Adva

11/11/2019

11/11/2019

NEWS

Water crisis: residents take to the streets in protest as Laudium reservoir drops to 4%

Tensions are simmering in Laudium, southwest of Pretoria, after the level of its reservoir dropped to just 4% and residents were urged to “tighten up” efforts to conserve water.

“It is clear that the water demand is extremely high because of the high temperatures currently being experienced and the reservoirs cannot keep up with the demand,” said a statement by City of Tshwane MMC for utility services Abel Tau on Thursday.

Tau said the city had isolated the reservoir’s outgoing supply and added that it would be opened as soon as it had recovered.

Disgruntled Laudium residents took to the streets to voice their frustrations on Thursday afternoon, blocking the entrance into Laudium along the R55.

“We are really fed up. Enough is enough. The Laudium reservoir is empty and I’m not told why.

“Laudium has been repeatedly targeted. We were without water for over four days, two weeks ago. Anger is running high,” ward councillor Farouk Essop said.

Community activist Yusuf Abramjee said some residents had suggested an urgent high court interdict against the council.

“We are considering that. Why is this community again been targeted?”

Abramjee said the council had failed to communicate about the water cut. “This is unacceptable.”

Later on Thursday afternoon, water was restored to the area.

Tau urged residents to “tighten up efforts” to conserve water.

“Water conservation simply means using our limited water supply wisely and caring for it properly. While the supply seems abundant, water is not a limitless resource. Without conservation efforts, this vital resource may be exhausted,” said Tau.

11/11/2019

A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man.

22/10/2019

NEWS

The hot and windy heatwave, coupled with a lack of rain in Gauteng is contributing to the rapid decline in the level of the Vaal Dam.

The City of Johannesburg said yesterday the dam's levels had fallen below 50% for the first time in nearly three years. VBHydrology and Gauteng Weather tweeted that the dam was only 49.64% full.

Residents are being urged to use water sparingly.

The department of water affairs said last week that the Vaal Dam, which is one of the critical dams in the Integrated Vaal River System, was at 51.5%, down from 53% the previous week.

This time last year, the dam was more than 86% full.

"Gauteng province is presently experiencing high temperatures [with maximums of about 30 degrees Celcius] and this situation is compounded by the slight rainfalls which are scarce and far apart.

"Another contributory factor is the shutdown of the Lesotho Highlands Water tunnel for two months for maintenance [until the end of November]," the department said.

In contrast, the Sterkfontein Dam in Free State was holding steady at just over 90%, the department said. The Bloemhof Dam, on the border of North West and Free State, was also in a healthy state at 84%.

In the Western Cape the latest average dam level for the province is 64%, and 79% for major dams supplying Cape Town. The situation in the interior of the province, including the Karoo and particularly in the agriculture sector, remains serious and continues to be monitored.

22/10/2019

10 Reasons to Keep Drinking Bottled Water

Considering giving up bottled water? Whether you use a water cooler or single serve bottles, here are ten reasons to keep drinking bottled water:

1. Bottled Water IS Good for You – Bottled water is a great way to stay hydrated. It is free of caffeine, calories, fat, and contains no artificial dyes, flavors or sweeteners.

2. Bottled Water IS Convenient – Bottled water is 100% portable, making it an ideal choice for individuals with busy schedules and active lifestyles.

3. Bottled Water IS Essential for Natural Disasters – Almost all public municipal systems become contaminated or are unusable after a natural disaster. In cases where tap water is unsafe to drink, bottled water can be a lifesaver.

4. Bottled Water Does NOT Contribute to Water Scarcity – Bottled water accounts for less than .01% of total water consumption around the globe. In most parts of the world, crop irrigation and agriculture utilize the greatest amount of fresh water resources.

5. Plastic Water Bottles ARE Safe – Packaging materials used to contain food and water must be made from FDA-approved food grade substances. The polyethylene terephthalate (or PET) used to make most single-serve plastic water bottles has been declared "safe for use" by the FDA.

6. Bottled Water IS Economical – Bottled water is known for having a very long shelf life. Consumers can buy in bulk, save money and have plenty of water on hand in case of an emergency.

7. Bottled Water IS Affordable – Bottled water is offered at many different affordable price points. Buying in bulk, or using bottled water coolers, can help to lower costs.

8. Bottled Water IS Universal – Water can be safely consumed by people of every age, gender, and creed.

9. Bottled Water IS Environmentally Friendly – Plastic water bottles are 100% recyclable. In addition, water-bottling plants utilize much lower amounts of energy and water during the packaging process than many other beverages, such as soft drinks and juices.

10. Bottled Water IS Filtered – When municipal water or well water becomes contaminated, filtered bottled water becomes the safest source of drinking water.