditions, which makes saving water crucial.

There are a number of ways in which households can become more water-wise.

Residents can start by checking their pipes for leaks and getting them repaired promptly.

We’ve all seen a burst pipe or two flooding the streets, so we know how much water can be wasted through faulty maintenance.

Even a slow drip can, if left unchecked, add up to a lot of water wasted. It’s not just one’s pipes that should be checked, but faucets too.

Make sure to turn taps off properly and that they aren’t dripping. The same for cisterns.

Speaking of toilet cisterns, consider putting an empty plastic bottle inside to help save water when flushing. It sounds like a strange thing to do but it does work.

Gardens are another area that can use up a lot of water in a short amount of time. Thankfully there are a number of ways which can reduce a garden’s thirst.

First, fill gardens with local plants. South African flora is naturally drought-resistant so it requires less water to maintain.

Another good idea is to move more delicate plants to a shady area to prevent water loss through direct sunlight.

The next step is to ditch the hosepipe and pick up a watering can. Yes, a can is harder work but think about all the water wasted with a hose, even as one moves between plants.

It’s estimated one can save up to 26 buckets of water every hour by switching to a watering can.

Rainwater tanks are a must for anyone serious about saving water.

Rainwater can be put to use in many different ways such as irrigation, laundry, and washing dishes. Boil it first if it is to be used for drinking water.

Finally, take shorter showers, wash the car with a bucket not a hose and only use the washing machine when it is full.