How to Reduce Your Water Bill While Helping Avert the Next Day Zero
With reports of looming "water bankruptcy" and the City of Cape Town urging residents to drastically cut consumption during the hot summer months, water conservation has moved from a lifestyle choice to a priority. South Africa is a water-scarce country, receiving only half the global average annual rainfall. As we face the heat, saving water not only prevents "Day Zero" but also saves money on utility bills and reduces the energy required to pump and treat water.
Here are some practical tips to reduce your household water footprint:
Bathroom
The bathroom is often the largest consumer of household water, so it's crucial to start water conservation here.
The "Yellow Mellow" Rule: Despite its unpopularity, this rule is essential. The City of Cape Town advises flushing only when necessary to avoid dry taps. This practice should be adopted at home, work, and school. When flushing, use greywater (recycled from baths, laundry, or showers) poured from a bucket instead of the handle, if possible.
The Stop-Start Shower: Long showers are a thing of the past. Keep showers to a maximum of two to five minutes. For efficiency, use the "stop-start" method: wet your body, turn off the tap to soap up, and turn it back on only to rinse.
The "Washbasin" Strategy: Place a bucket or washbasin in your shower to capture water that would otherwise run down the drain while it warms up or while you rinse. This collected greywater can be used to flush toilets.
Modify Your Cistern: If you must use municipal water to flush, ensure your cistern isn't wasting it. Reduce the flush volume by placing a one or two-litre plastic bottle filled with water into the cistern mechanism. This displaces water, saving litres with every flush.
Kitchen and Laundry
Full Loads Only: Whether using a washing machine or a dishwasher, wait for a full load before running a cycle. Modern washing machines are more efficient, using around 50 litres per wash, but running them half-empty negates this benefit. For dishwashers, skip the pre-rinse and scrape plates to save up to 1,000 litres a year.
The Basin Method: Never wash dishes or vegetables under a running tap. Use a plug or a plastic tub in the sink to save water, which can be repurposed for the garden.
Smart Cooking: Fill your kettle only with the water needed for that specific cup of tea. Keep a jug of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap while waiting for it to cool down.
Summer Gardening and Pool Maintenance
With high evaporation rates on the Highveld and Western Cape, outdoor water management is critical.
Cover Up: If you own a pool, a cover is essential. It significantly reduces evaporation, saving thousands of litres. During drought restrictions, topping up pools with municipal drinking water is strictly prohibited.
Mulch and Timing: Apply a layer of mulch (bark chips, straw, or leaves) to your garden soil to increase soil moisture retention by up to 50%. Water only at sunrise or sunset to prevent immediate evaporation.
The 'Silent' Leaks
Check Your Meter: Leaks can account for 5% of all water used in a home. To check for underground leaks, turn off all taps and check your water meter. If the digital reading changes or the star wheel on a dial meter turns while no water is being used, you have a leak.
The Toilet Test: A leaking toilet can waste up to 100,000 litres a year. Test for a silent leak by adding a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. If the water in the bowl turns coloured after 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak that requires a washer replacement.
By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can significantly reduce your water consumption, save money on your water bill, and contribute to water conservation efforts in South Africa.
