Well the weekend rain helped a bit, but the Cape Town Dam Levels are still down on previous years. Here’s hoping that serious rain starts to fall soon, especially in the Wemmershoek and Steenbras areas, or we could be heading for a very dry summer. Are you ready for water restrictions this summer? Maybe it’s time to concider a grey water solution to keep your garden alive. Low rainfall means water restrictions, water restrictions generally mean dead plants !!! So how much is your garden worth to you ??? Or perhaps you prefer the idea of securing your own water source harvesting the rainwater that does fall in a water tank. We can help you with either of these two water saving solutions, and the many options attached to each.

The table and graph below reflect the dam levels on a weekly basis, comparing the % to the same week over the past 5 years.

It is important to consider that while our dam levels look pretty healthy at the moment, the time to save water is when there is water to save, and we should not be complacent about our water saving efforts. Now is the time to be harvesting your rainwater and installing rain water tanks. Storing this water now, means you will have extra free water to use in the coming dryer months. And on the odd occassion when it does rain in summer, you will be in a position to maximise this free resource falling from our skies.

Cape Town will never be in the position of having sufficient water to waste, and we must continue to be vigilant. Use of the Water Rhapsody award winning conservation solutions can make doing your bit easier, ensuring that any water you do pull from the municipal systems is used as fully as possible. Check out our product demonstration page for more information.

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There are three factors that should be taken into account when selecting your tank size.
Firstly, how big is your rain water collection area? For most people this is the roof of their home.
Secondly, what do you intend to do with the harvested rainwater? Is it for irrigation? Or for use inside the home?
Thirdly, what is the average annual rainfall in your area?

With the Water Rhapsody water tank size application, we can accurately calculate the perfect size for your home and family. For example, we take into account that roughly 16mm of rain on 1oo square meters of tilled roof, will yield 1000 litres of water in your tank. So depending on your roof size, you may well be able to fill a 5000l tank with a single days worth of rain, but do you really need a 5000l tank? To determine this, the application also uses the average regional rainfall figures, and most importantly the number of occupants in the home.

If you want to harvest rainwater for irrigation purposes or to top up a pool then space available for the tank to stand is your only real consideration. However, if using that water inside your home is the nirvana you are seeking (and we can help you get there) then number of occupants becomes vital to the calculation.

In an ideal world, your tank would never overflow, and never be empty. Some people take this to mean “install as much capacity as possible”, but that’s not financially viable. What you really want to do is calculate as accurately as possible what size tank you can fill and draw down on as many times as possible, without it running empty. Your return on investment is directly related to this draw down process, as the more times you fill it and empty it, the less it has cost you per use.

The number of occupants in your house has a big impact on this draw down process. The average daily water consumption of a single person in SA is 150 litres, so a four person home would use around 600l a day. This average family of four would therefore empty a 5000l water tank in around 8 days.

In an even more ideal world, it would therefore need to rain every 8 days to top up the tank, and you’d live off the water grid. BUT we know this is never the case, so by including the average rainfall in your area, mm per day, we are able to calculate as closely as possible the size of tank that your rainfall would fill and your family would empty.

If you live in the Cape Town area, and would like us to calculate the most appropriate water tank size for your home, drop us an email to shaun@watersolutions.co.za telling us roughly how many square meters of roof you have, and how many people live in your home. We’ll happily provide you with an estimate of size and costing.



As registered dealers of Nel and JoJo tanks, we can source, deliver and install anywhere in Cape Town at the best possible prices. With the temperatures dropping and the rain threatening we’ve seen more and more people interested in harvesting their own water supply and are proud of our many happy customers. If it’s rainwater harvesting you’re after, we have three options for you to concider that are bound to suit your pocket.

Water Solutions is doing beautiful things for the residents of Cape Town and we’re here to help. Whether you’re thinking big or small we have a solution to suit your needs. From large scale installations to some simple water conservation ideas for the home (as well as a comprehensive list of water savings tips) we can help. Every drop counts, so do what you can.

Remember, the best way to keep the world green and blue… is to go Grey !

We look forward to hearing from you,
Cheers… Shaun.

Our Cape Town Dam Levels are down week on week from the 9th of August, and still well off this week last year. Here’s hoping that rainwater starts to fall soon, especially in the Wemmershoek and Steenbras areas, or we could be heading for a very dry summer. Maybe it’s time to concider a grey water solution for your garden, low rainfall means water restrictions, water restrictions generally mean dead plants !!! How much is your garden worth ???

The table and graph below reflect the dam levels on a weekly basis, comparing the % to the same week over the past 5 years.

It is important to consider that while our dam levels look pretty healthy at the moment, the time to save water is when there is water to save, and we should not be complacent about our water saving efforts. Now is the time to be harvesting your rainwater and installing rain water tanks. Storing this water now, means you will have extra free water to use in the coming dryer months. And on the odd occassion when it does rain in summer, you will be in a position to maximise this free resource falling from our skies.

Cape Town will never be in the position of having sufficient water to waste, and we must continue to be vigilant. Use of the Water Rhapsody award winning conservation solutions can make doing your bit easier, ensuring that any water you do pull from the municipal systems is used as fully as possible. Check out our product demonstration page for more information.

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Water tanks are easy enough to buy, and while tricky to get over the boundary wall, are easy enough to place under a downpipe. But if you’re like me, you’re probably thinking… I don’t want that massive water tank standing next to my house where everyone can see it. Then there’s the issue of cleaning it when it gets full of leaves and dirt carried in by the rain water. And probably most importantly, how do I use the rain water once I have harvested it.

At Water Solutions we have the answers to all these questions.

First lets talk location. With our system you can now position your water tank just about anywhere in your garden, so you can hide it behind a tree or bush if you so desire, and the distance from your buildings and dowpipes is no issue.
Then there’s the dirty water in the tank problem. With our Rain Runner filtration units attached to the downpipes, only the clean water gets through and into the tank, drastically reducing your maintenance.
Finally… how to access the water and what to do with it. We offer you three solutions ranging in price and benefit (details below).

The first option is a simple ball valve and hosepipe attached to the tank facilitating flood irrigation or topping up of a pool, the second is to add a submersible pump allowing you to wash the car or attach a sprinkler, and the third is the ‘big daddy’ of water conservation, augmenting your municipal water supply INSIDE your home using the Water Rhapsody Grand Opus. Allowing you to bath, shower or wash your hands and laundry with the free rainwater straight out of your taps.

The price of these solutions is dependant on a site visit and quote as each job is different, but you can use the pricing below detailing different water tank sizes as a fairly accurate guideline.

Solution 1: One 5000l tank, a Rain Runner, piping and connections between the two, ball valve tap, 10m hosepipe and overflow
- R6 990.00
Solution 1: One 2500l tank, a Rain Runner, piping and connections between the two, ball valve tap, 10m hosepipe and overflow
- R5 490.00
Solution 1: Two 2500l tanks, a Rain Runner, piping and connections between the two, ball valve tap, 10m hosepipe and overflow
- R7 990.00

Solution 2: One 5000l tank, 2 Rain Runners, all piping and connections, submersible pump, electrical work, ball valve tap, 30m hosepipe, sprinkler and overflow
- R11 190.00
Solution 2: One 2500l tank, 2 Rain Runners, all piping and connections, submersible pump, electrical work, ball valve tap, 30m hosepipe, sprinkler and overflow (this tank size is not ideal for this solution)
- R9 690.00
Solution 2: Two 2500l tank, 2 Rain Runners, all piping and connections, submersible pump, electrical work, ball valve tap, 30m hosepipe, sprinkler and overflow
- R12 190.00

Solution 3: pricing of the Grand Opus fluctuates greatly depending on the building, so no example pricing on this one unfortunately, but contact us if you’d like to find out about it.

Discount: we offer a 5% discount on all quoted prices for accounts settled within 5 working days of completion of work.

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If you have more questions around Rainwater Harvesting, take a look at our FAQ section, it’s bound to answer most queries you have.

And if you’d like more information on these rain water harvesting solutions, or a personalised quote for installation, use the Contact Us page or drop us an email, we’d love to hear from you and help you make a difference.

Firstly, it must be said, Happy Birthday Berg River Dam !!! It’s been 2 years this week since we first started getting stats wrt its capacity. Secondly, my apologies for the delay this week guys, Monday’s holiday appears to have thrown a spanner in the works.

Our Cape Town Dam Levels are, predictably, a little down on last weeks numbers and still well off this week last year. There are 2 schools of thought here. The first is that Cape Town’s rainfall pattern has changed, with a lot of our rain now expected in the months August through November, so it may still be coming. The other is that we are entering our 5 year drought cycle and that the good rains of 2007 through 2009 are coming to an end. Only time will tell.

The table and graph below reflect the dam levels on a weekly basis, comparing the % to the same week over the past 5 years.

It is important to consider that while our dam levels look pretty healthy at the moment, the time to save water is when there is water to save, and we should not be complacent about our water saving efforts. Now is the time to be harvesting your rainwater and installing rain water tanks. Storing this water now, means you will have extra free water to use in the coming dryer months. And on the odd occassion when it does rain in summer, you will be in a position to maximise this free resource falling from our skies.

Cape Town will never be in the position of having sufficient water to waste, and we must continue to be vigilant. Use of the Water Rhapsody award winning conservation solutions can make doing your bit easier, ensuring that any water you do pull from the municipal systems is used as fully as possible. Check out our product demonstration page for more information.

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1 – When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

2 – Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, pavement or street.

3 – Run your washing and dishwashing machines only when they are full. You can save up to 3000 litres a month.

4 – Install a pool cover and check for leaks around your pumps.

5 – Keep a water bottle in the fridge instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

6 – Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

7 – Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

8 – Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and paving.

9 – Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

10 – When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient.

11 – Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models – or fit a Water Rhapsody Multi-Flush to minimise the water flushed away.

Water Saving Device used in Japan – we think the Multi-Flush is a little more elegant !!!

12 – Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is cut short.

13 – Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

14 – Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 3000 litres a month.

15 – When running a bath, put the plug in before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as it fills up.

16 – Collect water from your roof through rainwater harvesting to water your garden or fill your pool. Even better, pump the harvested water into the house using a Water Rhapsody Grand Opus, then you help the environment as well as save yourself money, in fact the system should pay for itself over the medium term.

17 – Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

18 – Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost your food in the sun or even the fridge for water efficiency.

19 – Teach your children to turn off taps tightly after each use.

20 – Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 2600 litres a month.

21 – Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

22 – Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

23 – Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

24 – To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, water for five minutes and then repeat two or three times.

25 – Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, you could save as much as 150 litres a month.

26 – Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 35 litres a minute.

27 – Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round garden color and save up to 2000 litres a year.

28 – If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

29 – Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your grass at the same time.

30 – Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow fallen leaves to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

31 – Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

32 – Turn off the shower water while you wash your hair, you could save up to 550 litres a month.

33 – Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

34 – Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.

35 – Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 1000 litres a month.

36 – When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

37 – If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

38 – Always reuse your towels, it saves on water and energy costs.

39 – When backwashing your pool, use a Poolside Tank to clean the water and return it to the pool. This saves you money and the environment, as the chlorinated water is not dumped to the storm water drains (read: river systems).

40 – Install a Garden Rhapsody to re-route your grey water (shower, bath, hand basin, clothes washer) to your trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line.

41 – When washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.

Every Single Drop Counts

If you’re looking for more water saving tips, try the Johannesburg Water pdf or the  City of Cape Town water saving website, they have a pdf too.

While having a water tank is a great idea, it’s how you fill it and what you do with it that counts. Water Solutions offer you a number of installation options to suit your needs and pocket. From topping up a watering can with a hose, to pumping that water out via a sprinkler for garden irrigation or washing the car, all the way to sending your free harvested rainwater back into the home so you can bath, shower or wash your hands with it, we can do it all.

Our system of filtering the rainwater at source means only clean water reaches the water tank. In turn this minimises the maintenance requirements of your tank, and the quality of water stored increases the options for use. Plenty of our customers drink and cook with this water.

Our price for sale and road side delivery of a 5000l water tank in Cape Town is R3 100.00 – you will not find a better price in the Cape ! And in the miniscule chance that you do, prove it and I’ll beat it !!!

the Contact Us page or drop us an email if you’d like more information on our water tank options, or a quote for installation.

by Herman Singh
Sent: 30 June 2010 06:07 PM

I wrote this on my blackberry in my personal capacity. First time that I’ve felt the need to share via email like this. Feel free to share on.

“The headlines in RSA read the same old dismal news. World cup too expensive. No way to recoup investment. World cup over capitalized… and more in that vein. I read this as I prepared for a journey across 5 continents in 5 weeks, flying in and out of Jhb, and at times being out during the world cup, much to my disappointment.

I had accepted all of these stories at face value until I started with my first flight to Uganda. There I discovered that our African brethren we so proud of us for bringing the world cup here. They were praying for our success in hosting it (if not always rooting for our own soccer team). The excitement was palatable and people were clearly seeing us as the leading members of Africa. This fabulous continent with almost a billion people is perhaps more critical to our future well-being in terms of personal perceptions than the rest of the world!

It struck me then that the PR on South Africa outside the country was hugely positive and actually, you cannot BUY a positive spin like that. In RSA we complain about the cost of this world cup, yet the world now sees us as a positive and happy place to visit and do business with! An amazing dichotomy!

Shortly after that I was in India and was amazed by the extremely great and positive reporting happening on our country. From airports and highway upgrades to the amazing stadiums that have become status symbols on our own continent. The Indians were clearly impressed with our rapid progress as a unified nation and welcomed us as fellow serious fast-growing emerging market-players.

I flew via Dubai and the airport was blazoned with images of our country and the brand “South Africa” had become sexy and exciting in my mind. A transformation of amazing importance was taking place in the collective consciousness of the travelers around me. I often sensed envy in my fellow travelers when they heard were I was from, and more importantly where I was returning to.

I was then in Brazil where South Africa was emblazoned everywhere from billboards and airports to newspapers and TV ads in the soccer crazy nation. Even the domestic airline had this amazing one-hour-video which they played on how well we and Africa had done in preparing for this event. Always positive, and promoting our country in the most positive way that I’ve ever seen or heard. Socially redeeming, nationally relevant, and inspirational was my summary.

I then flew SAA to the USA, and was quite moved to hear our pilots try to talk about soccer over the intercom (and in Portuguese) to a resounding applause from the Brazilian soccer fans on the plane. By now my chest was bursting with pride for my country, my team, my nation and my continent.

The trip to the USA, a country where soccer is not the most publicized sport, was the most amazing of all. Everywhere that I went, I was asked why I was out of my country at this incredible time in history (BBC even interviewed me on this point). I lost count of the number of times that I saw the words “South Africa” from the east to the west coast of the USA. From mobile TV vans at central park, to pubs in San Francisco, and even in the sports section of USA papers that grudgingly referred to this event. ESPN coverage was amazing as were the ads, and they all painted South Africa as a nation that was now a first world country and hosting one of the best world cups ever. Praise was heaped on the country from our fans and united-population, to the fact that our team had done well (given their ranking prior to the event).

At JFK there were people proudly wearing bafana bafana shirts (a USA fashion accessory now in its own right – I think that it’s now the unofficial-world-cup-shirt WORLDWIDE). And the dreaded and much-cursed vuvuzela was now becoming an American icon as I noted from fans at the airport returning to the USA. I lost count of the numbers of those instruments that I saw there. What really knocked me flat was when I found a group blowing them in union square in San Francisco. The top-of-the-pile belongs to the story of a baseball team handing out 15000 of these items to their fans before a game, to totally scare the living daylights out of their opponents! The world of sports-noise will never be the same again!

I returned, humbled, by what we have accomplished as a nation.

Now I’m a senior executive, who is hard-nosed, and has been for 30 years or so, but I was very moved by all of this. So much so, that I thought that I would share this with as many South Africans as possible.

South Africans: Be proud, stand tall, hold your head high. You have every reason to be very proud of yourself and we have honored the great Madiba in the best way possible.

There are a lot of issues in our country but when I see this, I dare to dream. I see a nation that has high ambitions and hope, and punches WAY outside of its weight-limit. A nation unified to show the world what it can do. A nation!!! Wow, that alone is enough!
So smile, my beloved country! You have done well”

See? Told you it would be worth it.
Cheers, Shaun.