by With Stage 3b water restrictions announced in Cape Town, it is clear there are some serious measures that need to be set in place in order to save water.
While most have made concerted efforts to preserve water, many towns, including Constantia, Landsdowne, Newlands, Athlone, Rylands, Newfields, Kraaifontein, and Somerset West.
How Do You Save Water In Your Home?
This can be done in a number of ways, including:
- Grey water usage for your garden and washing clothes.
- Refraining from washing your car.
- Refraining from watering your garden. 3b permits before 9am or after 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays for a maximum of one hour.
- Restricting toilet flushing.
- Fixing all leaks.
- Not running the dishwasher until it is completely full.
- Conserving electricity (power plants use water to cool down).
- Choosing efficient fixtures that lower the water pressure, i.e. low-flow toilet, water-efficient shower heads, etc.
- Shrinking your garden, or turning it into a succulent heaven instead.
CLICK BELOW to read about 3 ways you can save water that will also save you money!
What Is Grey Water?
Grey water is gently used or recycled water that comes from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It does not come into contact with faeces and, even though it may “look” dirty, it safe to use for irrigation.
Reusing your grey water keeps it out of the sewer or septic system. Thereby reducing the chance that it will pollute local water bodies. Reusing grey water for irrigation reconnects urban residents and our backyard gardens to the natural water cycle.
How Do You Save Water When You Shower?
It may seem strange at first, but the bucket method can prove highly effective when taking a shower. Simply place a bucket below the water faucet in the shower and it will catch all the flicks of water that usually go straight down the drain.
This water can be used to water the lawn and plants, or used in the washing machine with your next load.
Basic Grey Water Guidelines
Grey water is different from fresh water and requires different guidelines for it to be reused:
- Don’t store grey water (more than 24 hours). If you store grey water, the nutrients in it will start to break down, creating bad odours.
- Minimise contact with grey water. Grey water could potentially contain a pathogen if an infected person’s faeces got into the water. So, your system should be designed for the water to soak into the ground and not be available for people or animals to drink.
- Infiltrate grey water into the ground, don’t allow it to pool up or run off. Knowing how well water drains into your soil (or the soil percolation rate of your soil) will help with proper design. Pooling grey water can provide mosquito breeding grounds, as well as a place for human contact with grey water.
Click here for an extensive guideline of Stage 3B water restrictions.
