These cities’ taps may be tightened; AfriForum shares tips to save water

AfriForum appeals to residents of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban to not leave the taps running unnecessarily. The organisation warns of possible stricter water restrictions that may be introduced because of water shortages in these cities. Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban are already suffering from level 1 water restrictions, but if residents do not comply, their taps can be tightened even more.

South Africa’s water crisis worsens almost daily and is mainly driven by climate change and the increasing demand for this essential source of life. Furthermore, outdated infrastructure, droughts, pollution and municipal mismanagement, which may leave people without reliable access to clean water, are also a contributing factor to the water crisis.

“Water is life. Electricity can be generated by solar energy, but there is no alternative to water. Residents cannot rely on their local municipality to share the necessary plans for when disaster strikes and there is no more water. That is why it is important that every person who uses water do so sparingly and have a plan in their home for when Day Zero may arrive,” says Tarien Cooks, Disaster Management Specialist for AfriForum.

To help residents, AfriForum has compiled a summary guide on how to save water before and during a drought. The best is planning in advance for a drought. Furthermore, AfriForum’s department for Environmental Affairs is putting pressure on municipalities to limit water losses for which the municipality is responsible – including leaking water systems, taps and fire hydrants.

During the water shortages in the City of Cape Town from 2015 to 2020, the Cape Town city council managed to escape Day Zero. This was possible by applying strict water restrictions, cooperation from residents and by already having plans for when a water crisis arises and by carrying out these plans successfully.

According to AfriForum, much more training and awareness must be created in communities to save water and how to act preventively in this regard.