Water Wise Policy

Introduction

South Africa receives an average annual rainfall of 492 millimetres. South Africa is classified as a water-stressed country. Average rainfall in the Rand Water area of supply ranges between 617mm and 654mm.

In South Africa water resources are under pressure from:

a growing population and associated needs;
continuous development;
infrastructure challenges;
non-payment;
pollution;
wetland and water resource destruction;
alien invasive plants;
effects of climate change;
El Niño;
droughts.

Everybody must become Water Wise. Changing people’s behaviour requires ongoing effort and resources, both to spread awareness and to constantly reinforce the message. The Water Wise campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the need to value water and to use it efficiently and sustainably. Rand Water through Water Wise promotes the wise use of water. It also forges partnerships and develops relationships, thereby bringing the Water Wise message to the “greater” Rand Water supply area and other parts of South Africa.

Purpose

Provide a framework that promotes water conservation.
Provide a framework that deals with education and awareness campaigns.
Set up partnerships to conduct research and create awareness amongst the target audience.
Promote practical Water Wise products and practices aimed at decreasing water consumption in the home, garden and landscape. This includes and is not limited to :
- Improving knowledge and advising on systems related to efficient landscaping, reinstatement, site maintenance and environmental management.
- Contributing towards the best use of a scarce resource in support of water demand management and water conservation goals.
Researching the viability of new environmental technologies and methodologies, as these relate to efficient & sustainable water use.
Promote the wise use of water resources and the natural environment so that the quality of water is not negatively impacted.
Encourage Rand Water customers, and future customers, to take ACTION to ensure the sustainability of all resources, i.e. water, air, land, etc.

Scope

Legislative Mandate for Existence of Water Wise

Water conservation is required in terms of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997. Water conservation is also required to assist Rand Water in fulfilling the requirements to achieve ISO14001, its corporate vision and customer service requirements.

Water Wise Target Audience

The Water Wise target audience is all water users mainly, but not limited, to Rand Water’s area of service, irrespective of age.

It focuses on all water users which include but is not limited to the Green Industry, bulk customers (such as municipalities and mines), general public, schools, tertiary institutions, local authorities and the press and media. Water Wise reaches their target audience through print, visual and audio media, brochures as well as specific campaigns, edutaining workshops, roadshows, exhibitions and events.

Objectives of Water Wise

Promote the wise, sustainable and efficient use of water.
Produce informative public education and awareness campaigns and assist with requests.
Provide for exhibitions, campaigns, permanent displays (gardens, homes, etc.), demonstrations, media articles, press releases, brand endorsement, and other activities.
Education of school children, tertiary students and educators through interactive workshops, exhibitions, materials, etc.
Contribute towards and influence the curriculum of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, to include water conservation.
Improve knowledge and advise Rand Water staff, and their children, in terms of water conservation practices.
Conduct research on topics relevant to Water Wise.
Participate, and assist, with the organisation and promotion of forums, eg. Horticulture Forum, Mining Forum, Water Services, Gauteng Water Sector, Gauteng Environmental Education Forum, Catchment Forums, etc.

Partnership

Where capacity exists and resources are available, education and training partnerships with the public sector, non-government organisations, private companies, Rand Water affiliates, etc. are undertaken in the field of water conservation and the protection of the natural environment.

Water Wise Brand

Water Wise logo® is registered as Rand Water’s environmental brand.
The official logo to use is the Water Wise branded logo.

The official mascot to use is Manzi, the tapduck.

manzi-character

Specifications and rules for the Logo as well as the Mascot are included in the Corporate Identity Standards (CIS) manual.

Statement

Water Wise Vision

The Water Wise vision is: “Promote the wise and sustainable use of water”.

Water Wise Pillars

The pillars of the Water Wise brand and that apply to all sectors of the economy are:

Respect Water, Respect Life
Have the utmost respect for water and all life, by nurturing it and enhancing its value.

Don't Waste Water
Use water carefully and wisely in a sustainable manner and do not waste it.

Don't Pollute Water
Do not pollute with liquid or solid waste, as this impacts our water resources.

Pay for Water Services
Payment for water services allows for sustainable provision of this service.

Environmental Action
Take action to solve any water related problem.

Conserve Water, Conserve the Environment
By conserving water we are conserving our environment and ensuring the survival of all life on Earth. All life on Earth is connected.

The pillars of being “Water Wise” can be remembered by looking at the human hand, i.e. 5 fingers and a palm. This tool is used to portray the “Water Wise” message (see the animated version here).

Water Wise Landscape / Environmental Principles

The Water Wise pillars translate into the following Water Wise environmental principles, which are practised within Rand Water and inform all environmentally related Water Wise initiatives:

Protect the environment:
- Remove Listed Invasive Alien Plants and keep rivers and wetlands healthy in order to have sufficient unpolluted raw water to meet our growing population’s needs.
- Control erosion and rehabilitate the landscape to protect ecosystems with conservation value or that provide valuable environmental services.
Apply sustainable development principles:
- Use a holistic approach that caters for the needs of people and the environment.
Explore alternative sources of water:
- Rainwater and stormwater harvesting, underground sources of water and the re-use of household grey water or treated wastewater.
Design and maintain gardens and landscapes according to Water Wise principles:
- Encourage use of locally indigenous plants that are Water Wise, to create low maintenance and low water use gardens that support the aims of urban conservation.
Support responsible urban agriculture and food gardens:
- Apply organic gardening and permaculture practices in combination with Water Wise principles where possible.
Design irrigation systems according to Water Wise principles and include water-saving technologies.

Environmental Responsibility

It is vitally important that all Water Wise activities and actions of team members have the least negative impact on the environment. This includes, but not limited to, types of paper used, the printing process, plastic used, promotional items, etc.

Responsibility and Authority

Water Wise Team

The Water Wise team consists of the following subsidiaries/departments/sections:

Environmental Management Services (EMS)
Communications and Marketing
Water Quality Specialist Services (WQSS)
Water Demand Management (WDM)
Community Based Projects Department
Bulk Sanitation
Rand Water Foundation
Rand Water Services
Risk Advisory Services

Each department of the team focuses on different aspects and draw their expertise from within the departments that they operate, thus making for a more comprehensive, successful and able Water Wise team.