The average South African household uses approximately 250 litres of water per day, amounting to around 7 500 litres a month. This is significantly higher than the world average and is a cause for concern with water restrictions being implemented around the country. Seeff covers the water crisis in South Africa and water-saving devices you can use at home.
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Is South Africa experiencing a water crisis?
Climate change is a very real threat in the energy-producing arena of the world. With that, comes natural and economic side-effects. These threaten the way countries are used to receiving their supply of essential energy and water. Weather patterns have noticeably changed across many cities, with many noticing that winters begin earlier and last longer, while summer months are hotter and drier with less rainfall than ever.
The rainfall levels are having a knock-on effect on things like farming, manufacturing and daily home use. The Cape Town drought that was experienced from 2017 onward resulted in water restrictions being imposed in even the most luxurious of 5-star hotels. Shower times were curtailed to a maximum of two minutes and locals were encouraged to store at least five litres of water in their homes at all times in case of emergency.
With the floods that KwaZulu-Natal experienced in April of 2022, many major water supplies were damaged. Households were left without water for weeks on end and access to these areas was limited at best. With such uncertainty, it’s important to introduce water-saving methods in your home to prevent running dry.
The best water-saving devices for your home
Any place you use water in your home can be optimised to be as efficient as possible. There are ways to cut down on daily activities without feeling like you’re making too much of an adjustment.
Water-saving devices for taps include:
Electronic taps i.e. the ones you find in shopping malls, airports etc. These work with automatic sensors and shut the water off between and after washing at the right times. Taps can also have one-touch options that limit short bursts of water ideal for hand washing intervals. There are also taps with temperature settings so you can always have the right heat or cold without spending time wasting water.
Water-saving devices for toilets include:
A coordinated sanitary and piping system is essential to water saving by providing a streamlined approach to flushing. Toilets are a huge drain (pun intended) on a home’s water supply. The Save-A-Flush device can be installed to save between 1-2 litres per flush.
Water-saving devices for washing machines include:
Washing machines use various technologies with a 40%-80% reduction in water usage. The machines are designed so as not to compromise on cleaning while saving the maximum amount of water possible.
Water-saving devices for showers include:
Showerheads that reduce the water flow while still maintaining pressure are fast becoming a favourite in the hospitality industry and are gaining popularity in homes. Geyser consumption is also saved, resulting in a lower electricity bill as well.
Water-saving devices for rainfall include:
Rainwater tanks and containers can be placed in your garden and used for everything from surplus water usage in the home like washing dishes or windows or going toward watering your gardens during the drier weeks. Self-watering liners can also be used for planters to keep your greenery at its very best all year long.
With the world moving toward environmentally friendly products and an emphasis on recycling, even big businesses are promoting sustainability in the home and workplace. You can do your part by ensuring you collect and store as much water for future use, installing a water-purifying filter in your home and using biodegradable refillable bottles when buying purified water.
The amount of water saving you need to do in your home should not only depend on the area you live in, but the impact you want to leave on the environment and the difference your household can make. Seeff has a range of homes that can easily be equipped with the latest water-saving devices and turned into an eco-friendly abode. Make the call to one of our property practitioners today and find your ideal home now.
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