By Roxanne Reid
For Earth Hour this year, the World Wide Fund for Nature in South Africa (WWF-SA) urged us as consumers to consider the choices we make about food, water and energy, and the effect our choices have on the environment. It highlighted 10 facts you should know about water that might change the way you use this precious resource.
For Earth Hour this year, the World Wide Fund for Nature in South Africa (WWF-SA) urged us as consumers to consider the choices we make about food, water and energy, and the effect our choices have on the environment. It highlighted 10 facts you should know about water that might change the way you use this precious resource.
1. The availability of freshwater is a huge limiting factor to South Africa’s development. We’re a water-scarce country where supply will probably exceed demand by 2025.
2. 40% of South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems are in critical condition and 80% are threatened. In addition, 82% of our rivers are under threat.
3. What are the main threats?
2. 40% of South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems are in critical condition and 80% are threatened. In addition, 82% of our rivers are under threat.
3. What are the main threats?
- mining activities that cause acid mine drainage
- alien vegetation that invades natural biodiversity
- climate change impacts like higher temperatures, which increase evaporation rates and make plants need more water.
According to the WWF-SA, 82% of our rivers in South Africa are under threat
4. Next time you reach for bottled water in the supermarket, remember that it can take up to three litres of ‘natural’ water to produce just one litre of bottled water.
5. We also consume water indirectly in the food we eat and things we buy. Here’s a look at how much water it takes to produce common items:
5. We also consume water indirectly in the food we eat and things we buy. Here’s a look at how much water it takes to produce common items:
- 1 litre petrol – 15 litres of water
- a 5-minute shower – 100 litres of water
- a glass of beer – 300 litres of water
- a beef burger – 1 100 litres of water
- a cotton shirt – 2 900 litres of water
- a pair of jeans – 11 000 litres of water
- 1 litre petrol – 15 litres of water
Much of South Africa's water comes from large dams, such as the Katse Dam in the Lesotho Highlands
7. Plantations of pine and wattle use more water than natural vegetation, and reduce stream flows. Some forestry companies create buffer zones around rivers and wetlands and allow space for natural vegetation to flourish.
8. Less than 1% of the water treated by public water systems is used for drinking and cooking. At our current rate of consumption we’ll run out of fresh drinking water by 2030.
9. Some 37% of water is lost from leaks in city pipes. In 2013, water leaks cost South Africa a whopping R7.2 billion.
10. Use rainwater channelled from gutters or from a rain water tank to minimise the losses from piped systems. It’s untreated water so it has a lower carbon footprint too.
And remember, water doesn’t just come from a tap. Follow the journey of water to find out more.
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8. Less than 1% of the water treated by public water systems is used for drinking and cooking. At our current rate of consumption we’ll run out of fresh drinking water by 2030.
9. Some 37% of water is lost from leaks in city pipes. In 2013, water leaks cost South Africa a whopping R7.2 billion.
10. Use rainwater channelled from gutters or from a rain water tank to minimise the losses from piped systems. It’s untreated water so it has a lower carbon footprint too.
And remember, water doesn’t just come from a tap. Follow the journey of water to find out more.
Find the article interesting? Pin this image!
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