As we navigate another year of infrastructure challenges in Johannesburg, the way we handle water at home has never been more important. Conservation is no longer just about saving money—it’s about ensuring our community’s collective resilience.
Below is a guide on how to keep your family safe and your usage sustainable during the ongoing water crisis.
1. Conservation: Master the “New Normal”
With Johannesburg Water reporting that nearly 48% of the city’s supply is lost to leaks and bursts, every liter saved in your home helps reduce the strain on our struggling reservoirs.
- The “Yellow Mellow” Rule: If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Each flush of a standard toilet uses roughly 9 to 12 liters of treated drinking water.
- The 2-Minute Shower Challenge: A standard showerhead can release up to 20 liters per minute. By cutting your shower to two minutes, you save enough water for a full week’s worth of drinking for one person.
- Fix the “Silent” Leaks: A leaking toilet can waste up to 100,000 liters a year. Put a few drops of food coloring in your cistern; if the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
- Mulch Your Garden: If you have a garden, cover the topsoil with mulch (bark or leaves). This prevents evaporation, keeping your plants hydrated for longer with less water.
2. Hygiene: Ensuring Your Water is Safe to Drink
When supply is intermittent, “stagnant” water in pipes or backup tanks can become a breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella or E. coli.
Safe Storage Practices
- Keep it Cool and Dark: Algae thrives in sunlight. Ensure your backup tanks are opaque and positioned in the shade where possible.
- Rotate Your Supply: Don’t let water sit in a backup tank for months. We recommend “rotating” your water (using it for a day and letting the tank refill) at least every two weeks to keep it fresh.
- Sanitize Your Faucets: Bacteria can accumulate on tap aerators (the small mesh screens). Clean these monthly with vinegar or a mild bleach solution to ensure the water isn’t being contaminated at the point of exit.
When in Doubt, Disinfect
If you suspect the municipal supply has been compromised (e.g., after a major pipe burst repair), use the Boil Alert method:
- Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.
- Let it cool naturally and store it in a clean, sealed container.
3. Why Bedfordview Water Solutions is Different
When you choose a backup system, the quality of the installation and the water itself is paramount. At Bedfordview Water Solutions, we don’t just provide a tank; we provide a managed health solution.
Quality Without Compromise: Our water meets the rigorous SANS 241 South African National Standards for drinking water. We ensure our systems are professionally sealed and managed to prevent contamination, providing you with “Top-Tier” water quality that is safe for your family and your pets.
Our 1000-litre systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into your home, maintaining pressure and purity even when the municipal lines are dry.
Stay Informed. Stay Hydrated.
Don’t wait for the next “water-shedding” notice. Join the hundreds of Bedfordview residents who have secured their peace of mind.
- Reliable: Automatic pumping systems.
- Safe: SANS 241 compliant water quality.
- Affordable: R1,000/month + R350/refill.
Contact us today to book your installation: Phone: 072 261 1941 | Web: www.bedfordviewwatersolutions.co.za
💧 The Bedfordview Water-Saving & Hygiene Checklist
Provided by Bedfordview Water Solutions
1. Household Conservation (Stop the Waste)
- [ ] Fix Leaks Today: Check all toilets for “silent” leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If it shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
- [ ] The 2-Minute Shower: Keep showers under 2 minutes. Install a low-flow showerhead to save up to 10 liters per minute.
- [ ] Full Loads Only: Wait until your dishwasher and washing machine are completely full before running them.
- [ ] Mulch Your Garden: Apply a thick layer of mulch (bark/leaves) around plants to reduce water evaporation by up to 70%.
- [ ] Turn Off the Tap: Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or shaving.
2. Water Hygiene (Stay Safe)
- [ ] Rotate Backup Water: If you use a backup tank, ensure you rotate the water supply at least every 2 weeks to prevent stagnation.
- [ ] Clean Your Aerators: Once a month, unscrew the mesh screens (aerators) on your taps and soak them in vinegar to remove bacterial buildup.
- [ ] Storage Security: Always keep backup water in opaque, sealed containers stored in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth.
- [ ] Boil Alert: If the municipal water looks cloudy or tastes metallic after a pipe burst repair, bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking.
3. Professional Backup (Reliability)
- [ ] Check Your Pressure: Is your home pump system working correctly?
- [ ] Quality Assurance: Ensure your backup system is managed by experts who prioritize SANS 241 compliance.
- [ ] Scheduled Refills: Don’t wait until empty. Contact Bedfordview Water Solutions for regular, high-quality, safe water refills.
Need reliable water security?Call: 072 261 1941 Visit: www.bedfordviewwatersolutions.co.za
#WaterSafety, #SANS241, #BedfordviewHealth, #WaterConservation, #HealthyHome, #SafeDrinkingWater, #CleanWaterSolutions