WATER STRAPLINE
advocated neighbourhood grid systems that make use of local catchment logic to preserve and share water, as well as using underground storage areas. A case study example of a community based initiative utilising low-tech solutions which is piloting this line of thinking is The Genius of SPACE (Systems for Peoples Access to a Clean Environment) Project. This project is building innovative water and waste treatment solutions in Langrug – an informal settlement in the Western Cape. The project uses Biomimicry principles to address the
grey water, storm water, and solid waste challenges that the community faces and delivers opportunities to reuse, recycle and create value. These easily maintained solutions demonstrate a re-use strategy for the water and waste that benefits the environment and the community in driving change and socio-economic improvement. The onus is not just on corporates, but also on individuals to mend their crooked consumer ways. Simple things like showering instead of bathing, recycling grey-water, installing a filter, planting water-wise and collecting rain water are all small
stepping stones collectively leading to a more resilient water-wise future. For more information on FLOW and the Genius of Space Project Visit www.flow.org.za or #forloveofwater. Sources: • biomimicrysa.co.za • news24.co.za • SABC News • World Wildlife Fund Report 2016 – Water: Facts and Future, Rethinking South Africa’s Water Future