Earlier this week, Joburg water announced that we should expect water shortages and loss of water pressure from Monday 24 June. The limited water supply is expected to last up to 54 hours. We’re still not entirely sure what this means for the majority of Joburg residents but, in our experience, it’s better to be prepared. Rather than being left high and dry, try and make sure you have a plan in place when disaster strikes and there’s no water coming out of the taps.
Here are a few clever hacks on how to prepare for a water shortage…
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Safe storage
Try to store extra water this weekend, just in case. Water doesn’t have an expiration date but it needs to be stored in the proper containers in the proper place. And don’t store water in a container that can’t be sealed. We recommend keeping it in food-safe plastic containers like large Tupperware or buckets with lids. It should also be stored in a cool, dark place.
Don’t overdo it
Try to minimize your physical activity, so you don’t need to consume as much water in order to stay hydrated. This is especially important during a water shortage, but if you start slowing down in preparation then it’s even better. As if we needed an excuse to do as little as possible this weekend!
Wash what you can
Plan ahead by doing as much laundry and household cleaning beforehand as possible. Of course, you’ll create dishes as the hours go by, but at least you’ll have enough clean clothes to get you through.
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Fill up
Just before the water goes off, fill as many sinks and bath tubs as you can. This water won’t be safe to drink, but it’ll be there if you need to wash the dishes or flush the toilet. Every little bit helps.
Be careful what you flush
During a water shortage, it’s likely that there’ll be less water flowing through the drain from other sources, which means any foreign objects could cause a blockage. Rather than flushing toilet paper, dispose of it in the bin. Smelly but safe.
DIY filter system
If you’re desperate and need to filter a small amount of drinking water, coffee filters work a charm. They’re ideal if you need to filter out solids before purifying the water further.
What about flat water?
Stale, flat water isn’t safe to drink, so if you’re storing water for a long period, make sure to oxygenate it before you drink it. This can be done by simply running the water between two clean containers.
Hopefully the water shortages aren’t as drastic as we expect, but as least with these steps you’ll have a plan in place. Good luck and savour every sip!
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
