Makana Municipality recently imposed water restreictions due to low levels of water in the Municpal dams. This is due to a chronically water-stressed area with erratic rainfall and frequent droughts. We need to use less water.                                       

We all need to:
Adopt SUSTAINABLE practices:
 Harvest rainwater. Install a rainwater tank or two beside your house and collect free rainwater off the roof. You can use it for watering plants and cooking.
 Re-use grey water. Attach a wide black plastic pipe to outlets from showers/baths and wash basins so grey water can flow into the garden. You can plant a small wetland around its outlet, or let it filter through sand first.
 Install waterless sanitation.  Flush toilets are a luxury that can’t last forever. Think about waterless sanitation. It’s the technology of the future, it’s sustainable, and it’s already in common use in SA, Australia, Dubai, the USA, etc. More info: http://www.enviro-loo.com/

 Plant water-wise. Many beautiful indigenous Eastern Cape plants use less water. In the veggie garden, use a thick mulch – which helps keep the soil moist.
 Become water neutral.  The WWF ‘Water Neutral’ scheme calls us to review our water use, reduce the amount we use, and replenish freshwater ecosystems. See:  http://www.waterneutral.co.za/

REDUCE your use of water:
 Fix leaks.  A dripping tap or leaking toilet can waste more than 1000 litres per month. Fix it.
 Flush toilet less.  Flush only when you need to. Put a full plastic bottle in the cistern to reduce the amount of water flushed. Put a drop of food colouring in the cistern – if there is a leak, you will see the colour in the bowl.
 Low-flow shower. You can still enjoy your shower while using less water. Low-flow showerheads are stocked by most hardware stores.
X  Don’t bath. Showers are more hygienic and, if not longer than 7 minutes, use less water.
X  Don’t wash cars. Washing non-essential things like cars, pathways, etc, is a waste of precious water.
X  Don’t leave taps running. Switch off the tap while you clean your teeth, rinse veggies, wash dishes, etc.
 Wash full loads only. If you must use a washing machine, buy one that uses less water, make sure it is full before use, and keep the water for flushing.
 Report municipal leaks. Breakages and leaks anywhere in town have an impact on all of us. Report these immediately to our Municipality: 046-603.6136 / 6063
 BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
October 2009
More info:
 Albany Museum Blue Planet Gallery
www.kowiecatchmentcampaign.org.za