The present drought within the western half of the Eastern Cape, now in disaster phase, has put the spotlight securely on water.
The biggest challenge we as water consumers face is a change in behaviour and attitude.
We need to get used to making do with less, to value the precious resource and to pay for water we use.
We are unfortunately still of the mind-set that we just open a tap and there is water, and forget that our water supply is dependent on rain.
In 2001 the government introduced the free basic water concept to ensure that poor people had access to a basic water supply.
This, in my opinion, was a mistake and that water used must be paid for.
Free water is open to abuse and entitlement.
Households who cannot pay for water should be subsidised.
If it is paid for, it is respected and consumers are made to be responsible.
Our city has approximately 225 000 domestic metered households, of which approximately 95 000 are registered as receiving ATTP (Assistance to the Poor).
The way to change consumers’ behaviour is through education.
The basics of water must be included in school curriculums.
Consumers must be educated about our water situation prior to the handing over of state-built houses to beneficiaries.
All households need to be innovative, and embrace rain water harvesting, grey water usage, recycling waste water (where possible), using groundwater and limiting our use of potable water.
Water supply is a complex matter with many facets.
First, it is necessary to explain important water principles within our region and metro, and also provide background information.
All people must have access to clean drinking water.
This is enshrined in the constitution, the National Water Act and the Water Services Act.
Our National Water Act recognises that water has economic value and makes allowance for water trading.
Our rainfall in South Africa is very erratic and unpredictable.
Our city receives 600mm rainfall per year [on average] – 60% of the world average.
Within our metro we have a number of different consumer categories, mainly domestic, industrial, commercial and institutional.
Our metro also shares water resources with Kouga Municipality, Gamtoos Irrigation Board and Lower Sundays Water User Association.
The metro treats used/waste water at a number of waste water treatment works.The treated effluent is discharged into rivers such as the Swartkops River and the ocean.
A considerable volume is used by industry, by others for irrigation and recreation.
Our National Water Act was promulgated in 1998.
The preamble to Chapter 4 of the National Water Act states: “The act is founded on the principle that national government has overall responsibility for and authority over water resource management, including the equitable allocation and beneficial use of water in the public interest, a person can only be entitled to use water if its use is permissible under the act.”
Long-term planning is in place for additional water resources.
In 2005 the metro prepared a water master plan 2005 – 2020.
This plan has twice been updated, and looks at supply and demand for the next 25 years.
In addition the Department of Water and Sanitation has undertaken the Algoa Water Reconciliation Study which updates water resources of the larger region.
Both studies indicate that there is no additional surface water and limited groundwater available.
Recycled water and desalinisation are among the options.
These options will be costly to implement, which brings in the long-term viability and sustainability of the service.
It is documented that 30% of our water infrastructure is beyond its design lifespan and needs immediate replacement.
Consumers are not using water responsibly.
Many consumers are ignoring the current water situation and are using water as if there is no drought.
Some even have the view that they pay for their water and therefore they are entitled to it.
Likewise many property owners with a borehole are using water irresponsibly by watering grass verges.
Non-revenue water is the difference between the volume of water treated at our water treatment works and the volume billed by the budget and treasury directorate.
This difference expressed in percentage is in the order of 36%.
The municipality reports these figures to the Department of Water and Sanitation monthly and they are used as a key performance indicator for water services of municipalities.
The media and the public assume that these losses are all leaks.
Roughly half of these losses are physical leaks and the other half are administrative losses.
Typical of these are old meters that under-read, unmetered connections, illegal connections, estimated readings and water used for fire-fighting.
Once the drought ends we must ensure that we do not go back to our old ways, but learn to value water, use it effectively and efficiently, and to conserve it.- David Raymer is a professional civil engineer with extensive experience in all aspects of water management, having worked for the Port Elizabeth Municipality and NMBM for 27 years.
Since 2007 he has been employed at Uhambiso Consult and is currently a consultant to the metro on water conservation/demand management.
In 2008 he published a book, Streams of Life – The History of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage’s Water Supply.