Need to conserve water remains

The winter season is now over and the hot season is now upon us with rises in temperatures beginning to show.

CONSEQUENTLY, the demand for water is also set to increase as there is a causal relationship between high water use and high temperatures. In the hot season, the demand for water in all spheres grows. So as we approach the hot and dry season, it is pertinent that water conservation takes precedence.

This year the country received abundant rains which resulted in the filling up and spilling of a significant number of dams across the country.

Due to the good rains that the country experienced, the country’s national dam level average is currently at 79,6 percent. This national dam level figure implies that some of the dams are still full, which means improved water security for both irrigation and domestic needs. Most dams that supply water for domestic needs to cities and towns currently hold enough water to carry these towns and cities beyond the coming rainy season.

However, despite these healthy dam levels, water remains a finite and strategic resource that needs to be conserved. With the advent of climate change the need to conserve the available water cannot be overemphasised. With climate change bringing unpredictable rainfall patterns, the need for people to conserve water in the fields and in the homes remains an urgent one. It is against this background that the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) as the country’s water resources management lead agency, call upon the citizens of Zimbabwe to conserve water for purposes of our future.

Conserving water eases pressure on water utilities and water infrastructure since the conserved water becomes available for future use.

At a time when the demand for treated water is outstripping supply in many towns, water conservation plays a critical role in ensuring that the limited available water is spread over more people than when people accessing the resource are not conserving water.

Water conservation is also beneficial to water users. Conserving water helps water users to reduce their monthly water bills.

Most people are saddled with huge water bills simply because they use more water than they require. Such people can end up with affordable water bills through water conservation. The resources they use to pay for the excess water they use can be channelled towards other needs. Zinwa therefore shares the following water saving tips:

Water saving tips in the home

◆ Using buckets when bathing

instead of the shower ◆ Repairing all leaking taps and toilet cisterns ◆ Brushing teeth while using water from glasses or cups as opposed to using running taps ◆ Using buckets to wash cars and

not hosepipes ◆ Doing laundry using dishes and buckets instead of using running water ◆ Recycling and reusing water from swimming pools (the water may be used to flush the toilets, water flowers or to clean cars and driveways) ◆ Growing drought resistant flowers and lawns

Water recycling

◆ Water Conservation in the fields: ◆ Using water efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation ◆ Repairing any leakages along the irrigation system ◆ Irrigating in the mornings or later afternoons ◆ Understanding the water requirements of crops at different levels of maturity ◆ Avoiding irrigating during windy days ◆ Growing drought resistant crops ◆ Saving water remains a collective responsibility and every citizen should play his part.

◆ For more information please contact the Zinwa Corporate Communications and Marketing Department on callcentre@ zinwa.co.zw. You can also like the Zimbabwe National Water Authority Facebook Page or alternatively follow us on Twitter @ zinwawater