Democratic Alliance Councillor Michael Whisson believes the prospect of a waterless future is imminent
and urges Grahamstown to sit up and take notice.
Democratic Alliance Councillor Michael Whisson believes the prospect of a waterless future is imminent
and urges Grahamstown to sit up and take notice.
He is a member of the Kowie Catchment Campaign (KCC) and has some suggestions about tackling the water supply problem. Whisson points out that there are two solutions to be considered, which include harnessing different water sources and reducing our demand for water.
In the first solution, he explores the possibility of desalinating sea water, recycled water and water harvesting. To reduce demand, he encourages the recognition of water as an essential resource, and emphasises the necessity of a skilled workforce to manage it.
Focusing on the different sources of water that can be harnessed, Whisson says the first is sea water. However, reducing the saline content in water through the process of reverse osmosis uses a lot of energy. Whisson suggests that to reduce costs, there are three ways to provide the necessary energy used.
The first of these is solar power. The second is wind power, which Whisson says is being explored by the municipality. The third option is tidal power, using the difference in tidal water-levels to drive a turbine.
A second major source of water could come from recycling waste water from sewers and storm drains. According to Whisson, figures from the Belmont Valley Reclamation Works suggest that if just half of what passes through the works is reclaimed as potable water, then over 20% of Grahamstown’s current water needs could be met.
He also pointed out that an organised water recycling system could help to prevent toxic waste polluting the East Cape’s rivers.
Recycling water can also be costly as the saline in the water needs to be reduced. The third major source of water is harvesting, collecting both runoff and rainwater.
This takes the pressure off national water networks and provides a clean and independent source of fresh water. Whisson’s second focus is on reducing the demand for water.
Municipality records show that at least 10% of the water processed each month is lost or not paid for. Whisson suggests introducing a steeped tariff to tackle this problem.
The municipality is legally required to provide each household with 6 000 litres of water each month. After this, the next 4 000 metered litres should be 50% more expensive, and 1 000 litres over that 100% more expensive.
Waterless toilets are costly to install, but not costly to maintain. Whisson adds that these lavatories could be seen as a replacement to the VIP toilet provided in RDP houses and the conservancy tank that has to be emptied regularly.
That water is regarded as a free resource is problematic. Whisson calls for awareness in schools and the local and municipal media.
He encourages the reporting of leaks to the municipality, urging that artisan training for the management of water should be treated as an urgent matter.
