Rainwater Harvesting
It is now viable to harvest rainwater for your whole household. This includes rainwater harvesting, storing and pumping rainwater for bathing, showering, toilet flushing, pool, laundry and irrigation. Rainwater harvesting together with other Water Rhapsody products can save up to 90% of your water bill.
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Monthly Archives: January 2010
Grey Water Diverter
You may ask: What are the implications regarding any toxic levels to the plants or animals in your garden using grey water? Answer: Not bad at all. As long as you follow a few simple rules regarding the use of grey water for your garden. Water Rhapsody has installed more than 3000 grey water systems in Cape Town alone. We recommend low or phosphate free washing powders to use in your laundry. Avoid the use of fabric softeners, and sodium hypochlorite (JIK). Many of the Water Rhapsody installations date back from 1994, including those of the people who started the Fresh Water Institute at UCT, and Professor Kader and Louise Asmal. They have Fynbos gardens, and these are all green and beautiful. We never take water from dishwashing machines, so the abrasive nature of the dishwashing detergent is not of concern. All dishwashing water must go into the sewer.
Port Elizabeth new water restriction tariffs
On average we use 240l of water per person per day. With the new water restrictions we are only allowed to use 400l per day per household on the normal tariff of R5.29/kl. We will pay R9.53 for the next 600l and a staggering R14.88 for the next 1000l. Let’s say you have a household of 4 people. On average you will use 960l/day. The water you have used for that day will cost you R5.29 + R9.37 = R14.66. The cost per 31 day month will be R454.46. By installing the conservation systems from Water Rhapsody, water usage is decreased to 120l per person per day. Therefore the same household will now only use 480l per day. The cost will be R5.29 + R1.27 = R6,56 or R203,36 per 31 day month. There will be a household saving of R251.10 monthly or R3013.20 per annum. Without changing your lifestyle you have saved a staggering 178,560l of water!
Photos of Dam Levels in Port Elizabeth
Click here for pics of the Algoa FM Dam tour on 18 January 2010
Waterproblem in the Bay getting critical
Water consumption: We see it, we hear it, we feel it, but it still does not sink in! According to Mr. Pierre Joubert, Head Manager from the Gamtoos-irrigation board, the public from the Nelson Mandela Metro does not cut back enough on their daily water consumption. Almost the same amount of water are being withdrawn since water restrictions was put in place. “It seems as if people do not grasp the seriousness of the situation” The Kouga Dams’ level is lying on 43%, but still the city may only make use of 30% thereof. This situation hits farmers in the Gamtoos the worst. They’re quotas have already been limited to only 30% since July 2009. The quotas might tighten soon, even though they struggle to survive with the current supply. Drastic measures will have to be implemented soon, should the damlevels drop to being only 35%. An emergency meeting is scheduled between the Department of Water Affairs and the Nelson Mandela Metro at the end of January, to discuss the management of this critical situation. Source: Die Burger, 14 January 2010
Michelle Garforth-Venter’s Conservation Tips:
Going Waterwise in the Garden You should be watering your garden very early in the morning or in the early evening as this helps reduce and prevent evaporation and allows for moisture to be taken in by the soil. Only water ones or twice a week: having an indigenous garden makes this tip an easy one – remember that when watering your garden it is important to thoroughly soak it as this will allow deeper soil penetration and encourage deeper root growth, which in turn promotes a plant’s ability to survive in long periods of drought. Plant indigenous: it need far less water than exotics, and the added benefit of an indigenous garden is that you will then encourage a huge variety of beautiful birds to visit and spend time in you garden. Group plants with thw same or similar water needs together in the same beds, this will ensure that you don’t over-water drought-resistant plants and under-water the thirsty plants. Use your lawn efficiently: a well maintained green lawn is definitely beautiful but by far the biggest water consumer. Consider reducing your lawn size by cutting out any unnecessary sections or replacing sections with beds for drought-resistant plants and … Continue reading
Posted in Water Conservation
Tagged Gardening, Indigenous Plants, Saving water, Water Conservation, Water tips, Waterwise
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Water Conservation Song
Posted in Water Conservation
Tagged Water Conservation, Water Restrictions, Water tips
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Water restrictions to become more stringent
According to Bay municipal spokesman Luncedo Njezula, water restrictions already in place are set to become even more stringent in the coming months if no good rains fall. “(Last year) council approved a drought strategy that serves as a guideline regarding the measures to be put in place as the dam levels decline. The strategy proposes that water quotas (500 litres per household per day and an increased water tariff) be introduced when the dam levels reach 35%. A punitive tariff will apply if the quota is exceeded. “The municipality’s water monitoring committee will meet early (this month) to consider the proposed measures and may even recommend that water quotas be introduced earlier,” Njezula said (Source: The Herald, 2010/01/04 by Brian Hayward)
