Due to aging infrastructure, South African municipalities lose approximately 40% of potable water through leaks and burst pipes.
Municipalities’ seeming inability to act timeously to repair broken pipes and attend to leaks adds to the growing problem.
These challenges to the conservation of water take centre stage during March, dubbed National Water Month.
In light of this, the Department of Water and Sanitation has initiated a campaign to emphasise the importance of water.
The theme for this year’s World Water Day, observed on 22 March, is “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible”.
The theme seeks to emphasise that alternative sources of water ought to be sought, without the over-reliance on surface water.
“Considering that we are a water scarce country, it is critical for South Africa to look at other means of accessing water,” said Nondumiso Mciteka, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Water and Sanitation.
“As the name suggests, groundwater is water found under the ground that can be extracted to the surface by means of pumps and boreholes. Groundwater makes up a large percentage of the water we use for sanitation, agricultural purposes and domestic use.”
The campaign encourages public participation and urges people to conserve water by fixing leaks on their own property.
“It is also important to ensure that taps are properly closed when not in use,” said Mciteka.
“The department continues to urge the public to use water sparingly to avoid water shortages that may occur during seasons of drought.”
