South Africa’s Water Shortage Crisis: A Water Storage Option that Stands as a Sustainable Solution in the Face of Water Shifting Implementation.

In recent months, news of the possible implementation of water shifting as a measure to overcome the current water crisis has been making waves in well-known publications. As South Africa grapples with a severe water crisis, one of its most pressing challenges in recent history, it is important that innovative solutions are needed. The South African water crisis is not just a fear, it is a present reality. This complex issue is driven by population growth,  prolonged droughts, mismanagement of water resources, and poorly maintained and build up of infrastructure. The consequences of this crisis are far-reaching, affecting not only households but also businesses and many industries, particularly agriculture.

In the face of this crisis, individual and collective action is crucial. Fixing leaks promptly, reducing shower times and household water usage, and investing in efficient appliances are just a few steps residents can take to save water. Moreover,  rainwater harvesting and saving of grey water is an eco-friendly way to supplement potable water for non-potable uses like gardening, washing cars, and cleaning. This can significantly contribute to conservation efforts. Raising awareness about water conservation within communities and workplaces is equally important to foster a culture of responsible water usage.

“The water crisis in South Africa demands a collaborative effort from individuals to industries,” said Gordon Bredenkamp, co-founder of Damsak® Reservoirs.

In the pursuit of alleviating the water crisis, effective water storage solutions are imperative. Here, we present a comprehensive comparison of Damsak® storage bladders made from polyester-reinforced potable grade, plasticised polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) with various other storage options, including steel tanks, plastic (polyethene and polypropylene) tanks, fibreglass tanks, concrete tanks, and stone tanks.

Damsak® Reservoirs, constructed from high-quality Plasticised PVC, stand out as a versatile, durable, and efficient water storage solution. They are quick to install, available in various size options, and highly portable. Damsak® Reservoirs have a proven track record in preserving water quality and are easy to maintain, ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness.The first Damsak was manufactured in 2007.

“Damsak® Reservoirs stand as a testament to innovation and sustainability, offering a lifeline to South Africa’s water security,” said Dawid Bredenkamp, co-founder of Damsak® Reservoirs.

A key advantage of Damsak® is transportability and the fact that it can come in large sizes of up to 250 000l. Many Businesses have taken this proactive approach to ensure they have a reliable water supply on their premises. This enables business continuity and ensures the hygiene and safety of staff and employees.

Additionally, let’s not overlook the importance of governmental initiatives and industry efforts.

According to Eyewitness News, Rand Water’s Makenosi Maroo said, “In line with the Minister’s directive, Rand Water is implementing water shifting as a management tool to balance its systems. Simply put, water shifting means moving or shifting water from one system to another to ensure a balanced and equitable water supply to municipal customers and residents.” This is just a cover up statement to disguise the fact that the system is inadequate to reliably deliver water, which is available, to where it’s needed. Frankly, I believe Damsak should never be implicated in anything that has any political connotation. Preferably, no politician’s name should ever be mentioned!

This approach, coupled with individual conservation efforts and innovative water storage solutions like Damsak® Reservoirs, can collectively contribute to a more water-secure and sustainable future for all South Africans.

To read more about water shifting and water infrastructure constraints, refer to the below news articles:

  1. Mchunu calls for water shifting to address water outages. – SAnews (October 4, 2023) – https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/mchunu-calls-water-shifting-address-water-outages
  2. Water-shifting warning for indebted municipalities. – Daily Investor (October 3, 2023) https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/34617/water-shifting-warning-for-indebted-municipalities/
  3. ‘Water shifting’ interim plan to be implemented in Gauteng, says Minister Mchunu. – EWN (October 1, 2023) https://ewn.co.za/2023/10/01/water-shifting-interim-plan-to-be-implemented-in-gauteng-says-minister-mchunu
  4. EXPLAINED | What is ‘water shifting’ and why is Gauteng introducing it? – TimesLIVE (September 29, 2023) https://new.timeslive.co.za/articles/news/south-africa/2023-10-01-rand-water-to-implement-water-shifting-in-gauteng
  5. Gauteng gets green light to implement ‘water shifting’. – SowetanLIVE (September 28, 2023) https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-09-28-gauteng-gets-green-light-to-implement-water-shifting /