Water Wheel July/Sept 2025: Water Efficiency

Abstract

We’ve probably all had experiences with water-saving devices that test our patience. Perhaps it was some ineffectual waving of hands to get the sensor of a touchless tap to recognise our presence, or having to push repeatedly on a self-closing pillar tap for enough water to rinse off soap. Or maybe it was a low-flow showerhead that delivered an insipid spray, or the dual-flush toilet that couldn’t remove toilet paper from the bowl unless the full-flush button was pressed. But these types of plumbing fittings and fixtures do play an important part in reducing water use, which is especially important in South Africa, given that a substantial water deficit is expected by the end of the decade. A Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) for taps, showerheads and toilets marketed in the country is therefore under development, intending to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and encourage uptake of water-saving products.

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