Water Wise Watch - December 2024

02.12.24

A Review of 2024 Water Wise Efforts

Rand Water was appointed to be the implementing agent for the removal of Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) at the Vaal River. An integrated management strategy was developed to tackle the AIPs. It encompasses biological, physical and chemical control. Through enormous support from the community, this strategy, the team has successfully reduced the coverage from 398ha to less than 1ha.
	Water Wise has been part of various event celebrations that promoted water and environmental conservation (e.g., World environmental day, Biodiversity Day). Through these events, Water Wise has been able to advise the public by sharing water saving tips, alternative water sources (e.g., greywater), Water Wise gardening tips and the importance of conserving our water and biodiversity (e.g., indigenous tree planting).
In an attempt to address the issues of inefficient water use. Water Wise has adopted communities to train and equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to start and maintain a Water Wise garden. The Water Wise gardening tips include mulching your soil, harvesting rainwater, using greywater and Water Wise irrigation. This has been a success as community gardens are thriving and water wise tips are being implemented. For this effort, water wise won the EMS team of the year award.

In November, the Rand Water’s Water Wise team presented at the Green Building Council of South Africa. The presentations encouraged sustainable use and conservation of our water resources for the future.

	The presentations underlined the need for more efficient water use, encouraged the use of greywater by communities, highlighted the impact of municipal water leaks and the impact of lack of access to water meters. “Let’s collaborate to save water. The research shows that communities are eager to act, and together, we can monitor leaks and implement water-saving for a sustainable future” – Zamadube Dube.
The second presentation addressed the issue of South Africa’s current water situation and highlighted the pressure bestowed upon our water resources. “As climate change intensifies, rainfall patterns are becoming less predictive. It is therefore important to recognize the value of adopting adoptable and sustainable water practices in South African households to help mitigate the ongoing water crisis” – Dikeledi Maluleke.
	In the month of November, Water Wise won the EMS team of the year award at Rand Water's Ziyagezana award ceremony. This award is for recognizing Water Wise for their efforts in water and environmental conservation by promoting sustainable water use and environmental education. As Rand Water's environmental brand, Water Wise has been vital in addressing the issues around inefficient water use, climate change, promoting citizen science, community upliftment and alerting the public about the issues faced in the environmental and water sector.

Drip Irrigation

The Benefits of Drip Irrigation

• Drip irrigation saves water - when compared to sprinkler systems, flood irrigation and centre pivot irrigation, drip irrigation systems save up to 90% of water used/applied.
• Drip irrigation increases crop yields and quality - drip irrigation systems deliver water at a root-zone level. This then discourages humid conditions that may lead to the growth of pests

Sources:
Netafim
Agrivi

 Do You Want to Save Water? Fix Your Leaks!

 How To:

• Firstly, turn off the main water valve. Secondly, open the tap to relieve the pressure and to empty the tap of any remaining water. 
• Dismantle the tap and remove the worn washer. This is done by unscrewing the tap head. 
• Unscrew the bell-shaped cover and remove. 
• Lay the parts down in the same order you remove them to simplify reassembly.
• Unscrew the head part with water pump pliers, or a similar tool, and remove. 
• Unscrew the washer, retain nut and remove the faulty tap washer. 
• Replace with a new washer of the same size, thickness and type. 
• Replace the nut. Remember not to over-tighten the nut as this may damage the new washer.
• Re-install the spindle and screw down the cover. 
• Close the tap. 
• Restore the water supply and check again for leaks.

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Be part of the solution!
We want to hear from homeowners and green industry experts. Take a short survey and share your views on grass watering practices.

Simply follow the link or scan the QR code below that best describes you and have your say in water-wise lawn care!

Homeowners:
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04 December: World Wildlife Conservation Day

Water Supply Challenges Receive “Aggressive Measures,” says Johannesburg Water "Constrained water supply in Johannesburg is leading Johannesburg water to implement aggressive demand management strategies. The ongoing dry period on top of a major interruption at Palmiet Booster Station has exacerbated the ongoing water woes in the region..."
MTN Business Smart Water: Where Utility Management Meets Intelligence "In today’s increasingly connected and sustainability-driven world, managing water efficiently is not only an economic necessity, but a key responsibility for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. The MTN Business Smart Water solution addresses this need, marking a transformative shift towards smarter, more..."
Minister Pemmy Majodina Hails Major Progress On Lower Umkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme "Water and sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has expressed strong optimism about the substantial progress made on the Lower uMkhomazi Water Scheme project .which is aimed at improving water supply..."