Water is essential for life, yet it’s a resource many of us take for granted. We use it daily for drinking, cleaning, cooking, and in industries, but how much do we really know about water? At CAMJET, we specialize in water management solutions, and we believe that the more people understand about this vital resource, the better equipped we’ll be to manage and conserve it. In this blog post, we’ll uncover some fascinating water facts that most people don’t know and explain why understanding these facts is crucial, especially for South Africa.
Only 2.5% of Earth’s Water is Freshwater
Although Earth is often referred to as the "blue planet," the vast majority of that water is saltwater. Around 97.5% of the Earth’s water is found in oceans and is too salty for human consumption or agriculture. Of the remaining 2.5% that is freshwater, about 68% is locked away in glaciers and ice caps, while another 30% is groundwater. That leaves less than 1% of all freshwater readily accessible in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for human use.
This small percentage shows why managing water wisely is so important, especially in countries like South Africa, where water resources are already limited.
South Africa is a Water-Scarce Country
South Africa is classified as one of the 30 driest countries in the world, receiving an average of just 464 mm of rain per year, compared to the global average of 860 mm. With a growing population and increasing industrial demand, the pressure on our water resources is immense. Climate change is further exacerbating this issue, with more frequent droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
A Single Drip Can Waste Thousands of Litres of Water Annually
A small drip from a leaky tap might seem insignificant, but over time, it adds up. A faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second can waste more than 11,000 litres of water per year! For context, that’s enough to fill over 180 standard bathtubs. Imagine the impact of hundreds or thousands of small leaks in a municipal water system or even in homes and businesses across the country.
Agriculture Uses About 70% of Global Freshwater Supplies
Water isn’t just vital for drinking—it’s essential for growing food. Globally, agriculture accounts for about 70% of all freshwater withdrawals. In South Africa, where water resources are limited, it’s critical to adopt sustainable irrigation techniques to reduce water wastage. Technologies such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting can help farmers use water more efficiently and grow crops with less waste.
A Water Footprint: More Than Just the Water You Drink
Your water footprint is the total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly by you, including water used to produce the food, clothing, and products you consume. For example, did you know that producing a single pair of jeans requires around 7,600 litres of water? Or that a hamburger takes about 2,500 litres of water to produce, factoring in the water needed to grow the feed for livestock?
Most of the World's Water is Invisible (Virtual Water)
The concept of virtual water refers to the hidden water embedded in the production of everyday goods. This water is used at every stage of manufacturing—from growing raw materials to the industrial processes used to create finished products.
For example:
Producing 1 kg of rice uses around 2,500 litres of water.
A single sheet of A4 paper requires about 10 litres of water.
Producing 1 litre of milk consumes 1,000 litres of water throughout its supply chain.
Understanding the hidden water cost behind products can help businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices.
South Africa Loses 37% of Its Municipal Water to Leaks
In South Africa, the national average for non-revenue water—which includes water lost through leaks, theft, or improper billing—stands at around 37%. This means more than a third of treated, potable water never reaches its intended destination. This is a major challenge in a water-scarce country, where every drop counts.
At Camjet, we provide solutions like leak detection and trenchless pipe repairs to help municipalities and businesses reduce water loss and improve the efficiency of their water systems.
Recycled Water Is Safe and Sustainable
Water recycling is a powerful tool in the fight against water scarcity. In some parts of the world, including South Africa, treated wastewater is used for irrigation, industrial processes, and even drinking. While many people are hesitant about using recycled water, modern treatment technologies ensure that it is safe and often of high quality.
The Average Person Uses 100 Litres of Water a Day
While it’s recommended that individuals use around 50 litres of water per day for basic needs, the average person in urban areas of South Africa uses 100 to 235 litres daily. Much of this water is used for tasks like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, but a significant portion can be saved with simple conservation techniques like fixing leaks, installing water-efficient appliances, and reusing greywater.
Greywater Can Be Reused for Irrigation
Greywater is the relatively clean wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other household appliances. This water can be reused for irrigation, reducing the demand for fresh, potable water in gardens and landscapes. Greywater recycling systems are becoming increasingly popular as a way to conserve water and reduce water bills.
Water Knowledge is Water Power
Water is a finite and fragile resource that demands our attention and care. By understanding these lesser-known facts about water, we can take steps to use it more wisely and sustainably. Whether it’s fixing leaks, adopting water-saving technologies, or rethinking our water footprint, every action counts.
We are committed to helping businesses and communities across South Africa adopt smarter water management practices. Our solutions - from trenchless pipe repairs to sustainable irrigation—are designed to conserve water, reduce waste, and ensure a sustainable future.
Let’s work together to protect South Africa’s water resources. To learn more about how Camjet can help your business manage water sustainably, contact us today!
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