Although water resources literature in South Africa frequently discusses water conservation and demand management (WC/WDM), it can be claimed that the necessity and importance of WC/WDM principles have not been completely acknowledged or appreciated until recently. Throughout the nation, there is evidence of poor water use in every WSA, WSP, and water industry. Most water consumers, especially the wealthy, who until recently had access to water at low, subsidized prices, don't appear to appreciate the worth of water. Better management of our finite water resources is required by the reality of the new democratic South Africa. Water is scarce and stressed in South Africa, a developing nation. It is impossible to overstate the value and necessity of WC/WDM in this situation.

 

Emalahleni Local Municipal water resources are limited and, in global terms, scarce. The water demand is growing due to the following factors: a high population growth rate, a developing economy, and the urgent need to supply water services to thousands of people without water services.

 

1. Switch to showers

• Switching from baths to showers is an easy way to save water.

2. Keep the sprinklers off

• If you have a garden then remember to keep the sprinklers off!

3. Turn off the tap

• Running taps waste as much as 6 litres of water a minute.

4. Fill up the washing up bowl

• Another way of minimising running taps is to make sure that you’re filling a bowl when doing the washing up.

5. Make sure your dishwasher is full!

• Switching from handwashing to dishwashing saves 6000 liters a year – and not pre-rinsing your dishes before they go in saves another 1000 liters every year

6. Use leftover cooking water