OPINION: Water Month, a time to reflect on being water-wise

As we observe National Water Month, the country has been under immense pressure regarding supplying water to the people. Many communities across the country are battling as their taps are dry, for days on end.

We have seen in the news how this has led to protest actions as a means for communities to express their frustration regarding lack of water availability in their neighbourhoods.

ALSO READ: Save water for the future generations

It is a sad reality that ageing infrastructure has caused problems that include bulk water pipe burst, water leaks and seeping sewage that runs through the streets.

Mzansi, another painful truth is that we, the people of South Africa, are also contributing to the water challenges that we face. As we learnt in the news, communities are using water excessively. We are consuming more water than we should, and this is exacerbating the water shortages in the country.

If you leave taps running unnecessarily, take long showers, or wash your car with a hose pipe, you are contributing to the country’s water challenges. We need to use water sparingly.

As we celebrate Water Month, let us start to make a change in our lives by using water sparingly.  We need to change our attitude towards how we handle water, and the time is now. Let us be responsible and stop the water over consumption, and by so doing we will ensure that there is water sustainability and water security in the country. 

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