The Free State provincial government released a media statement yesterday stating that it would take a strict approach to preserve and protect its water resources during the current drought situation.

It said a total water system shut down across the province would be applied between 21h00 and 05h00 if daily water saving measures and restrictions were not collectively implemented. It also stated that the province has less than 30 days of water supply remaining in its reserves.

No mention was, however, made about MEC Butana Komphela's statement this week that water-shedding would be implemented across the province from tonight. Komphela, who is also the Chairperson of the Provincial Government Task Team on Drought Mitigation, told OFM News on Monday that water would be cut between 21:00 to 06:00 daily across the province from today.

The following water tips were provided to help save water:

•    Ensure taps are closed after use.
•    Turn the tap off when washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.
•    Taking a five-minute shower a day, instead of a bath, will use a third of the water used in a bathtub, saving up to 400 litres a week. Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute on full pressure hence must be controlled by installing water saving devices.
•    If you prefer to bath, don't fill up the bathtub. Taking a bath can use between 80 and 150 litres of water per bath, and couples should share a bath. Save water by pouring bath water into a bucket for flushing the toilet.
•    Use low-flow showerheads, dual flush toilet mechanisms and water-efficient washing machines.
•    Reducing the toilet flush volume alone can save 20% of total water consumption. This can be done by putting a 2-litre cold drink bottle, filled with water and a little sand to add weight or insert a full face brick into the cistern.
•    Fix a leaking toilet otherwise it can waste up to 100 000 litres of water in one year.
•    Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Every time you flush the toilet, 12-15 litres of water is used. Therefore, flush only when it is absolutely necessary.
•    Use "grey water" - used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources - to flush your toilet or water plants.
•    Do not over-fill or excessively backwash your swimming pool.
•    Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash your car. Using a garden hose could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.
•    Do not pour paint and chemicals down the drain.
•    Kettles should not be filled to the brim but with just enough water for your needs. This will reduce your electricity bill too.
•    Farmers must ensure that they keep toxic insecticides away from water sources and streams.
•    Factories should take care not to discharge mercury and other heavy metals into waste water.
•    People living in rural areas should be careful not to use the river or river bank as a toilet.
•    Where people draw water from rivers or dams, please ensure sieving and boiling before drinking it.
In the garden
•    Always water your plants using a bucket during the early morning hours or in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Between 10:00 and 15:00 one can lose up to 90% of water to evaporation.
•    Every time you boil an egg, save the cooled water for your houseplants. They'll benefit from the nutrients released from the shell.
•    Focus on indigenous and non-water-consumptive alien plants (but remove invasive alien plants).
•    Group plants according to their water needs and place mulch around them.

The Provincial Government, through the PROVJOC on drought, has fervently indicated that there will be strict monitoring on usage of water.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) will undertake patrols and surveys to ensure water restriction measures are adhered to. Saving water is everybody’s responsibility.

Christal-Lize Muller/OFM News