EVERY DROP COUNTS

The 26th World Water Week will take place from 23 to 27 August 2021. It will be focused on concrete solutions to the world's greatest water-related challenges, amongst other major topics, the climate crisis, and water scarcity. On a much smaller scale, though, each one of us must address how one uses natural resources as it has a major impact on the bigger picture.

The events of this past year have shown us that we are all inter-connected and that local choices influence the rest of the world. This awareness makes us reflect on the importance of implementing effective eco-friendly policies and taking the necessary precautions to protect water. How important is water for your home and family life, your well-being, and the environment? Ask this question to anyone in Cape Town and surrounds who was faced with Day Zero a mere 3 years ago, or the people from the Eastern Cape who are familiar with dry water taps.

The good news is that taking positive action now can help us make sure that there is enough water to go around, for our communities, the economy, the environment, and for the future,

Fortunately, thanks to the advances in taps and sanitary ware design, the amount of water used can be significantly reduced compared to the past. The use of modern technologies such as infrared valves, self-closing taps, flow reducers, low consumption toilets and urinals, can mean an enormous reduction in the environmental impact of a building, as well as a reduction of 20% and more in water costs.

In large spaces open to the public where the use of bathrooms has a high frequency, it is necessary to take the appropriate measures to increase energy savings, replacing obsolete products with low-consumption solutions as mentioned above.

Sports facilities and gyms should install self-closing shower panels and solar showers to keep water and energy consumption under control.

At home, one must consider switching to aerated showerheads which reduce the flow but don't compromise on pressure. A short shower with an efficient showerhead uses less water than a bath. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water. By running your bath just an inch shorter than usual, you can save on average 5 litres of water. You can minimise your water usage by reusing your bathwater to water your houseplants or garden.

About 30% of the total water used in a home is used to flush the toilet. Dual flush toilets typically use 4-6 litres of water as opposed to the old-style flush systems which use a massive 13 litres per flush. Install a Cistern Displacement Device and save 1 litre of water per flush. Check regularly for blockages and leaks. A leaky loo wastes between 200 and 400 litres of water per day!

Spot a dripping tap? This could be wasting around 5,500 litres of water a year and can be prevented by simply replacing the washer. Remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth - a running tap wastes approximately 6 litres per minute.

When using your dishwasher and washing machine opt for the economy setting to save water and energy. And remember, only switch the machine on when it is full!

Collecting rainwater in tanks has become an everyday sight in many areas. Although pricey, filters installed in these tanks make the water usable at home instead of municipal water.

When researching water recycling schemes, one will find that graywater diverters for residential use are now available.

Although the pace of green building has accelerated in recent years and there is more awareness around the importance of conserving water, consumers and property developers have been slow to install water-saving technology in homes.

Remember: Every drop counts!