OPINION PIECE: Spring is coming, but let’s be water-wise

September [Spring] month is just around the corner, and it is a season of high temperatures where people will need water to cool off, either by drinking or immersing themselves in their water pools. Others will play water games to welcome the dawn of Spring Season by drenching one another with water. This will be an exciting period for many.

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However, we need to bear in mind that water is a precious resource in this country, and it should be used with utmost care. Let us therefore not misuse and waste this precious source.

It is a known fact that South Africa is a water-scarce country and one of the 30 driest countries in the world. Therefore, we should use water sparingly in our households. We need to reduce our water usage in order to ensure its sustainability.

South Africa has a high rate of water consumption with an average of 218 litres per person per day, compared to the international average of 173 litres per person per day. This means that we consume more water than we should. Therefore, we need to change our behaviour in how we use water.

CAUTION TO USE WATER SPARINGLY AS SPRING SEASON LOOMS

As we enter the Spring season…. Let us remember that water, which is in high demand because of scorching weather conditions in most parts of the country, is a precious resource. We need to treat it as a precious entity in our individual lives. Just as the precious metals like gold and silver which keeps the economy of the world going, so it is with water. It is very precious and essential for economic growth of the country.

Let us refrain from using water carelessly. It is the most sensible thing to do.

By Nthabiseng Dhlamini, Communicator at the National Dept. of Water & Sanitation