Water Wise Watch - August 2023
01.08.23
Happy 120 years of existence, Rand Water
Since its establishment in 1903, Rand Water has been a beacon of reliability, supplying potable water of superior quality to 12 million people in Gauteng, the economic heartland of South Africa. Through unwavering dedication and commitment, Rand Water has never failed in meeting the growing demands of Gauteng and its thriving economy, making it one of the world's largest and most essential water utilities. Cheers to 120 years of excellence in providing life-sustaining water to our community!.
Arbor Week
During this special week, South Africans are encouraged to actively plant and celebrate trees. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the critical role that trees play in our environment and society, as well as fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward nature.
What is the significance of trees?
- Trees provide protection against flooding and water pollution.
- Trees are home to millions of species that protect us from disease.
- Trees help to clean the air we breathe and fight climate change.
- Organize a park cleanup with your neighbors.
- Plant a tree.
- Learn about trees and how to plant and care for them correctly.
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As custodians for water sustainability, the Rand Water - Water Wise team, has established a captivating water-wise garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. This exciting collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) aims to promote water-wise practices for home gardens.
Discover the magic of water-wise practices and gain insights to implement them in your own home gardens. Visit our garden at The Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Let's cultivate a greener and more water-conscious future together!
Using Kikuyu the Water Wise way
Kikuyu
Pennisetum clandestinum, commonly known as kikuyu, is the most widely used lawn grass in South Africa. It is native to east Africa and has an aggressive growth form, which means it can become invasive and take over indigenous grasses. Kikuyu is drought tolerant, inexpensive, and easy to maintain because it can grow in areas where most grasses cannot. However, it is sometimes considered the highest user of water in comparison to other commonly used turf grasses.
Kikuyu is mostly used as an instant lawn for sports fields, golf course construction, and rehabilitation. It has a mat root and a herbaceous growth habit. It doesn’t grow well in shaded areas.
Water wise watering for kikuyu
- Avoid watering kikuyu when it is dormant.
- Wait for the rains to start before awakening your kikuyu from its dormant state.
- Newly installed kikuyu will require more water during its settling or establishment period.
- In summer, water the grass in the evening when there is less evaporation.
- Use a trigger nozzle if watering kikuyu with a hose.
- Educate your corporates and other clients why you are implementing those changes.
- Fast growing.
- Grows in full sun and in most soils.
- High-traffic resistant and persistent growth form.
- Survives long dry periods and is drought tolerant.
- Better frost tolerance than some warm season grasses.
- Very effective for erosion control in ornamental landscapes.
- Rapid summer growth rate with high yield potential.
- Very competitive; suppresses weeds.
- Requires regular mowing.
- High evapotranspiration rate.
- Can become invasive and difficult to control.
The most effective way to protect streams from pollution is to prevent pollution at the source. It is critical to keep litter out of our homes and streets because litter from these areas can be washed into nearby drains and streams when it rains. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Avoid pouring used motor oil down storm drains because it is detrimental to the environment. Instead, recycle it at your local auto parts store; it's completely free!
- Wash your car or outdoor equipment in a area where the water can flow into the gravel or grass rather than directly into the drain.
- Be responsible by picking up litter and properly disposing of it.
- Never clean up a spill by washing it down a storm drain. Cover the spill with sand or another absorbent material instead. Sweep up the solidified liquid and dispose of it in a garbage bin.
- Consider mulching or composting grass clippings or garden waste. If composting is not possible, place it in a refuse bag and ensure proper disposal. Remember that blowing leaves into the street is not allowed as it can lead to clogged storm drains.
- Use fertiliser with caution. If it gets onto paved surfaces, blow or sweep it back onto the grass. To prevent chemicals from entering storm drains and waterways, avoid fertilising the lawn right before it rains.
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3 Aug: National Science Week ends 4 Aug: International Clouded Leopard Day 9 Aug: Women’s Day 10 Aug: World Lion Day 12 Aug: World Elephant Day 23 Aug: World Water Week starts 26 Aug: World Mosquito Day 30 Aug: Arbor Week starts 31 Aug: African Traditional Medicine day |
Nigerian Rice Farmers Fight Floods with Climate- Smart Practices "Edozhigi - one of the major rice farming communities in Niger State, suffered severe loss of rice and sugarcane farms in 2022 when floods washed away most of their rice farms which were due for harvesting. After suffering severe losses, the farmers began rice planting earlier, and changed to a variety of seeds that can be harvested within three months of planting.." |
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"Invasive alien plants and animals pose a significant threat to South Africa’s rich biodiversity — and even the world-famous Kruger National Park has not been spared..." |
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"The “jewel of the forest”, the Cape parrot, is South Africa’s only endemic parrot and about 1 800 of these birds remain in the wild..." |
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"That cholera has been detected in the sewage-polluted Vaal River is not surprising, according to a water expert...." |
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