HEALTH AND SANITATION
27
There are no regulations that specifically govern RWH in
South Africa. However, the National Building Regulations
(SANS 10400) that govern all building and construction
work in South Africa and other consumer installation
standards (SANS 1200, SANS 10106, SANS 10252 and
SANS 10254) do affect aspects of RWH systems, such
as tank installations and internal plumbing.
While relevant Acts make provision for the enforcement
of such regulations, almost all local governments do
not have the capacity to do so. Regulations should not
be stringent to the extent of making it difficult for the
average homeowner to set up a basic RWH system, even
though it is not “blatantly against the law for anyone and/
or everyone”. Nor should it be too lax to fail to prevent
the backflow of rainwater into the main water supply
systems. Accordingly, existing regul ations should apply
for dual RWH systems, but should be waived for stand-
alone systems. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
degree the harvested water needs to be treated, but also
how its use should be regulated. Water used for irrigation
does not require the same level of treatment as water
used for potable indoor purposes and should not abide to
the same quality standards.
An enabling environment and government support
are necessary for spreading the concept and the
implementation of rainwater harvesting systems on
a larger scale.
In urban areas, it augments
municipal supply, while in rural
areas it is often either the sole
or the best water supply source
available.
October 2017 Volume 23 I Number 8