ASSOCIATIONS
17
Water scarcity,
the new normal
Lately, South Africa has lurched from crisis to crisis in the water
space. From the water crisis in Cape Town to the dire situation in
Nelson Mandela Bay and Beaufort West running out of water, as well
as the continuing pollution of the Vaal River system with raw sewage.
By Brendan Reynolds, executive director of IOPSA
The first and most important step is for all of us to realise
that our natural resources, especially freshwater, are finite
— they will not last forever unless we change the way we
use them. There is a huge body of evidence to confirm
this. The great thing about water is that it generally does
not get destroyed by use. This means that we can manage
our use and, if we get it right, we could potentially have
freshwater available to use forever. We just need to ensure
that we start using it wisely. Freshwater is by far the most
precious resource in the world, more important than gold,
oil, diamonds, or any other ‘precious’ resource. Without
freshwater we die — all of us, without exception … think
about that for a few seconds.
The next step is for plumbers to recognise that they are
important professionals who have a major role to play in
the way we use and manage freshwater resources, both
in South Africa and globally. Every single day, thousands
of plumbers work on water systems in South Africa. The
decisions you make on a daily basis have a direct impact on
the system and, by implication, indirectly on every human
being in the country. Do you choose to make a positive
impact? Do you choose to follow the law, which is there to
protect everyone, or do you just do what is most expedient?
Do you choose to do what the architect / engineer /
homeowner wants, even when you know it is wrong? Do
you choose to save or waste water; pollute or protect it?
You see, when you recognise that, as a plumber, you are a
professional and must act as a professional, you will start
making the right choices. Your choices matter!
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
The last step is for professional plumbers to act. You
need to do something to make a difference. Make no
mistake, the professional plumber is a role model and
a thought leader in his/her community. The way you
act and the things you choose to do are seen by your
colleagues, clients, neighbours, friends, family, and
the community as a whole. They will watch you for
guidance; if the professional plumber can waste water,
so can I. If the professional plumber can break the law,
so can I. What you do says far more about you than any
words ever could.
Get involved and be active in your community, at IOPSA,
at your children’s school, or anywhere else where you
can use your influence to ensure good water practices.
Choose to use quality-approved and environmentally
friendly products. Use the latest water-saving devices
and tools. Educate yourself.
We seem to be unable to come to grips with water
management and most people tend to point the finger
squarely at government, but the reality is that each and
every one of us has an important role to play. There is
no way that government can solve these issues on its
own, and plumbers are at the forefront. As plumbers
we are in a position to make a huge difference.
Brendan Reynolds, the
executive director of IOPSA.
Thoughts and words cannot change anything; ultimately,
only your actions will make a difference.
Water scarcity is the new normal for South Africa. We
may have some good rains this season and maybe even
next year, but eventually the drought will return, more
frequently and progressively more widespread. We must
get used to this new normal and if we are to succeed
and grow, we must find ways to deal with it. We simply
cannot keep doing things the way we have always done
them. Now is the time to change.
I hope you, the professional plumber, will choose to be a part
of the solution. Water is the lifeblood of our industry and we,
as professional plumbers, are in the best position to make
a positive impact on how it is used. Without freshwater we
have no industry and millions of lives will be put at risk. Be
the change you want to see and make a positive impact on
South Africa’s water resources. PA
November 2018 Volume 24 I Number 9