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South African programmes to protect the wetlands

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:14:34 +0000

South Africa has every reason to get excited about the theme of World Wetlands Day 2012. We are a worldwide tourism destination and a water-scarce country according to the statistics of the Ramsar Convention. These factors make us a prime candidate country for wetlands conservation and sustainable tourism.

1. Mondi Wetlands Programme:

A non-governmental wetland conservation programme established in 1991 – a partnership between two of SA’s largest conservation NGO’s (WESSA and WWF) together with the funding from two corporates (Mazda Wildlife Fund and Mondi Ltd).

The programme was started with the aim to raise awareness of the strategic importance of wetlands to facilitate proper management and restoration of wetlands and focuses mainly on wetlands outside nature reserves.

All parties involved are educated to bring about social change in their approach to wetlands, with emphasis also being placed on root causes of problems with solutions based on increased awareness. Mondi Wetlands Programme has changed the way government, communities and industries manage wetlands and has produced much publicity with regards to wetland conservation. The Programme will need another 5 years to ensure that government, community, and industry partners have fully integrated the wetland management into their operations.

2. Working for Wetlands programme

This was the first nation-wide government effort to restore wetlands, with employment relief programmes in mind. Working for Wetlands was established July 2000 with the main goal of restoring degraded wetlands to enhance water supplies and conserve biodiversity.

The programme functions through formation of partnerships with private sector companies in the mining and forestry industry. The success of the programme led the national government to substantially increase investment in 2004.

Priority is given to wetlands with greatest conservation and water supply implications

Activities undertaken include:

Building concrete, gabion structures to limit erosion and restore wetland hydrology
Plugging up artificial drainage channels which were originally dug to dry out the wetlands
Eradicating thirsty invasive alien plants and planting indigenous species
Creating employment & empowering disadvantaged communities
Enhancing livestock & food production through more reliable water supply, irrigation and grazing
Restoring traditional cultural activities like basket production from wetland plant fibres

Celebrations

There will be various events in Cape Town on Thursday, 2 Feb 2012. One might find a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium worth a visit. Two of the exhibits are based on the theme of the day: The ‘Sappi River Meander’ will explain the flora and fauna residing in the South African Wetlands and ‘The Story of a River’ will outline coastal river-mouth ecology right up to mountain catchment areas – and will highlight many of the threats facing wetlands

Source: Green Times (Katie Bell)

See Lifeline of a Healthy Ecosystem – World Wetlands Day 2012.

JoJo Tanks (South Africa) offer a wide range of water tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need. See JoJo Tanks’ SMALL VERTICAL TANKS, LARGE VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS and LOW PROFILE TANKS as well as STEEL TANK STANDS.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial and government customers.

Lifeline of a Healthy Ecosystem – World Wetlands Day 2012

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:09:19 +0000

This year the theme of World Wetlands Day will be ‘Wetlands & Tourism,’ celebrated on Thursday 2 February 2012. This will celebrate the 41st anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Iran for the protection of wetlands worldwide. 160 countries have since signed the treaty.

A pristine wetland in Mozambique but many are under threat in the region

World Wetlands Day will also create an appropriate introduction for the discussions scheduled for the Conference of Contracting Parties (COP11) to be held in Bucharest in June 2012, where the theme this year is ‘Wetlands, Tourism & Recreation’.

This is the day for awareness about the importance of wetland conservation. The benefits of wetlands have until recently been largely unrecognized. In a water-stressed country like South Africa, failure to manage wetlands properly may lead to a complete depletion of the country’s water supply by 2025.

Wetlands and Tourism must become friends

Wetlands and tourism has never really been given much attention, surprisingly, considering that 35% of Ramsar sites around the world are involved to some degree in tourism. Tourism practices in association with wetlands will be assessed, and tourists will be educated on the value and long-term benefits of wetlands. Attention must be given to deciding how wetlands managers and tourism planners can integrate wetlands and sustainable tourism.

COP11 should provide a draft Resolution proposing measures for sustainable wetland tourism with practical case studies from Ramsar sites as examples of the impacts and benefits of tourism on wetlands.

Most productive of all eco-systems

Fighting the cause of the wetlands is difficult – to most people the word “wetland” conjures up images of smelly, disease-infested swamps where mosquitos have the majority vote. In reality, wetlands are the most productive of all ecosystems and play a vital role in the water cycle and must be given more respect.

Definitions of wetlands vary but generally speaking: rain or snow which falls on earth moves through a catchment area and on toward the sea. Wetlands normally occur where topography or geology slows down or obstructs the movement of water through the catchment area.

Wetland-related diseases claim 3 million lives per year

Wetlands are incredibly valuable for a number of reasons, and there is a definite connection between healthy wetland eco-systems and human health. Wetland-related diseases claim the lives of 3 million people each year.

The functions of wetlands are many, but most significantly is their function as a no-cost water-purification system. Wetlands are in effect living filters which trap pollutants and microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) from the groundwater thereby preventing diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery.

Looking after soil, floods, biodiversity, medicine & cosmetics

Other major roles of wetlands include:

Avoiding soil erosion – Wetland plants have root systems which stabilize soil at the water’s edge and enhance soil accumulation at the shoreline, thereby dampening wave action and slowing current speed.
Preventing floods– Wetlands act as a hydrological sponge by temporarily storing flood water – later releasing it slowly and thereby regulating stream-flow.
Increasing biodiversity through habitat-creation- Wetlands provide a niche for mammal species like the River otter and the Sable Antelope and are also home to many other species of flora and fauna
Medicinal & cosmetic values – Certain wetland plants have medicinal and cosmetic properties.

World’s Wetlands reduced by 50% since 1900

Wetlands continue to be threatened by a large number of factors:

Commercial development and construction of dams and canals – these have altered the water-flow in 60% of the world’s largest rivers.
Industry threatens wetlands with extraction of minerals and peat, as well as through the draining of natural aquifers at a rate which cannot be replenished. Decreased water levels lead to a loss of many plants and trees.
Overfishing and tourism are also a great threat.
Agriculture has become one of the biggest problems with the dramatic increase in food production over the last 50 years resulting in increased amounts of fertilizers and pesticides running into groundwater. The result is high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous polluting the water supply. Agriculture accounts for 65% of water withdrawal on earth.
Thirsty alien invasive eucalyptus and wattles also steal from the supply.
Climatic changes leading to the melting of polar ice-caps cause sea levels to rise. This causes drowning of the mangroves to the detriment of the wetlands/
On the other end of the spectrum droughts also threaten the ecosystems.
In the developing world, human waste is the key pollutant where 90 – 95% sewage is dumped untreated in water systems.

Development and poor land management killed 50% of our wetlands

In South Africa, development and poor land management have already destroyed over 50% of our freshwater wetlands. We have 16 wetlands designated as wetlands of international importance in accordance with the Ramsar Convention.

The Wakkerstroom Wetland is an example of a South African Wetland under pressure: Situated at the upper catchment of the Tugela River, it is valuable habitat to many rare species, including the globally threatened blue crane. Deforestation is causing soil erosion, and alien vegetation in the surrounding catchment is disrupting the hydrological functioning of the wetland. Fires in adjacent grasslands for grazing are threatening the wetlands ecosystem, and local black communities are not yet benefiting from the increased tourism in the area.

The Rietvlei freshwater wetland reserve is an example of a South African Wetland in line for Sustainable Tourism: Rietvlei is situated on the floodplain of the Diep River and drains into Milnerton Lagoon and finally into Table Bay. The wetland has great tourism potential, largely due to the great diversity of bird life in the wetland. Only 15 minutes from Cape Town, with ample parking and excellent facilities including toilets, braai and picnic areas, as well as established pathways up to the bird hide. The location is great for photographers with fantastic views of Table Mountain and dunes providing perfect spots for whale-watching.

Read about programmes that aim to protect the wetlands, as well as celebrations that are taking place on World Wetlands Day. (click here)

Source: Green Times (Katie Bell)

Keep saving water. Keep saving money. Here’s how

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:00 +0000

The city of Cape Town’s water saving campaign encourages residents to consciously save water every day.

During summer the demand for water soars along with the high temperatures, and everyone needs to be aware of what a precious resource water is, and how to use it sparingly.   On 30 November 2011, Executive Mayor Alderman Patricia de Lille launched the City’s water saving campaign “Keep Saving Water” at Prince George Primary School in Lavender Hill.

During the morning, to announce the campaign with a bang and remind the public that saving water is a seven-day-a-week responsibility, the South African Navy fired a seven-cannon salute, much to the children’s delight.   At the launch of the campaign the Mayor said,

“We must look beyond the water we can see coming from our taps and think of the whole of society. If we waste water, someone will go without. And if we waste too much water, Cape Town will go without in the future. But we can take measures to ensure the future of our water supply. We can take measures to live sustainably. I appeal to everyone in Cape Town to monitor their water usage; to save water; and to prevent waste. Businesses, industries and the corporate world must also play their part. We ask all sectors of the economy to join us in this pledge and save water.”

  In people’s homes, the three highest water-use areas are the garden, toilet flushing and bathing. It makes sense to save water at every opportunity and to make a concerted effort to sustain these savings. Try these water saving tips for the home to make a major impact:
• Don’t brush teeth or wash hands, dishes and plates under a running tap. Close the tap, use a plug and catch the waste water for re-use. (Closing the tap when cleaning teeth saves up to 20 litres per month!)
• Try to wash dishes only once or twice a day
• Rinse glasses, cutlery and vegetables in a basin of water, rather than under a running tap
• Regularly inspect taps for drips and repair defective taps. A dripping tap (1 drip per second) could waste up to 30 litres a day (that is equivalent to 10 000 litres a year!)
• Replace tap washers regularly and fit tap aerators to restrict and spread the flow. This saves water yet gives the impression you are using the same amount.
• Regularly inspect toilet-flushing mechanisms for water tightness, internal overflowing and repair defects promptly. A toilet leak can waste up to 30 litres an hour – check if your toilet is leaking by adding a few drops of food dye to the cistern – if the colour seeps into the bowl, you have a leak
• Don’t flush a toilet unnecessarily. Installing a water-saving device in the toilet cistern could save you up to 7 300 litres each year
• Re-use shower, bath and dish water on your garden as often as possible
• Take a three minute shower using a water-wise shower nozzle and turn off the taps when soaping. You can also save the water normally wasted waiting for the hot water to come through by catching this in a bucket to be recycled (in toilet, garden etc.) afterwards.
• Don’t run a deep bath. Share bath water and then re-use it to flush the toilet or water the garden. (A bath uses an average of 160 litres, whereas a three minute shower uses 60 litres!)
• Only use your washing machine and dishwasher on full load
• Regularly inspect for geyser overflows and repair defects promptly
• Ensure your plumbing system is regularly checked for leaks and engage a plumber when necessary
Water saving tips for the garden:
• Water your garden before 10:00 or after 16:00, and only when necessary
• Re-use your bath and sink water to water plants and lawns – professional grey-water recycling systems are also available for purchase
• Mulching flowerbeds keeps down the weeds and holds moisture in the soil for longer.
• Where possible use a mulching lawn mower. This allows clippings to be finely cut and blown back into the lawn
• Don’t cut lawns below 4 cm in length, as this reduces root depth and lawns are more likely to burn in summer
• Use an automatic shut-off nozzle on the hose when you wash the car, and use short bursts of water – this can save up to 300 litres each time
• Use a trigger nozzle on the hose when you water the garden
• Check and maintain your irrigation system regularly, to ensure no water is running to waste, or that paved areas are being watered
• Watering the garden less frequently, but deeper (for longer) encourages a deeper root system, which results in stronger plants. This practice can make water-wise plants out of most established plants
Water saving tips for the industrial and commercial sectors, and schools:
• Automatic flushing urinals are the ultimate water wasters. If they cannot be replaced immediately, turn off the water after hours and over weekends – schools doing this have saved up to R5 000 on their annual water bill
• Use a broom to sweep forecourts and other paved areas. Do not use a hose pipe for this purpose.
• Flush valves should flush for just 2 to 4 seconds and urinals for ± 6 to 8 seconds

Source: www.nedbankgreen.co.za (Martin Pollack)

Water-saving efforts should be encouraged in every town and city in South Africa and the rest of the world. Rainwater harvesting is also an option; rainwater systems can range from a simple pipe leading from gutters to a plastic water tank to advanced rainwater systems that integrate with your existing supply. Water tanks are also useful for storing a reserve tank of water (municipal or borehole water) in case of water supply interruptions.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial and government customers.

R12,5m budgeted for fresh water in Sekhukhune

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:16:06 +0000

THE DAYS of competing for water with animals in rivers and fountains will soon be over for the community of GaMasemola outside Jane-Furse in Limpopo.

The Sekhukhune district municipality has set aside R12,5million to deal with the crisis.

Angry villagers protested last Tuesday, destroying road signs and ripping up the tar road to Polokwane.

They claimed that a lack of fresh tap water had forced them to fetch water from the same rivers where wild and domestic animals drank.

Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Hangwane Mulaudzi said a total of 27 people had been arrested and charged with public violence and malicious damage to property since 2008.

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, the executive mayor for the Sekhukhune district municipality, David Magabe, said they have put aside R12,5million to try to resolve the water crisis in the area.

Magabe said the money would be used to replace the transformers, valves and electric cables that were stolen or vandalised by members of the community.

He said the most affected people were those from new settlements.

“Our plan is to augment our reticulation systems and extend our capacity by putting in big new pipes from the Pietgouws water plant to the affected villages.

“On completion the plant will pump up to 12 mega-litres of water a day as opposed to the current eight mega-litres.

“We have also decided to drill a sizeable number of boreholes in the new settlement, so that all the residents can have enough water every day,” Magabe said yesterday.

Source: Sowetan Live (Alex Matlala)

Hopefully the budgeted money will be put to work soon for this project. In the interim, the government should consider providing households with water tanks- this allows a degree of self-sufficiency when it comes to water for drinking and other uses. Rainwater can be harvested via simple guttering from the roofs to supplement household water supplies, especially during the rainy season. Ownership of a water tank will also engender a sense of responsibility and pride and are likely to be cared for. Water tanks made by JoJo Tanks are of a high quality and come with a guarantee.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial and government customers.

Water Problems Loom Large in 2012, Worsened by Politics?

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:34:27 +0000

South Africa’s major water and mining problems, including the threat to human health and agricultural production posed by acid mine drainage (AMD) in Gauteng, will remain as serious as ever, according to experts.

“The enormity of the AMD problem has paralysed the government,” said activist Mariette Liefferink. “Not a cent of the R225 million allocated by Treasury to the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority early in 2011 for the immediate implementation of AMD treatment within the west and central rand of Johannesburg has been paid out. In 2011, AMD began impacting the Cradle of Humankind.”

Government has mooted an environmental levy for mines, but has provided no further details.

In more positive news, Agri SA’s Nic Opperman said that in 2012 farmers would be able to challenge water tribunal rulings with greater confidence. This was due to two High Court judgements in which the Pretoria High Court awarded farmers a water licence after they had been denied by the Department of WaterAffairs on racial grounds alone.

Water consultant Carin Bosman said that the Department of Water Affairs “still cannot reliably account for who is using water and who is paying for water” and that it was likely that the department would receive another qualified audit report for 2010-2011.

“In 2012, Minister (Edna) Molewa must finally deliver on the promise to fix the department which she made when she became minister in 2010,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gareth Morgan, DA MP and spokesperson for water affairs, said that in 2012, the government was expected to clear the backlog of 700 water licence applications by mining companies.

“It will be interesting to see whether the minister of mineral resources, Susan Shabangu, formally tables amendments to the Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) in 2012 with regard to the environmental authorisations of mines, and integrated licensing,” he said.

In early 2009, parliament passed amendments to the MPRDA and National Environmental Management Act with the intention of transferring environmental authorisations of mines to the minister of water and environmental affairs. However, according to Morgan, Shabangu “never commenced the MPRDA Amendment Act”.

“Now it is strongly rumoured she wants to amend the act again to reverse the previous amendments. The Departments of Environmental Affairs, Water Affairs and Mineral Resources are arguing their respective causes behind the scenes,” he said.

Source: Farmer’s Weekly 13 January (Sean Christie).

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial and government customers.

112 Ways To Conserve Water

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:18:32 +0000

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

#2

When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
#3

Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
#4

Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
#5

Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#6

Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
#7

Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
#8

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
#9

Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

#11

Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
#12

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
#13

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
#14

Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
#15

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
#16

If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
#17

Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
#18

If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
#19

We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
#20

If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
#21

Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
#22

When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient.
#23

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
#24

Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
#25

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
#26

When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
#27

Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

#29

When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
#30

Walkways and patios provide space that doesn’t ever need to be watered. These useful “rooms” can also add value to your property.
#31

Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
#32

Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
#33

Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
#34

Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.
#35

Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it’s needed.

#37

Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
#38

Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
#39

When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
#40

Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
#41

Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.

Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.See how Waterpik® EcoFlow® can help reduce your water use.

#43

Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
#44

Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
#45

Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
#46

Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
#47

To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
#48

Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
#49

Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
#50

Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
#51

Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
#52

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
#53

Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
#54

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
#55

Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
#56

Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
#57

Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
#58

Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
#59

If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, replace it.
#60

Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

#62

Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
#63

Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
#64

If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
#65

Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it’s time to water.
#66

If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
#67

When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
#68

When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
#69

Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
#70

Bathe your young children together.
#71

Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
#72

Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
#73

Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
#74

Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.

Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.

#76

Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
#77

Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
#78

Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
#79

Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.
#80

Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
#81

If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
#82

Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
#83

Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
#84

Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
#85

Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
#86

Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
#87

Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
#88

Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
#89

Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
#90

Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
#91

One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.

Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

#93

Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
#94

Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
#95

When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
#96

Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
#97

Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
#98

When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
#99

Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
#100

Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
#101

When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
#102

If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
#103

To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
#104

While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
#105

When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
#106

For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
#107

Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
#108

When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
#109

Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn’t allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
#110

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
#111

When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
#112

Look for products bearing the EPA WaterSense Label for items that been certified to save 20% or more without sacrificing performance.

Source: Water Use It Wisely

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial customers.

Advantages of Plastic Water Storage Tanks

admin — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:21:14 +0000

Plastic Tanks up to 20,000 litres have replaced tanks of most other materials (especially fiberglass tanks) over the last decade. Plastic tanks are especially good for storing water and most chemicals including chlorine, bleaches and acids.

JoJo Tanks are South Africa's leading polyethylene tank manufacturers

An advantage that plastic tanks have over storage tanks made from most other materials is much lighter weight. The weight saving means lower costs and greater ease of transport, handling and positioning. Tanks made from plastic are usually less likely to react to the liquid which is stored in them. The FDA has approved several polyethylene resins for holding drinking water and food products. Perhaps the most significant advantage that plastic storage tanks have is lower cost. Tanks made from polyethylene are significantly less expensive to purchase and deliver than are tanks made from most other materials.

With the use of modern plastics, the lifespan of a properly used plastic storage tank can rival or exceed the life of most other tanks. Additionally, there are virtually no maintenance costs associated with tanks made of plastic.

There are many types of plastic that can be used to make storage tanks. Polyethylene is by far the most common. Tanks made from a high quality polyethylene resin will be strong, durable and reliable over a long time. There are some chemicals that do not store well in Polyethylene and for those substances, other plastics like polypropylene or kynar may be more suitable

When considering which plastic tank to use, you should know that they are rated based on the ‘specific gravity’ of the substance they are designed to hold. To put it simply, tanks with a higher specific gravity rating will have thicker walls and will be designed for heavier duty use when compared to another tank made from the same material but with a lower specific gravity. As an example, a polyethylene tank designed with a specific gravity of 1.9 will be a stronger tank than a similar tank with a specific gravity of 1.5 or 1.2. Because more resin is required to produce tanks with a higher specific gravity rating, the cost usually rises along with the specific gravity rating of a tank.

Source: Bailiff plastic storage tanks (Edited)

Plastic storage tanks are available in an extremely wide range of sizes and shapes. JoJo Tanks (Pty) Ltd produce nearly all of the popular shapes and sizes ranging from 240 litres to 20,000 litres. JoJo also manufacture engineer-certified steel tank stands and silo stands as well as a wide range of other containers and utility products. Click on the links below for more information about the various water tanks and tank stands available.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial customers.

Facts About Water Tanks

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:15:07 +0000

Water tanks, what are they used for?

Water tanks usually have five main uses:

water for the garden – basically water to do plant watering with, this will conserve water and save you needing to use mains water;
water for fire fighting – an oft forgotten but important usage none the less;
water for drinking – rain water if stored in the correct tank is quite suitable for drinking;
water for washing – you can easily use this water for washing your clothes in, and;
water for flushing the toilet – perfect for the job!

How big does the water storage tank need to be?

Given the above usage cases; how do you ‘size’ your water storage tank? The trick here is to have enough storage to ‘carry you through’ the periods of no rain given sufficient prior rain. The above positive/negative figure will give you a steer on how likely being able to carry through will be, the more positive the easier with adequate storage; the more negative the less worthwhile as a goal this is (so don’t bother getting such a big rain water tank).

The size you need also depends a lot on your rain fall patterns – if you have well defined periods of the year that are ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ then you should aim to collect as much as possible to carry across into the dry periods. If its more random and equally distributed across the year, then you just need to hold enough to ‘flatten out’ the random distribution (i.e. a quarter of a years total rainwater would be more than adequate). Your consumption of the water also comes into play, if you consume it all before it can be saved over the medium term, a large tank will spend most of its life empty!

Although, from talking to many people on this issue, I always hear the same story; namely ‘I wish I had got a larger tank’. I think this is more down to the changing weather patterns which have condensed what was previously a months worth of rain into a day!

What type of water tank?

Water tanks come on many different types, shapes, sizes and colours; but can be grouped by final insulation location, as follows:

Tanks buried in the ground

These are either plastic or concrete. Plastic water tanks will be supplied as a whole unit that is ‘dropped’ into the hole and filled over. Concrete water tanks require form work, pouring, topping off and covering over. Plastic is in essence quick and easy, concrete slower but more ‘solid’ – i.e. should last a lot longer.
Where it is viable to bury your tank is determined mostly by your budget and the ease with which the required hole can be made. Also be aware of ground water on the site, if this pools in the hole, you can end up with the empty tank literally ‘floating’ out of the hole…

Tanks under the house

Unless you are building a new house, your only real option here is what are known as ‘bladder water tanks’ – in effect a big rubber bladder that rests in a special frame in the void space under your house. Big plus is that you don’t have to dig holes or take up yard space with a water tank. Downside is that the capacity is usually limited and you pay a premium.

Tanks above ground

This is where you will find by far the biggest variety. Everyone and his wife is either making or selling some form of above ground water tank. The trick here is to use the right ‘type’ of tank for the size and expected life.
Above ground small plastic water tanks- These go up to around 2000 litres and come in all manner of shapes: round, square, cylinders, etc. They are mostly designed for use on the smaller plot where finding somewhere to ‘fit in’ the tank can be hard. Often they end up mounted on a small stand. Big downside with these is the lack of water storage and the fact UV will degrade the plastic – so fixed life span (or keep them out the sun and/or paint them).

Above ground big plastic water tanks – These usually go up to 15k litres and are shipped to site whole and ideally ‘dropped’ right onto a special sand based pad that becomes their home. The big plus here is that its ready to go. The big negatives are that they don’t do well in a bush fire and the UV will degrade the plastic over time – so have fixed lifespan.

Above ground metal water tanks – Basically a big metal ‘water butt’ with some internal treatments to reduce corrosion effects. These can go up to 150k litres typically. Cheap but the fact the metal is performing two roles (structural and water lining) means they are susceptible to failure due to movement – so they are often mounted on frames or towers as part of the package. Also rusting puts a limited life on them.

Above ground concrete water tanks – Basically a big reinforced concrete box or cylinder. These go up to the millions of litres with a cost to match to boot. No problems with rusting, although be careful on settlement as it could crack the tank. Also no way to move it once its in place, so be darn sure you wanted it there.

Above ground metal water tanks with plastic liner – Think of this as the ‘bladder tank’ going outdoors. The metal provides the enclosing framework, whilst the liner does the job of keeping the water in. Big win here is that settlement won’t loose you water, and rusting doesn’t make the tank leak. Sizes up to millions of litres. Another plus is that the liner is often ‘food grade’ – so good to drink from direct.

Is it all worth doing??

A whole load of factors come into this: some you can quantify, some down to a lifestyle choice.. The simple factual information is best worked out over the expected lifetime of the various solutions you have available. i.e. look at things over 10 years at least. Most good water tanks should still be functioning well after 10 years with a little bit of TLC. So work out the amount of water ‘saved’ by the water tank compared to say mains water, i.e. the cost of the tank water if you had it from the mains. Subtract from that the actual full cost of the water tank and you get the nominal cost now amount (no depreciation or price adjustments) you will save (positive) or lose (negative) from utilizing a water tank over 10 years..
Then to that figure add on the cost of replacing any items you will ‘loose’ or be unable to support without the mostly guaranteed supply of the water tank. i.e. think expensive none drought tolerant plants (and veggies). Difficult to work out precisely but for some people this could be a rather expensive replacement cost.

Another factor to consider is that in veld fire prone areas having a large water tank with the right attachments can help the fire services in fighting fires – so reducing the potential risk of fire damage to your property by proxy.

Where to put your water tank?

Now you should have an ideal figure for the amount of water you need to store, so next you need to think about where to put it… Remember 1000 litres takes up 1 cubic meter (no getting away from that, its physics!). Also remember most tanks come in height multiples of around a meter (plus 50 cms for the top). Also some councils have weird and wonderful restrictions about where the tank can go (think boundary and overshadowing). Plus if its over 10k litre it will usually have to be covered under some form of planning permission. So think about this hard. Also you can have more than one tank easily enough and that might be cheaper than digging out a massive hole. Remember when you take the water ‘out’ of the tank you want its water pressure to be of use to you if at all possible, i.e. put a tank high on your plot under the ‘highest’ roof, so you can water your garden using just gravity and no pump!

What about the run-off?

No matter which water tank you decide to put in – as soon as it fills up the excess water will come out of an ‘overflow’ pipe. Now for a small tank and feed-in this is not that much of an issue; but if your tank is feeding off more than about 200m2 of roof area you could end up with quite a volume of water flowing out of that overflow.

Such a volume of water can result in significant localized flooding and erosion on its own, so it pays to ‘manage’ this water up front using the following techniques.

Discharge the water into a ‘swale’ system – this is a set of humps and curves made in a gentle slope to slow the water down and encourage it to settle into the soil instead of running straight off your land.
Install an overflow ‘weir’ basically a normal flow of overflow water just goes into the swale system, but a very high amount goes over the weir and then into a storm-water pipe to carry it away into the storm-water system directly rather than overland. This weir is easy to make with some stone and pipe fittings.
Get another tank… Seriously, if you have the land space and can ‘chain’ together tanks in this way you will maximize the amount of water you capture. For instance on our plot we have a tank on the high side whose overflow is plumbed into the rainwater capture for the lower tank which feeds off the house roof.

Source: EcoWho (Edited)

In South Africa, owning one or more water tank can guard against the increasingly common water shortages that are experienced in mismanaged municipalities. Harvesting rainwater also guarantees the source of the water and the home or business owner will then have access to uncontaminated water, not forgetting that the water is free too!JoJo Tanks and tank stands are guaranteed and offer the consumer high quality at low prices

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial customers.

How to choose a water tank

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:50:52 +0000

Installed above or below ground?

When planning the installation of a rainwater tank or any tank for water storage, it is important to consider where it can be located on your property. In many cases water tanks are installed above ground, especially when the water tank is being installed alongside an existing dwelling. However installing the water tank underground can be a good space saving solution.

Water Tank materials – selection criteria

When determining the type of water tank to install, consider:

What ground surface preparation is required
Whether the vessel can be installed above or below ground
How easily the material is to repair
What manufacturer guarantee is available

An overview of types of water tanks available

Concrete water tanks

Suitability

An ideal in-ground solution. Feature load bearing tank lids, so they can be installed under garages or driveways.
Site Preparation : Compacted cracker dust or compacted sand, stabilised around the edge
In Ground : Yes
Guarantee : Ask your supplier for a written one prior to purchase
Repairable : Difficult to repair cracks if they occur. Consult the manufacturer

Metal/Steel water tanks

Suitability

Extremely strong water tanks with polyethylene tank linings to prevent corrosion and ensure water quality.
Site Preparation : A concrete base is required or an approved tank stand
In Ground : No
Guarantee : Ask your supplier for a written guarantee for both the material & the workmanship.
Repairable : Yes, seams can be resealed by the manufacturer.

Poly/Plastic water tanks

Suitability

Popular due to its lightweight material which makes for easy site preparation and installation. Poly water tanks are now the most common for household use and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
Site Preparation : A base of cracker dust or sand
In Ground : Yes, consult the manufacturer
Guarantee : Ask for the manufacturers guarantee
Repairable : Yes, consult the manufacturer

Fibreglass water tanks

Suitability

Corrosion resistant and sturdy, fibreglass water tanks are a relatively expensive but long-lasting option.

Site Preparation : Compacted cracker dust or compacted cement stabilised sand or concrete pad
In Ground : Consult the manufacturer
Guarantee : Ask your supplier for a written one prior to purchase
Repairable : Yes, consult the manufacturer.

Bladders & other new innovations

New space saving bladders and modular storage systems have been developed in recent years. These water storage vessels provide wonderful solutions, particularly for urban areas.

Suitability

Space saving option. An ideal for under house or under verandah water storage.
Site Preparation : Compacted cracker dust or compacted cement stabilised sand or concrete pad. The area must be clear of rocks, tiles and other debris. Smooth the ground, leaving a slight fall towards the outlet end of the Sac.
In Ground : Consult the manufacturer
Guarantee : Ask your supplier for a written one prior to purchase
Repairable : Yes, consult the manufacturer.

Choosing the size of your water tank

Factors to consider Things you need to consider when determining the size of your water tank or storage vessel include:
1. Rainfall – how much rainfall you get in your area,
2. Roof area - how large the catchment surface is,
3. Water usage – what you intend to use rainwater for, and how much you expect to use,
4. Site characteristics - how much space you have, and the location you intend to install the water tank or storage vessel.

Calculating the appropriate size

Use the following formula:
Roof Area X Annual Rainfall = Maximum Available for Capture

Then determine:
Most Days without Rain X Average Daily Water Use = Storage Volume Required on Day One of a Dry Spell

If for example, the most days without rain was 40 days, and the average daily usage was 400L, the volume on hand on Day One of 40 days would have to be 16,000L.

It is very difficult to predict the required volume, because often a dry period will start when the water tank is not full. However, this method provides a guideline, and you can add a safety factor on top of this requirement.

When calculating how big the storage capacity should be, plan the water tank area so that extra storage can be added later if required.

Location for the water tank

It is important to consider the space you have available, whether the vessel is to be installed above or below ground, below the roof-line or above it (eg. on a sloping site), whether you will have one or more water tanks – connected or installed as separate systems, and what ground surface preparation is required.

Source: Excerpts from Rain Harvesting

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial customers. We will try beat any written quotation!

Emergency Sources of Water

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:50:09 +0000

In an emergency, if you have not previously stored water and commercial or public sources of water are not available, drain water from your plumbing system. Unless you are advised that the public water supply has been contaminated and is not safe, open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and salvage the water stored in the heater. A typical water heater holds 30-60 gallons of water. Discard the first few gallons if they contain rust or sediment. Let the water heater cool before draining it from the heater so it does not scald you. Turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater to prevent the heater from operating without water. Once water has been drained into clean, sanitized containers, add 5-7 drops of chlorine bleach* per gallon of water, and stir or shake the solution to mix it. Let it set 30 minutes before use.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources

If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to treat the water first. Additional sources include:

Rainwater, streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water, ponds and lakes, natural springs. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink flood water.

Hidden Water Sources in Your Home

If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You’ll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Using Swimming Pool Water

You should always view your pool as “backup” water; keep the water treated; you never know when it will be needed! The maintenance of the free chlorine residual will prevent establishment of any microorganisms. The maintenance level should be kept about 3-5ppm free chlorine. If other stored water stocks are not available, remove the necessary pool water and boil it or just treat with chlorine to the normal 5ppm. It is best to err on the side of caution.

Covering the pool at all times when not in use is a very good idea. Try to keep the cover clean and wash the area you put it on when removing it from the pool.

When and How to Treat Water for Storage

In an emergency, if you do not have water that you know is safe, it’s possible to purify water for drinking. Start with the cleanest water you can find and treat with one of the following methods:

Boiling and chlorinating: Water can be purified by boiling. Boiling times may vary from state to state, depending on altitude. In Colorado, the water is safe to use once after it has been boiled for three to five minutes and has cooled. If you plan to store boiled water, pour it into clean, sanitized containers and let it cool to room temperature. Then add 5-7 drops, or 1/8 teaspoon, of chlorine bleach* per gallon of water (1/2 teaspoon per 5 gallons). Stir or shake the solution to mix it. Cap the containers and store them in a cool, dry place.
Filtering and chlorinating: You can filter water if you have a commercial or backpack filter that filters to 1 micron. These are available in sporting good stores and are recommended for use when back-packing. They are not recommended to clean large volumes of water. Filtering eliminates parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium, but it may not eliminate all bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it’s recommended that 5-7 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach* be added per gallon of filtered water (1/2 teaspoon for 5 gallons). Stir or shake the solution to mix it. Wait 30 minutes before using the water, or cap the containers and store them in a cool, dry place.

*Use liquid household bleach that contains 5.25 percent hypochlorite. Do not use bleaches with fresheners or scents as they may not be safe to consume. The above treatment methods use a two-step approach so less bleach is needed, yet giardia and cryptosporidium are destroyed through boiling or eliminated by filtering. Chlorine may not be effective against these parasites. Since adding too much chlorine to water can be harmful, it’s important to be as accurate as possible when measuring.

Distillation Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

Most water filtration devices are designed for use on microbiologically safe water. Don’t assume they are safe to use on contaminated water. Check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Use the following guidelines to determine if filtration equipment is adequate to use with microbiologically contaminated water:

Filtration Equipment	Safe on Microbiologically Contaminated Water?
Carbon Filter	No
Reverse Osmosis	No
Deionization Filter	No
Pitcher Filter	No
Faucet Mount Filter	No
Steam Distiller	Yes – but requires electricity
UV Sterilizer	Yes – but requires electricity
Ceramic Filter	Some – but only if rated for bacteriological protection

Equipment that is safe to use on contaminated water is often slow, costly, inconvenient and/or high maintenance. It makes the most sense to use the filtration equipment that best meets your normal daily needs and shift to water storage or alternative methods of water treatment in times of emergencies.

Source: The National Terror Alert

The best scenario in emergency situations is to have clean drinking water stored on your property. This water can be from a number of sources, including rainwater (filter first), broehole water or municipal water. Plastic water storage tanks are the most cost-effective way of storing enough water to last you weeks or even months and serve as back-up in the case of water supply cuts.

Also see Emergency Water Storage: Important to consider in today’s world.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa. Contact us for a quote on the right water tank for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders and to our commercial customers.