#WaterCrisis ideas and tips from News24 readers

2018-01-31 13:57

News24 users have flooded our inbox with #WaterCrisis tips, ideas and potential solutions. Get some creative water saving inspiration from your fellow readers here!

Do you want to submit your idea? Find out how here.

Please note that the content posted here has been independently written by members of News24's community. The ideas and tips of users published below are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. They have not been independently tested and verified and we cannot vouch for them.

This article will be updated daily with new content so be sure to check back for more

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Last Updated at 09:35

#DayZero pushed back to June, as drought declared a national disaster
Cape Town - Day Zero - the day that taps will run dry for residents - for Capetonians has now been extended to June 4 from May 11, 2018. The delay in Day Zero has been attributed to the continued decline in agricultural usage and Capetonians reducing their water usage, said deputy mayor Ian Neilson.

Please note that the content posted here has been independently written by members of News24's community. The ideas and tips of users published below are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.This article will be updated daily with new content so be sure to check back for more!

Here’s how to report noncompliance with water restrictions:

Call 0860 103 089 (choose the "water related faults" option)

Send an email to water.restrictions@capetown.gov.za

SMS 31373 (max of 160 characters)

#WaterCrisis UPDATE: Watertight strategies for Cape events, Pool damage headaches uncovered, WP club rugby postponed
Cape Town - Drought-stricken Cape Town experienced some much needed rainfall on Friday night, 09 February, and Twitter was abuzz with memes, photos and videos depicting the showers across the city. Click here to see what was shared. ALSO SEE: WATCH: Time-lapse of Cape Town's approaching rain is beautiful!

"All modern geysers have pressure regulators that will allow cold water to escape during heating cycle. Locate your overflow outlet and re-route to container. It is possible to collect up to eight litres per day." - Ike Herring

"I understand that fresh water from the Congo river can be found @ +40kms out in the Atlantic Ocean. Use Sea Tankers to harvest this source. Satellite can identify purest areas. On board purification plant can process the water whilst en-route. Not certain what the implications of the ITW would be, but could possibly obtain the water free of charge?" - Dave, Paarl

"Get the Railways to take rail tanker loads full raw unsanitized river/dam water to the Cape. The Cape Municipalities still have the ability to sanitize the water and its easier and cheaper to obtain raw river water. It can be pumped from various fresh water sources like lagoons, lakes, dams, rivers or vleilands anywhere where a railway line is near, or crosses, a water source throughout the Country. If the railways doesn't have enough tanker wagons, get water lorries from the army and private sector and place them onto flatbed railway wagons. Get the army to assist with the filling of the tankers. They have the equipment and manpower. When offloading the water it can be channeled or pumped directly to the cape reservoir dams or water works for processing from a convenient railway location or siding." - Nic van der Westhuizen

"In order for us to continue a sustained fight against any water crisis now and in the future, we should all aim to shift to a more plant-based food lifestyle. This is one way of ensuring that our kids will have water to drink in generations to come.The production of all animal products that we consume, from meat to dairy, all require huge resources of water, land and energy. It is significantly larger than what is required for plant food such as fruits, vegetables, legumes etc. If we start to interrogate our food choice, we'll soon understand the impact that these have on the sustainability of our country's resources." - Lonwabo Mgoduso

"Just an idea: On Discovery vitality rewards – to add a 5 litre of water to the Cape Town crisis Hope they consider it." - Debbie Skopelitis

Need to do your washing at a laundromat? Here's what you should know#News24WaterTips #CapeWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/f0YLgR1C2g
— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) February 8, 2018

"Use top loader washing machines, select wash only and remove clothes to a bucket for rinsing and another for fabric softening. In that way one can wash a few batches of clothes starting with the white garments." - Balelang Sibiya

This whole family of 4 + their 3 pets only use 49 Litres of water for the day! Here's how...
Cape Town - Locals and visitors alike are doing their best to save water and stem the impending Day Zero now set for 11 May. In Tanja Spykerman's household, using less than 50 litres of water per person per day - as required by Cape Town's Level 6b water restrictions - is a breeze!

"Day Zero draws neigh and still not taken seriously enough by many. When it arrives people will not be sufficiently prepared and the water point stations inexperienced. Why wait for the unknown when we can practice and adjust the plan in advance? Announce a two day shut down in HALF of the area for two weeks’ time and man water points there. Then the follow week shut down two days in the other half. We are all talking but not yet DOING . Lets get practical and see how we build community and city cooperation so we push back day zero by holding meaningful rehearsals." - Peter Schuster

"The airlines and/or rental car providers could levy all incoming travellers with the cost of a bottle of water on arrival. Accommodation places could charge a once-off water levy on their bookings. The couple in the cottage next to mine this weekend ran their shower for a LOT longer than 2 minutes. All levies to be put towards bringing in additional water or improving water catchment/storage. Vineyards should match their wine bottle sales by selling an equal volume of bottled water to be donated; it’s not much more expensive if visitors can afford to buy the wine already. Restaurants can do the same for beer and cocktail sales. Find creative ways to reuse all those empty plastic containers - ship them back up to donating cities to be refilled; somehow use them as building materials for low cost housing. Build dams and water tanks with bottle ‘bricks’." - Paul & Joanne Johnston

"Would it be possible for areas that aren't affected like Durban which has experienced quite a lot of rain and will have JoJO tanks in full capacity donate their stored water? Maybe these tanks can be emptied by municipality and transported to Cape Town. Is it possible to have celebrities or local artists stage concerts, comedy shows etc, and charge patrons litres of water as opposed to actual money, then all the water can be collected and delivered to CPT.

I live in the prospecton area of Durban and we have experienced torrential rain, hail and excessive flooding. Could the KZN municipality erect JoJo Tanks just for the purpose of serving regions like CPT who are experiencing a water crisis. These can be installed in public or private properties." - Jamie Murugan

#CapeWaterCrisis: Pool damage headaches uncovered
iStock Cape Town's Day Zero is fast approaching, now expected on 11 May 2018. The heat of summer is sinking the city's dam levels along with the swimming pools of hotels and residents alike. What are the long-term implications though? Many are wondering what their insurance will and will not cover when we reach this day-that-shall-not-be-named.

#CapeWaterCrisis: What travellers need to know about visiting during the drought
Cape Town - 'Day Zero' being pushed to May is far from any cause for celebration as the Mother City's residents, visitors and businesses continue to feel the consequences of the drought. Many individuals are doing what they can to save water and stick to the restrictions.

"Why are we not hiring huge ocean tankers with potable water to see out the drought? Cape Town has a harbour to handle the size ships I’m talking about. It would be much cheaper than desalination plants." - Mark Ransome

Cut your hair into a shorter style that uses less water when shampooing and conditioning, esp if you have to wash it every day/2nd day. I cut mine short from below shoulder length - I can even sleep 10-15mins later that I previously used to style! #News24WaterTips #WaterCrisis
— Elsabé vdw (@elsabevdw) February 6, 2018

#WaterCrisis UPDATE: Mindful tourism, Only 10 springs tested safe for drinking, God is angry with Cape Town
Cape Town - As Capetonians increase their efforts to save more water, we find out that only 10 out of 80 springs across the city have been tested as safe for drinking. These are some of the latest water crisis stories you may have missed and need to know about - be sure to stay informed and save water.

#News24WaterTips We wanted to install a hand wash basin in our barbecue room. Then decided to use a movable enamel basin with no sewer connection. Hand wash water goes to the garden. And it’s lovely to experience the childhood lifestyle! pic.twitter.com/KcEPMU79FT
— Alfonso Niemand Sr (@AlfonsoNiemand) February 6, 2018

"Water Saving using inexpensive plastic 220L drums.

The drums can be linked with a 25mm plastic pipe if more water storage capacity is needed.

The washing machine plastic drum is 100L and the water from the machine is mixed 50/50 with rain water to feed trees and shrubs in the garden, and as grey water." - Mark Algra

"I wanted to restrict the rate of water flow out of my taps and shower heads so came up with a plan which took about 30 minutes to complete and did not cost me a cent as I used a pair of scissors and flexible plastic material which I got from my recycling bin.

Here is what I did:

- I unscrewed the existing water aerators from my taps and shower heads using my fingers;
- I measured and cut flat plastic discs to fit over the aerator;
- once the plastic discs were trimmed to the correct size, I made small holes in each of them (for the taps I made a number of small holes with a sewing needle and for the shower, I cut one small hole in the centre of the disc);
- I then put the plastic disc between the existing aerator and its washer and screwed the fittings back onto each tap and shower head making sure that there were no leaks.

The end result is that no matter how hard the tap is turned on, the same amount of restricted water flows through." - Paul Dallas, Melkbosstrand

#WaterCrisis UPDATE: 'Day Zero' pushed to May, Sanitation risks, How to flush your toilet after 'Day Zero'
Cape Town - Day Zero may have been extended to May, but the #CapeWaterCrisis remains a reality for Capetonians. Follow News24's special report on the water crisis here. These are some of the latest water crisis stories you may have missed - be sure to stay informed and save water.

"For those with swimming pools: Obtain a small Jo-Jo tank (360 litres) and pipe it so that you can pump your backwash pool water into the top inlet. Connect the bottom outlet of the tank to the pool return pipe from the pump. After backwashing and rinsing, allow a couple of days for the sediment in the water to settle - the water becomes clear. To run the water back in, just switch the pump off and open the bottom valve, this allows the settled water to run back into the pool. Close the valve after clearing the tank ready for your next back wash. No water wastage and it saves a lot on chemicals too." - Tony Radionic

Dry clean some of your clothes - chinos, jeans, shirts etc instead of washing them.

Dry Cleaning is a waterless process! #News24watertips #WaterCrisis #News24
— Warren_CT_JHB (@Warren__10) February 4, 2018

#CapeWaterCrisis: Water to 'stay on for commercial centres', exact locations yet to be released
Cape Town - The Joint Association Members Meeting Sessions (JAMMS) hosted a discussion at the CTICC on Friday, 2 February to provide more information and assistance to the tourism industry during the water crisis. There were close to 600 attendees at the JAMMS session to discuss the impact of the drought on the industry which is a vital contributor to the country's economy.

#CapeWaterCrisis: How will I flush my toilet after 'Day Zero'?
iStock Cape Town - While many Capetonians try by all means to avoid being affected by 'Day Zero', which is set to take place on 16 April, the consequence of the ongoing drought is being weighed on what will happen after the taps run dry. But what happens after Day Zero.

Here’s how to report noncompliance with water restrictions:

Call 0860 103 089 (choose the "water related faults" option)

Send an email to water.restrictions@capetown.gov.za

SMS 31373 (max of 160 characters)

Cape Town residents fined for not complying with Level 6B restriction
Cape Town - Cape Town law enforcement officials have issued R4 000 in fines to residents who have failed to comply with the new level 6B water restrictions, which kicked in on Thursday. Under the new restrictions, water consumption is limited to 50 litres per person per day in the hope that Day Zero - the day the taps will be closed - can be avoided.

"We are a family of 4 and are managing to use an average of 100l a day for the whole family. We are careful with our water use but the main way we are managing to use so little water is by flushing the loo with bath/shower water and washing machine water. We still run the washing machine 4 times a week, run the dishwasher every day / second day and shower/ bath every day (very short and as little water as poss used). But purely by using our grey water from bath and washing machine we have reduced our use substantially. We haven’t had great expense in doing this - just a plastic crate to hold the washing machine water and buckets to transport water around." - Heather, Claremont

"Do you know exactly how much water you use when you shower? Everyone’s shower heads are different. Counting seconds in your head is not always accurate, especially when you are using a stop start system. Most people are using large tubs in their showers to catch every last drop of water. Use a permanent black marker to mark increments of 5 litres on the inside of the tub. This way you can monitor how much is being used. Great for kids to see and easily understand" - Natalie Tudhope

"We have a top loader washing machine with an easily accessible outlet pipe. We collect the soapy water for the garden, and the final rinse water we pour into the machine for the next wash. We have been doing this for several months now; there are 3 adults in the house and we manage on 4kl per month. Very shallow baths on alternate days, clothes worn at least twice, and using the minimum for dishes has also become the norm. Even hair is washed over the bath, water caught in a bucket and used for the toilet, as is the bath water" - Taylor, Gordon's Bay.

"My suggestion is that Transnet get involved in the water crisis by supplying water tankers to railway stations throughout the Cape. This will create additional water point at no cost to the Cape. Residents to be given free tickets to travel to these points to collect water. Transnet could fill these tankers at the nearest town / city where there is ample drinkable water." - Philip Chandler

#WaterCrisis UPDATE: Eastern Cape towns near 'Day Zero', Towing icebergs, Deputy Mayor apologises
Cape Town - The water crisis is not limited to Cape Town, as two towns in the Eastern Cape are likely to see 'Day Zero' ahead of the Mother City. This brings into light the frightening reality of the extent of the drought and its effects on various parts of the country and industries.

You don't need water to get your car all shiny. Find out how you can get that shine without water #News24WaterTips #CapeWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/k8NeNMkQJ1
— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) February 2, 2018

Check out how hair salons are saving water and their tips for customers #News24WaterTips #CapeWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/lN5ikd1KEf
— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) February 2, 2018

"I've got a quick suggestion that has saved me a lot of water. It takes about 10 min to install, and cost me exactly R46.

I think it's something that can have a massive effect on water saving.

Having a mixer in your shower enables you to turn the water on and off in short bursts, minimising the water usage. However, if you don't have a mixer, it is quite expensive to install one, and having to constantly open and close two taps and regulate the temperature is just not feasible.

I created a how-to with step by step instructions so that people can install it themselves

http://www.instructables.com/id/Watersaving-Shower-Mixer-Alternative

DIY WATERSAVING: SHOWER MIXER ALTERNATIVE

Should you use less toilet paper in the midst of the #CapeWaterCrisis?
— Traveller24_SA (@Traveller24_SA) February 2, 2018

"Inside every toilet cistern is a small plastic or polystyrene float. This float holds the handle down when you flush, making you use a full flush every time. If you remove this float you can hold the handle down and flush only as long as required. Sometimes only a spurt it required. (Just don't confuse the small float with the big one) " - Greg from George

"We collect the first (cold) shower water in a seperate bucket, and that serves as our drinking/kettle/cooking water, hardly ever need additional water, or then very little." - Lize Greeff

"Most people work an 8 hour day and then at least 2 hours in traffic trying to get to and from work, and given then fact that the City has indicated that the water collection points will only be open for 12 hours, where are we expected to find the time to go and queue. Why not put together a roster to deliver water to people at their home via water tankers once a week. They will provide employment to people and they can charge the consumer for the service." - Nawahl Gierdien

"Hi this is our contribution to saving water. Two adults showered including washing hair. No conditioner in the shower but use leave in conditioners saving on extra rinse water time. Great extension arm for reaching into secret places ;) Total water used just under 5 litres" - Garry

Tweet us your ideas! You can send us tweets with your videos/images/tips. Please use the hashtag #News24WaterTips so we can easily find your submission.

Our Twitter handle is @News24.

"I am not sure whether anybody else thought about this water saving initiative as yet, but it crossed my mind this morning whilst brushing my teeth." - Andre Strydom

via GIPHY

@News24 #News24WaterTips all urinals in the city must be converted to the waterless version. The product has been around for years
— Khaled El-Jabi (@keljabi) January 31, 2018

Plastic balls in reservoirs to prevent evaporation. Compress air with a bit of soap water, like with spray painting , can save lots of water. #News24WaterTips
— Nico de Jongh (@NicodeJongh) February 1, 2018

#CapeWaterCrisis: Towing Icebergs from Antarctica is a solution, but it's 'too late for this year'
Polar regions have had extremely warm periods, researchers have found. (AP) Cape Town - Level 6B water restrictions are officially in place as of Thursday, 01 February 2018, across the Western Cape. From 01 February, all households have to reduce their municipal water consumption to 50 litres per person per day.

"I completed the drive from Durban to Cape Town yesterday (carrying 20 litres) of water with us. We must have passed in excess of 1 000 trucks enroute to Cape Town. If the Municipality could get in touch with each trucking company and suggest a “10 litre water tax” for the next few months that might help. Once a week this water could be collected from the various depots." - Lauren Draper

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