While water restrictions have been partially lifted in some municipalities around the country, the City of Cape Town recently implemented even stricter level 4B water-saving measurements. This new restriction level bans all use of municipal water for outside and nonessential use and, more importantly, allows us to use no more than 87 litres of water per person per day, regardless of whether we’re at home, at work or elsewhere.
Although most Capetonians have adjusted their lifestyle to limit their water usage, ‘many domestic consumers are still using more than 20 000 litres a month per household,’ says Xanthea Limberg, mayoral committee member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services. So it’s no wonder they’re tightening the reins even more, especially with summer around the corner.
But while it’s important that we all take note of stats about dam levels and weather patterns, let’s be honest – all we really want to know is how much water we’re allowed to use without our neighbour reporting us to the water authorities!
Eighty-seven litres add up quicker than you might think, but it’s definitely feasible.
Here are some tips to help you stay below the 87-litre requirement:
1. Check for any leaks on your property and fix them immediately.
2. Only flush the toilet when necessary.
3. Shower for no longer than two minutes. Do a ‘wipe-down’ on alternate days to save even more water.
4. Collect shower, bath and basin water and reuse it to flush your toilet and for the garden.
5. Defrost food in the fridge or naturally rather than placing it under running water.
6. Use a cup instead of running taps in the bathroom or kitchen for brushing teeth, shaving, drinking and so on.
7. Wait until you have a full load before running washing machines and dishwashers.
8. Upgrade to a multi-flush toilet and/or put a water-displacement item in the cistern, which can halve your water use per flush.
9. Fit taps with aerators or restrictors to reduce flow to no more than six litres per minute, as per the City’s bylaws.
10. For more information on saving water and reporting water issues and offenders, visit the water restrictions page on the City’s website.
Sources: www.health24.com; www.capetowngreenmap.co.za; www.infrastructure.ne.ws
PHOTO: iStock/liulolo
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