Sustainable consumption of water

Question 1

Main uses of water

Answer 1

Households
Industry
Agriculture
Mining

Question 2

How much water is available

Answer 2

70% of earth is water - 97% is salt, 3% is fresh
1 to 3% is available, rest is ice

Question 3

Water consumption in households

Answer 3

Average household needs 250l per day per person
This is roughly 7 500l per month, more than the 6 000l government provides free
A household of 5 uses an average of 37 500l a month
SA wastes 35% of water supply through leaks/poor maintenance

Water is renewable, not always available
SA has a scarce water supply - pollution/destruction of catchment areas
Predicted by 2025, demand will exceed supply

Question 4

What are the main causes of water pollution

Answer 4

Untreated sewerage water
Industrial pollutants
Agricultural pollutants
Mining pollutants

Question 5

Water pollution: untreated sewerage water

Answer 5

Contains urine, faeces, household waste
Cause illnesses such as gastro-enteritis/dysentery
16 000 people die in SA yearly due to diarrhea related illnesses

Question 6

Water pollution: industrial pollutants

Answer 6

Heavy metals (lead and mercury) in industrial drainage water end up in rivers and oceans
Oil/petrol spills along the coast/leaks from underground resevoirs
Warm water causes thermal pollution and kills aquatic life

Question 7

Water pollution: agricultural pollutants

Answer 7

Insecticides/pesticides collect in dams/rivers after rain - toxic and destroy aquatic life
Chemical fertilisers infiltrate ground water and end up in dams/rivers where they cause fresh water algae

Question 8

Water pollution: mining pollutants

Answer 8

Lots of water needed for processing
Acid water ends up in ground water/rivers/wetlands
It can harm humans
Damage wildlife
Pollute fresh water sources

Question 9

Using water responsibly

Answer 9

Read water meter and go through account
Re-use grey water in garden
Pipes can be modified so that grey water goes straight to garden
This can save 35% of household consumption, soap needs to be biodegradable
Half flush or lift toilet handle when bowl is clear
Use brick in toilet cistern
Install low flow shower heads
Do not overfill pools
Use pool cover to reduce evaporation
Use indigenous plants
Install a jojo tank
Water garden in early morning or late evening

Question 10

Responsible water use with household appliances

Answer 10

Repair leaking taps/broken pipes
Shower (35l) rather than bath (80l)
Close taps when not needed
Use bucket not hosepipe to wash car
Choose economic cycles
Front loading washing machines use less water than top loaders