As rainfall continues across South Africa, the government has been advised to adopt rainwater-harvesting strategies to ease pressure on the municipal water supply system. Rainwater harvesting is the practice of conserving rainwater and using it during the dry season or when needed. Currently, the government is struggling to consistently provide clean water to people across the country.
In recent months, residents of Gauteng have spent weeks without water, forcing them to buy it from local vendors, while some desperate people have relied on unhealthy water sources. In an interview withThe Citizen, Dr Wilma van Staden, an agri-ecologist specialistand member of the Amanzi for Food programme, urged the government to take advantage of the continuous rain that has fallen for months in South Africa. “Rainwater harvesting should be treated as part of South Africa’s water infrastructure, not an emergency backup.
Government can integrate rainwater harvesting into public buildings, housing developments and stormwater systems, using local storage to capture rainfall when it falls. This reduces pressure on municipal systems, limits flooding and improves water security during both wet and dry periods. “I think the main issue going forward is how South Africa adapts to increasingly heavy rainfall, not only at a household level, but also at municipal and national government levels.
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This requires a stronger focus on maintenance, infrastructure adaptation and integrating rainwater harvesting into our broader water management systems.” Van Staden also urged communities to consider rainwater harvesting. “During short periods of heavy rainfall, households should focus on capturing water quickly and safely. Roof runoff is one of the cleanest sources of rainwater, and even simple systems such as tanks, drums or covered bins placed under downpipes can make a real difference.
Rainwater can immediately be used for toilets, cleaning and gardens, reducing demand on municipal supply.” She advised the public to prepare their home for heavy rainfall by making sure gutters and downpipes are clear so water flows freely. “Guide roof runoff into tanks, drums or large containers, and ensure excess water is diverted away from walls and foundations. Where rain falls intensely over short periods, households should focus on slowing down runoff, spreading it across the yard, and avoiding erosion or water buildup.”
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