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Water Wise Guide to Landscaping - South Africa

Rand Water has promoted the development of Water Wise landscapes that conserve water. This guide outlines the basic principles of creating Water Wise landscapes, which include assessing the site, planning appropriately, and designing according to principles such as hydrozoning plants based on their water needs. Landscaping professionals are now aware of the need for Water Wise design given South Africa's water constraints.

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Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 1 World-class Water Contents Wise landscaping 2 Landscaping for the future 3 Water Wise landscapes S outh African landscapers are internationally acknowledged as experienced professionals who are able to overcome a range of difficult climatic conditions in their bid to create beautiful landscapes.They also appreciate the challenge of landscaping in a country that is officially classified as having a semi-arid climate. Predictions from climate change experts suggest that even more trying 4 6 Basic principles of Water Wise landscaping Planning in hydro zones conditions can be expected as world temperatures rise on account of global 8 Design Water Wise surfaces warming. In South Africa, climate change is also expected to affect annual rainfall 10 Marvels of mulch distribution patterns which will result in extended dry periods interspersed with excessively wet periods. 12 Harvest rainwater With an ever-growing population and pressure on the availability of potable water, Rand Water has joined forces with the South African Landscapers Institute 16 Efficient irrigation (SALI) to promote the concept of Water Wise landscaping. The likelihood of water demand outstripping supply to the Rand Water footprint 18 Become a water manager between 2013 and 2020 are well documented.The available supply of water in the 19 Rainfall facts and figures Vaal River System will only increase when the new Lesotho Highlands Water Project is completed in approximately 2020. This means that everyone, including office 20 Create a wetland parks, golf courses and housing estates, will have to become ever more proficient in managing water usage. 22 Wise up on water features Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping outlines the basic principles 23 Water Wise container gardening underlying the creation and maintenance of Water Wise landscapes. Most of the images used to illustrate these basic principles are from projects submitted by SALI 24 Water Wise management of buildings Principal Members for the 2011 Awards of Excellence. Since 2005, Rand Water has sponsored a Water Wise Trophy at this event, and the Water Wise winners are 28 The South African Landscapers Institute lauded for their efforts. We hope that the Water Wise ideas, concepts and advice in this publication will 30 SALI 2011 Shield for Excellence winner be of benefit to everyone who develops, manages or maintains a landscaped 31 SALI Awards of Excellence environment around factories, mines, office blocks, hotels, casinos, golf courses or housing estates. 32 SALI 2011 Trophy winners Leslie Hoy – Manager, Environmental Management Services, Rand Water 34 Rand Water’s Water Wise Trophy winner Paul Kirkby – Chairman, National Committee, SALI 36 SALI 2011 Gold Award winners Editorial Team 40 SALI 2011 Silver Award winners Rand Water Editors: Leslie Hoy & Meagan Donnelly Consultant Editors: Kay Montgomery, Beverley Ballard-Tremeer, Warren Schmidt 42 The value of a professional landscaper Design & Layout: Arthur McLellan, Caréna Büchner Production: Kay Montgomery Editorial Services, tel: 011 723 9000 45 Landscaping extravaganza Rand Water Customer Service Centre Hotline: 0860 10 10 60 Website: www.randwater.co.za 46 Accredited SALI suppliers Email: customerservice@randwater.co.za 48 Principal Members of SALI This publication is a joint venture between Rand Water and the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI), 2011. Cover:Water Wise and eco-friendly landscaping beauty of the site, and resulted in the creation of accompanying water restrictions, thereby protecting Designed and implemented by Marina Landscaping, habitats for a variety of wildlife. the property owner’s investment in the landscape. this garden at the High Constantia Estate in the The riverine area at High Constantia was No bare soil can be seen anywhere on the Constantia Valley in Cape Town was awarded the completely cleared of alien invasive plants.This Estate, as all pathways are covered in mulch and all 2005 Rand Water Water Wise Trophy. vegetation had been absorbing large quantities of beds are fully planted.This reduces evaporation The five hectare site comprises 19 residential groundwater and reducing water flow in the stream. from the soil by up to 70%.The private open spaces units clustered around 2,5 hectares of open space. This area was rehabilitated with indigenous stream of residents comprise informal natural landscaped Marina Landscapes followed the recommendations and wetland plants.The river has a 10m buffer zone areas to mimimise the use of ‘waterholic’ lawn given in the on either side, which provides habitat for plants and areas.To create a recreational area the meadow Environmental animals, creating a biodiversity corridor. field was planted with buffalo grass, a relatively low Scoping Report and Most plantings comprise local indigenous plants water usage Cape turf type. designed a landscape – a total of over 200 different indigenous plant The Estate is now a bird-watcher’s paradise, and to preserve species. Such plants are well adapted to local is home to many frog and insect species as well as biodiversity and conditions, and therefore need little if any extra small mammals.The Estate showcases the principles habitats.The water beyond that provided by the local rainfall. of Water Wise gardening, illustrating how a beautiful indigenous plantings Local indigenous plants are also more likely to landscape can be created that also conserves water, retain the natural survive in the event of a prolonged dry spell with and animal and plant biodiversity.
2 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Landscaping for the future Landscaping is evolving to deal with issues of water security, which are fast becoming a worldwide concern, particularly in water-short countries like South Africa T he amount of fresh water on earth ABOVE: Modern landscaping takes water neighbouring regions from 2013, when conservation into consideration. (Pic: Chelsea Flower Show. projected population growth and develop- is constant, which means that the Designer: Philip Nash) ment will exceed the available piped water fresh water available today is exactly the same as it has been for thousands of supplied to the region. Only in about 2020, centuries. And yet in the last 100 years the The day is fast when the new Lesotho Highlands Water earth’s population has increased dramatically. Project comes on stream, will more water From 1,6 billion people in 1900 there are approaching when there become available to Gauteng. now 7 billion people on earth, and this number is expected to reach 8 billion in will not be enough water Landscapes for the future 2025.The present population of Africa is – or affordable water – Water resources and their future availability 1 030 million; it is expected to double by 2050. for lush waterholic underpin the very existence of the The increasing demand made on existing landscaping industry. Landscape architects, water supplies by ever-growing populations landscapes designers, contractors and maintenance is of enormous concern to both governments specialists, need to design landscapes that and water authorities throughout the Leslie Hoy, Rand Water suit the new reality of predicted water world.The strain on water supplies was shortages, and to plan the most water- internationally acknowledged at the 1992 evaporation. Climate change is also affecting efficient on-site irrigation. United Nations Conference on Environment rainfall, with ‘drier dry spells’ and ‘wetter wet In this groundbreaking brochure, a joint and Development (UNCED) in Rio de spells’ being predicted. And increasingly, venture between Rand Water’s Environmental Janeiro.The United Nations deemed it South Africa’s limited water resources have Management Services and the South African necessary to establish an annual World to be shared amongst an expanding Landscaper’s Institute (SALI), the ideas, Water Day – March 22 – to highlight the population, a growing business sector, concepts and tips that will transform importance of water conservation and agriculture and our unique ecosystems, the landscaping sites into Water Wise models of water quality. latter of which generates a large part of our progressive excellence are presented. In water-stressed South Africa, studies tourism industry. We also celebrate landscapers and already indicate that, as the population South Africans have been urged to save landscaping projects which have installed grows, our limited water resources could be water in the workplace and at home.The a variety of Water Wise initiatives.These fully exhausted within the next 20 years. likelihood of future water shortages is not projects have been recognised by Rand A variety of programmes have been initiated a fantasy. Reports from the City of Cape Water and each year the best Water Wise by both government and water authorities Town indicate demand will exceed supply landscape is awarded Rand Water’s Water to manage water resources more efficiently in eight years, and the Department of Wise Trophy.This prestigeous Trophy is and reduce wasteful water usage. Water Affairs has predicted that water presented at the annual SALI Awards of shortages can be expected in Gauteng and Excellence. Demand for water South Africa receives an average rainfall of 495mm, less than half the world’s average of What is water stress? 1050mm. Hence South Africa is categorised South Africa is classified as a ‘water-stressed’ country as we have less than 1 700m3 of as a semi-arid country that is water water per person per year. Unless we begin to use our limited water supplies wisely, stressed (see box).There is also an uneven South Africa will move into the ‘water-scarce’ category of less than 1 000 m3 per person distribution of rainfall across our country, per year by 2025. and our hot dry climate causes excessive “Water conservation is destined to be an inevitable part of everyday life” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 3 Water Wise landscapes Become a water steward Water conservation can serve as an integral part of corporate sustain- Rand Water has led the way in promoting the ability practices, or the ‘greening’ of a business. Many often think of development of landscapes that conserve water ‘greening’ as a technique that focuses on energy savings, but it is important to not forget the importance of ‘saving R and Water, the main supplier of potable water to Gauteng and neighbouring regions, has promoted water conservation for many decades. Following international trends, the Environ- launched numerous Water Wise initiatives and developed Water Wise demonstration gardens at the Delta Park Environmental Centre in Victory Park in Johannesburg and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical blue’. Not only is water a limited natural resource, but there is also a fundamental water-energy connection as the treatment and delivery of water requires a great deal of energy. mental Management Services of Rand Water Gardens in Roodepoort. Being an active water steward is has become increasingly interested in A Rand Water Water Wise Trophy was one more way to enhance a company’s quantifying the amount of potable water donated to the South African Landscapers image and improve employee pride used in landscapes. (Potable water is water Institute in 2000 and is awarded annually and motivation. Besides positive PR, from natural sources that has undergone to the landscape company that has an organisation will benefit with cost costly purification processes to render it safe designed the most Water Wise landscape savings, including lower maintenance to drink. Delivered through a complex (see page 34).This award is an accolade and equipment replacement costs, in system of pipes and reservoirs, it is often of recognition for the winning landscapers addition to reductions in water bills. referred to as municipal water). and is highly prestigious, as it guarantees A number of prestigious Interest in water efficient landscapes the future clients of these landscapers a organisations provide guidelines on began in the 1970s, when research in the team fully conversant with Water Wise how businesses can practice environ- semi-arid, south-western states of the USA landscaping principles. mental conservation in general, indicated that irrigation of landscapes in Landscaping professionals and plant including water conservation. These these dry regions accounted for about 50% growers are now well aware of the need to include the American Audubon of total domestic water use. The severe create Water Wise landscapes that conserve Cooperative Sanctuary Programme, drought in these regions in 1977 resulted water. Rand Water researchers continue the International Organisation for in the imposition of water restrictions to keep the general public, as well as Standardisation and the South African which impacted negatively on landscapes. professionals, informed about water Heritage Environmental Management Subsequent research demonstrated that, conservation by means of magazine and Company. All give recognition for if a specifically designed low water usage newspaper articles, brochures, informative achievement of their objectives. landscape was installed (instead of high talks, and the Water Wise website. (Visit In every business or factory there water usage European-inspired plantings), www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water are simple steps that can be taken to and irrigated with precision, landscape water Wise logo.) conserve water.These include fixing usage could be reduced by about 70%. Rand Water’s researchers have also leaks, installing low-flow showerheads, identified the water needs of a wide range installing high efficiency toilets, Rand Water and the of plants, and continue to be right up to installing Water Wise landscaping and Water Wise campaign date with the latest water saving techniques recycling processed water. However, During the drought of 1994/5, Rand Water and products.These findings are of major the best savings will occur if a launched a Horticultural Forum as part of interest to South African landscapers, who business creates an overall water their campaign to highlight the importance are at the forefront of innovative design. management plan. of Water Wise gardens, landscapes and The following pages highlight research which The three best practices for all recreational facilities in the Gauteng region. focuses on the many ways that the water organisations are: Shortly thereafter the Water Wise brand needs of an attractive landscape can be • Have a goal to save water. was launched. Since then, Rand Water have reduced to the absolute minimum. • Identify and implement water efficiency measures. • Monitor savings and progress. LEFT: Businesses can conserve water by installing an attractive Water Wise pavement planting rather than simply lawn as shown here at the entrance of the Waterfront Office Park in Cape Town. Landscapers: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) FAR LEFT: Launched in March, 2011, the Water Wise garden at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens includes water harvesting techniques, hydro zoning, indigenous low water plants and a variety of mulching techniques. It also proves that water wise gardens can be enormously attractive. “One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself” - Nelson Mandela
4 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Eight rules for Water Wise design • Plan and design to conserve municipal water and harvest free rainwater. Basic principles • Remove declared alien invader plants – they over- consume water and destroy habitats. • Create practical turf areas of manageable sizes and shapes, and select appropriate grass types. of Water Wise • Zone the landscape into different hydro zones and group plants according to their water usage. Make the low water usage zone as large as possible.Thereafter, determine landscaping how much and how often to water through the seasons. • Use soil amendments such as compost, manure and water retentive polymers. • Use mulches, especially in high and moderate watering zones. • Irrigate efficiently with properly designed systems, and by Site assessment and planning applying the right amount of water at the right time. • Maintain the landscape appropriately by mowing, are vital pruning and fertilising properly. W ater Wise landscaping is an approach to landscaping that focuses on water conservation. Climate-appropriate plant choice and efficient irrigation are key factors. Others A Water Wise landscape is simply one in which basic principles of water conservation have been applied right from the start – although any existing landscape can be altered to make it Water Wise. are grouping plants with similar water The best time to convert an existing requirements together in different hydro landscape to one that is Water Wise is zones, watering just enough to meet plant when it needs a revamp. If building needs, and installing non-water consuming alterations are to be carried out, this is also areas, such as paved or gravelled sections. a good time to reassess the landscaping. The use of local indigenous or other low water usage introduced plants is a priority. Planning and design Being Water Wise does not necessarily Planning involves identifying the client’s imply only one particular landscape style. Planning to make the best use of site assets and preferences, intended uses and goals for the Rather, it is a concept of water conservation limitations is important. At the Mount Grace Hotel in landscape.These goals are then combined that may be applied to landscapes of any Gauteng, sloping ground permits water to be harvested with the environmental features of the style, from formal to informal in layout, to in a dam. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping. property to create a map.This ‘synthesis contemporary or traditional in appearance. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) map’ is refined by applying both standard and Water Wise design principles to create A Water Wise landscape is cost efficient an attractive landscape. Planning to make the best use of site assets and limitations is important. Assets may include views, rocky outcrops, a boggy A retention pond slows down floodwater area suitable for wetland plantings, areas with sunlight or shade, as well as existing During construction of the Echo Edge apartment building in Port Elizabeth the vegetation vegetation. on an adjacent steep slope suffered damage.The area was re-vegetated, and berms and Design principles include scale, balance, swales were constructed to slow down and manage fast-flowing stormwater that would interest, harmony and continuity. Three otherwise have flowed unrestricted into the Baakens Valley Nature Reserve, carrying with additional design considerations that are it valuable topsoil, and causing serious soil erosion to the valley walls. Landscaping: important in Water Wise design are: Ulterior Design. • Dividing the area into different hydro zones. • Creating shaded areas to help preserve moisture in the soil. • Creating windbreaks to prevent wind drying out the soil. Implementing a plan may involve site grading, creating berms and swales to harvest rainwater, preparing and amending soil to make it more water-retentive, planning and installing an irrigation system, constructing no water usage hard landscaping surfaces, planting up high water usage, medium water Construction of berms and swales. After construction. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) usage and low water usage hydro zones, mulching and maintenance. “As both population and water demands increase, and existing water supplies correspondingly decrease, the cost of potable water will increase.” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
6 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Plan different hydro zones Different plants have different water needs so plan and plant accordingly T he key design principle of a Water Wise landscape is to group plants with similar water requirements in the same area. A landscape can have four hydro zones: A high water usage zone, small, and the high water usage zone even smaller. Also take into account the following: • Plan no or low water usage zones for windy exposed areas and the heat- No water usage zone Make this hydro zone as large as possible. It comprises mainly of hard landscaping surfaces such as paved or gravel areas and parking areas that need no water. However, a moderate water usage zone, a low water collecting hot areas adjacent to the north- established local indigenous trees and usage zone and a no water usage zone. or west-facing walls of buildings. shrubs, as well as many succulent species This approach allows for small areas of high • Make use of areas where rainwater can be included in this zone. water and medium water usage plants, but temporarily collects for medium water at the same time results in water savings of usage zones or a wetland area. Low water usage or ‘1 drop’ plant between 30% and 80%. • It is more water efficient to plant high zone water usage ‘3 drop’ plants in containers Make this hydro zone large.The plants for Plan different planting and group the containers together to this area are those that thrive mainly on zones create a focal point. the local rainfall. They tend to be local For greatest water conservation most of the indigenous plants. Once established, they landscape should be designed as low water Four zones only need a little, if any, watering. In summer usage and no water usage zones. Make Apply the four zones principle to conserve water only once every four weeks. In winter the moderate water usage zones relatively water. water only once every eight weeks. Water Wise landscapes promote biodiversity Water Wise landscapes recognise the value of local indigenous plants that are naturally adapted to prevailing weather conditions and rainfall. And, quite logically, local indigenous plants provide a habitat for a wide variety of local wildlife. As ever-expanding cities destroy natural habitats and wetlands, many local plants and animals are becoming endangered, to the extent where extinction is a possibility.To highlight this new millennium threat, the United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. Businesses can become 21st century ‘heroes’ by commissioning a landscape that conserves water and also provides a haven for wildlife. Practical advantages are a reduced water bill, little or no lawn mowing, and less fertilisation and maintenance. The predominantly indigenous plantings in the 43 hectare Veld Estate of the Woodlands Office Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Landscapers: Servest Landscapers. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) “Don’t blow it – good planets are hard to find” Time Magazine headline, 2007
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 7 A well planned Water Wise landscape results in water savings of guide to plants between 30% and 80% Choose the correct plants for each hydro zone ‘1 Drop’ plants for low water usage zone: Once established, these plants do not need water, except during very hot dry spells. Local indigenous plants are an ideal choice. Only water in winter if they show signs of distress. Established local trees and shrubs, as well as most succulents, will not need any extra water. Some examples are: • Trees: Acacia spp., tree aloe, Buddleja spp., wild olive, karee, bush willows, Celtis africana, Dovyalis zeyheri, Erythrina lystistemon. • Shrubs: Abelia, carissa, confetti bush, euryops, felicia, FAR LEFT: A no water zone. Most cacti and lavender, rosemary, Plectranthus neochilus, philodendrum, succulents thrive on local rainfall and require no plumbago, Indian hawthorn, strelitzia, Cape honeysuckle. Arctotis extra irrigation. Shown here is The Succulent Garden • Perennials: Agapanthus, asparagus ferns, clivia, Cape at The University of Pretoria. Landscaping: Amaloba thatching reed, Dietes spp., gaura, Horticultural Services. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) blue statice (Limonium perezzi), Tulbaghia violacea. CENTRE: A high water zone. For greatest water • Groundcovers: Arctotis, stalked bulbine, hen-and-chickens, erigeron, trailing gazania, conservation keep this zone as small as possible. Plectranthus spp., trailing osteospermum, Sutera spp., star jasmine, vygies. Planting colourful annuals and bulbs in containers is • Bulbs: Fan-leaved boophane (Boophane disticha), Crinum spp., Ornithogalum thyrsoides. highly water efficient. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr) LEFT: A medium water zone. Keep this zone relatively small - shown here is a small rose garden ‘2 Drop’ plants for medium water usage zone: at the Westcliffe Hotel in Johannesburg. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Once established these plants do not need much water ABOVE: A low water zone.The pavement area of the during the rainy season, except during very hot dry Sunridge Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth is planted spells. Water once a month during the dry season. Some up with colourful but low water usage indigenous examples are: plants. Landscaping: Ulterior Design. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) • Trees: Silver birch, leopard tree, Juniperus spp., Platyclydus orientalis cvs., Melaleuca bracteata, deciduous Moderate water usage or ‘2 drop’ oaks (Quercus spp.), Populus simonii. plant zone • Shrubs: Aucuba, buxus, coprosma, cordyline, cuphea, Keep this hydro zone relatively small. The Cycas revoluta, Duranta cvs., Freylinia tropica, gardenia, plants for this area are those that need more hisbiscus, box honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), forest bell water than that which is provided by the (Mackaya bella), mahonia, nandina, roses, Solanum rainfall in your area. Many popular exotic plants rantonnetii, Viburnum species. are ‘2 drop’ plants. In summer water once a • Perennials: Shasta daisy, diascia, dianthus, hellebores, Day lily week. In winter water once a month. Hemerocallis spp., kniphofia, New Zealand flax. • Groundcovers: Carex spp., Festuca spp., Liriope spp., mondo grass, lamb’s ear, snow-in- High water usage or ‘3 drop’ plant summer (Cerastium tomentosum). zone Keep this hydro zone as small as possible, ‘3 Drop’ plants for high water usage zone: or even eliminate it altogether, as high water usage plants need frequent watering Once established these plants need regular watering throughout the year. If included, it makes every 3 days in summer, and more often during hot dry sense to position this zone where it is highly spells. Water at least once a week during the dry season. visible, such as a front entrance. Some examples are: Azaleas, camellias, tree ferns, fuchsias, The following types of plants all have Cape fuchsia, white arums (Zantedeschia aethiopica) high water needs: lawn, bog or wetland Canna hybrids, dahlias, acorus, Ajuga spp., creeping Jenny plants, exotic ‘3 drop’ plants, annuals and (Lysimachia spp.), Lamium spp., baby’s tears (Soleirolia bulbs. In summer water 2-3 times every soleirolii), all winter flowering bulbs and annuals. Fuchsia week. In winter reduce watering by half and water 2-3 times every fortnight. “The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives” Chinese Proverb
8 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping What is hard landscaping? Hard landscaping refers to any non- plant surface area in a landscape where Design Water Wise alternatives to plant material are used. It includes outdoor terraces and patios, parking areas, paths and steps.These surfaces areas can comprise concrete or brick, cobble or flagstone paving, sleepers and stepping stones set in pebbles, gravel or bark chips, according to their purpose. Instead of putting down lawn on flat landscape In a Water Wise landscape it is vital that solid paved areas make provision surfaces, install low water usage alternatives for rainwater runoff – see below. T he materials used to cover the ground surface of a landscape have great bearing on the potential water conservation of a property. A low water usage surface Plant low-growing ‘1 drop’ ground covers. Evergreen ground covers are best as they look good all year round. Large swathes of just a few plant species with contrasting ABOVE: A no water surface: paved surfaces and foliage are particularly effective. Low water areas covered with gravel or pine bark nuggets at usage ground covers include dwarf Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. (Pic: Leslie Hoy) ABOVE LEFT: A no water surface: a surface comprising agapanthus, stalked bulbine, dymondia, low growing succulents and aloes at the Woolworths trailing gazania, trailing osteospermum and Plant natural grasslands. Make the area Distribution Centre in Gauteng requires no extra wild garlic (for sun); and Asystasia gangetica, a fashionable prairie-like natural veld grass irrigation. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping. Asparagus densiflorus, hen-and-chickens, area. Such grasses need only local rainfall (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Drimiopsis maculata, variegated plectranthus to thrive. ABOVE RIGHT: A low water surface: evergreen low and sutera (for shade). water usage ground covers make for an attractive and permeable surface area in the middle of the parking Plant ground-covering succulents. A no water usage A professional landscaper is well informed area at River Walk in Pretoria. Landscaping: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtsy of SALI) surface about local low growing succulents that are Plant local Cynodon lawn varieties. Most perfectly adapted to local conditions and water conserving designs.The larger such exotic lawn varieties are high water usage need no extra irrigation. Succulent surfaces surfaces are, the more water is conserved. plants.To conserve water and minimise cannot be used as recreation areas or walk Recent research indicates that such surfaces maintenance reduce or eliminate lawn areas. ways as foot use will damage the succulents. actually may help to retain moisture in the Select indigenous Cynodon varieties that are soil by keeping the soil cool.The moisture naturally dormant in winter and thrive on Install hard landscaping. Such surface then becomes available for neighbouring local rainfall only. treatments are particularly important in plantings. Permeable surfaces are preferable Surfaces that are water-permeable are always preferable to impermeable paved areas. A permeable surface is one that allows rainwater to percolate through it into the soil beneath. Such water remains cleaner and less polluted than stormwater that has flowed over impermeable surfaces such as roads and pavements. Polluted water is detrimental for natural ecosystems LEFT: Permeable concrete pavers. (Pic: Leslie Hoy) and makes the provision of piped drinking water more expensive. CENTRE: Permeable flagstone and gravel. (Pic: Lukas Otto) Examples of permeable hard-scaping surfaces are: RIGHT: A permeable mulch pathway. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) - Permeable concrete pavers.These are a good choice for under large trees, driveways and parking areas. Where impermeable paving is unavoidable, install it in such a way as - Gravel and small pebbles. to direct rainwater into adjacent planted areas.This can be achieved - Spaced flagstones with pebbles in the gaps. Use for pathways and by means of a slightly sloping surface that is barely detectable, or, in terraces. the case of a driveway, with judiciously positioned and very slightly - Spaced flagstones with a very low-growing Water Wise ground sloped berms. cover planted in the gaps. Where large areas are already paved, install infiltration basins - Pine bark nuggets or shredded bark for paths in informal natural planted with trees. Micro-organisms and root systems in the soil act or indigenous areas. as filters and clean stormwater as it travels down through the soil. “Plant up a landscape in autumn when establishment watering requirements are lower” – Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
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10 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Marvels of mulch Covering the soil with a layer of mulch is an essential aspect of Water Wise landscaping M ulching dramatically reduces water loss from the soil due to evaporation, so that less frequent watering is required. Which mulch to choose and the depth of the applied mulch depends on the landscape theme, availability of various mulches and the local climate. • Mulched soils do not need digging, as A properly mulched micro-organisms and earthworms do all Types of mulch the work. landscape can save • Partially decomposed compost makes • Organic mulches. These come from plant excellent organic mulch and is particularly between 50 to 70% water, and animal sources and are the best sort appropriate and cost effective for of mulch because, as they break down, businesses where the establishment of as the water in the soil they enrich the soil. Examples are compost, a compost heap made from kitchen and fruit pips, nut shells, bark nuggets, wood garden waste is viable. cannot evaporate so chips, cobs and autumn leaves. Organic mulches need to be topped up regularly. quickly • Inorganic mulches. These are substances or materials that do not break down and enrich the soil, but help keep moisture in the soil. Examples are gravel, pebbles, stone chips and pavers. As they can store heat they need to be used judiciously; they are most suitable in shady areas. • Living mulches. Ground covering plants serve the exact same purpose as other types of mulch, and may be preferable for aesthetic reasons. Low water usage ground covers are the most Water Wise choice. The benefits of mulch • Mulch reduces soil temperature, so less water is lost to evaporation. • It promotes good root growth by retaining moisture in the root zone. • It suppresses water-consuming weed growth by keeping out the light. • Mulch provides winter protection in cold climates, preventing frost damage to roots. • It reduces exposure to wind, which results in less moisture loss through evaporation. • It controls erosion by softening the impact of falling water and slowing it down so that it can soak into the soil before running off. Benefits of organic mulch • Organic mulch eventually breaks down and improves the quality and water- holding capacity of soil near the surface. “A 5cm layer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65% depending on the type of leaf”
Tips for organic mulch use - Organic mulches must at least be 5-8cm thick for normal soil and 8-12cm for a sandy soil. With clay soils 2-4cm is sufficient under normal conditions. - During dry or cold periods the level of mulch needs to be thicker than during wet periods to protect plant roots. - As organic mulches break down in the decay process, they need to be replenished. Compost decomposes in two to four months, whereas bark chips last about two years before being broken down. - In spring, after the last frost, it may be necessary to pull mulch back from emerging plants, especially small perennials. - If a particular mulch creates a nitrogen deficiency, correct by adding a solution of ammonium sulphate, dried blood or rock phosphate. ABOVE: Mulching is highly Leaf litter is ‘in’ effective in retaining moisture in the soil. Shown here is the Maintenance services often think they are doing the Houghton Golf Course entrance right thing by ruthlessly clearing beds and borders in Johannesburg. Landscaping: of fallen plant debris for the sake of neatness.This Horticare. (Pic: Coutesy of SALI) practice is outdated in landscapes of the future as BELOW : An inorganic rock bare soil inevitably loses its moisture content. A 5cm mulch has been utilised at the layer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65% Dept of Health Offices in the depending on the type of leaf; pine is the best. North West. Landscaping: Amaloba Horticultural Services. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) BELOW LEFT: A living mulch is just as effective as inorganic and organic mulches. Choosing low water usage groundcovers with soil retentive roots is the best choice for sloping ground. Landscaping: Servest Landscapers. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Pic: Leslie Hoy “Nearly 91% of South Africa falls within the United Nations’ definition of affected drylands, which are extraordinarily dry areas where the rainfall is low and the evaporation is high”
12 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Water harvesting winner Harvest rainwater Make maximum use of rainwater to irrigate a landscape W ater is a precious resource that should not be wasted and certainly not thrown away. And yet, by not making the most of free rainwater, it is, in effect, being thrown away. Rather than letting this free water run off a property, use it to irrigate the landscape by directing the water to where it is needed, such as a high water usage zone, a wetland or a pond. Alternatively, it can be Large and sloping hard-landscaped areas designed stored in water tanks for later use. Collecting rainwater for use in a landscape is to harvest water. Landscaping: Life Landscapes. known as rain harvesting. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Harvest rainwater from the roof At the Pivot Hotel at Montecasino in Sandton, Collecting rainwater from the roof is the most efficient means of harvesting water. Life Landscaping utilised the slightly sloping Every 1m2 of roof generates one litre of water from 1mm of rainfall. Put differently, paved areas to direct stormwater runoff into a in a region with South Africa’s average annual rainfall (464mm per annum), 464 litres catchment system, and from there into a dam. (0,46 kilolitres) of free water can be harvested per year per 1m2 of roof. Water from the dam is used to irrigate the To find out how much rainwater in litres can be harvested from a particular roof small high water usage zone which comprises per year multiply the area of the roof in m2 (or the ground area of the building) by the plantings with retaining walls. amount of rainfall your area receives per year in mm. Allow for 15% wastage. Deduct The retaining walls hold water in the beds, this amount from your annual water usage to see how much less water you would be keeping the soil moist for longer. Clean, paying for annually. unpolluted rainwater from the roof, is directed to storage tanks in the basement area and from there it flows into a neighbouring stream. Slightly sloping paving directs runoff. By using water wisely up to 50% of landscape irrigation water can be saved Construct berms and swales Swales (shallow depressions) and berms (slight ridges that are higher than the adjacent surface area) that are carefully positioned in a landscape, harvest water by keeping rainwater from a heavy downpour from being lost to runoff.They are particularly beneficial on a sloping site. A berm at the lower edge of a slightly sloping lawn area will harvest water for the lawn.Very slight concrete berms on a solid surface driveway can direct runoff into an adjacent high or medium water usage zone. And a swale that collects runoff rainwater can be the basis of a wetland or pond area (see page 20). Terrace slopes The rainwater that falls on slopes is all too easily lost to runoff. In the process it Stormwater runoff is directed into a dam which provides erodes the soil, taking off the fertile top layer.Terracing sloping ground to create level free water for irrigation. Landscaping: Life Landscapes. areas of soil is a Water Wise practice. By constructing terraces rainwater runoff is (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) slowed down, permitting more water to soak into the soil.This makes terraced areas ideal for plantings. In addition, a multi-level terrace makes an attractive landscape feature. To collect rainwater for trees Direct rainwater into ponds and dams and large shrubs, contour the Rainwater from gutters and hard surfaces can be directed into decorative ponds, storage dams or water tanks. Such water features are set to become a characteristic landscape so water collects of future landscapes. On a practical level, the water in dams can be used for irrigating the landscape. under the drip line “Conservation is about managing our natural resources, from the largest watershed to the smallest ecosystem” Essex Regional Conservation Authority, UK.
14 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping ADVERTORIAL Landscaping going even greener With the ever increasing pressures on natural resources and the sure indication that demand for water in South Africa will outstrip supply by 2025, the landscaping industry is being transformed from a primarily aesthetic service to one that impacts the very sustenance of life on our planet. T he landscaping industry can lead the way in educating both corporates and homeowners on the important role of rainwater harvesting to secure the future of both the planet and the landscaping Design green spaces between hard surfaces (patios, walkways and parking lots) and building edges. (Pic: Greenacres, SALI) industry. Substituting rainwater for all water applications excluding drinking water, could result in a potable water saving of around 50% of all domestic water consumption, and more than 80% of consumption in corporate and public buildings, thus relieving the immense stresses placed on municipal water supplies (not to mention the accompanying water bills!). It is no wonder that rainwater harvesting, in conjunction with water wise, sustainable landscapes and permeable paving is amongst the top 10 international landscaping trends. Principles of water wise landscaping 1. Plan and design for water conservation. 2. Green retaining walls by building small out-pockets and planters on the sides to absorb water and reduce run-off. 3. Reduce impervious surfaces by, for example, replacing solid driveways with porous alternatives. harvesting tanks in the landscape design. 4. Interplant flagstone walkways with With the variety of sizes, stylish options creeping groundcovers, such as thyme, and fashionable colours available, smaller which will help to slow stormwater flow sized tanks can be unobtrusively and create a more aesthetic space. positioned under decks, alongside 5. Design green spaces between hard walkways or vertically against a wall. surfaces (patios, walkways and parking Alternatively, consider underground lots) and building edges. water storage tanks. JoJo Tanks have 6. Include the installation of JoJo rainwater a wide range to suit this application.
16 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Efficient irrigation A properly designed and maintained irrigation system both conserves water and promotes a thriving landscape T he choice of an irrigation system and how it is implemented in different hydro zones has a great impact on the efficiency of water use on any site. in a landscape to have different watering schedules. Automatic systems offer the benefit of programmable controllers. However the danger lies in ‘setting and forgetting’. For ABOVE: Drip irrigation is particularly good for mulched areas because it does not wash away the mulch, as can be the case with a sprinkler system. (Pic: Courtesy of Netafin) Automatic systems maximum water efficiency the timing of the account – depending on received rainfall The most efficient irrigation system – and irrigation needs to change seasonally, as the it is quite feasible to switch off the irrigation certainly the least time-consuming – is an quantity of water required by plants varies system for a few days. Linking a rain sensor irrigation system with an automatic controller from summer to winter.To conserve water, into the automatic system ensures that that allows for the different hydro zones the rainy season needs to be taken into irrigation will be halted automatically during rainy periods (see box). Drip versus sprinklers From a Water Wise perspective, drip irrigation is preferable to sprinklers and lawn pop up systems. A drip irrigation system emits 2-15 litres of water per hour, whereas a sprinkler system emits 2-7 litres per minute. Research in the dry south-western states of America has shown that drip irrigation has a high level of water efficiency. Water drips directly into the soil, so there is less waste of water compared to sprinkler systems that spray water above the soil, where droplets are often blown away by the wind, or evaporate. Drip irrigation is particularly good for mulched areas because ABOVE: A drip irrigation system emits water directly into the soil so that there is less water lost to wind or to it does not wash away the mulch. evaporation. (Pic: Lukas Otto) Drip irrigation is ideal for large shrubberies, as there is no interference from foliage and Install a rain sensor therefore no dry spots. Plants that are vulnerable to fungal attack, such as roses, An easy way to prevent overwatering is to install benefit from this form of irrigation as the rain sensor to override the automatic watering foliage does not get wet during irrigation. system during rainy weather. A rain sensor simply Awkwardly shaped and narrow areas, where senses rainfall. Once a designated amount of conventional sprinklers waste water by over- water has been detected, it shuts down any spraying, will also benefit from drip irrigation. regularly scheduled irrigation and makes sure that you do not have a public relations disaster on a References rainy day. - Landscape Irrigation Association of South Africa (LIASA) on tel: 021-558-4989; Email: info@liasa.co.za; website: www.liasa.co.za - The Drip Guidelines Manual on http://www.amwua.org/publications/guidelines-for- Pic: Lukas Otto landscape-drip.html or http://amwua.org/pdfs/drip_irrigation_guide.pdf “Overwatering is not practical or economical. It runs up electricity bills, fosters soil compaction, and encourages weeds and diseases” National Parks and Recreation Association, USA
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 17 ABOVE: Narrow areas, where conventional sprinklers waste water by overspraying, benefit from drip irrigation. (Pic: Courtesy of Netafin) LEFT: Slopes need to be irrigated more slowly than flat surfaces. Landscaping: GvH Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Code of Standards The Landscape Irrigation Association of South Africa (LIASA) has a Code of Standards Manual for the design, installation and management of irrigation systems. The aim is to assist contractors, dealers, specifiers, developers, architects and building managers in the correct application, installation and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems for South African conditions. Now in its 3rd edition, the Manual was compiled by a team of local irrigation experts to ensure an efficient and trouble free system. Included in the manual are tables which offer guidelines for soil infiltration rates and average irrigation requirements.There is also information about how to take into account the prevailing climatic conditions. Formulas for calculating the precipitation rates of all sprayheads (micro sprays and cone heads), rotating sprinklers (mini to large) and emitters (bubblers and drippers) are included, as well as potable water flow testing methods and equipment. Any LIA professional has access to this Manual and can advise building managers on any excessive use of water relative to the area under irrigation. It wastes water to over-irrigate plants that grow well with minimum water. In fact, many such plants will die if overwatered “The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe – if less obviously immediate – as any wartime crisis we have ever faced” Jim Wright, US Representative at Water Conference
18 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Become a water manager Proper irrigation practices can lead to water savings between 30% and 80% T o become a water manager requires the assistance of a professional team of irrigation and landscaping consultants who can set in place systems that allow for monitoring the water • Water less frequently but more deeply. This encourages deep root growth that sustains the plant during dry periods. Frequent watering causes a plant to develop roots in the first few centimetres ABOVE: If water from a sprinkler system puddles instead of sinking into the soil, change the programme to deliver the required amount of water in two sessions rather than one session. (Pic: Schmidt) usage in the various hydro zones on a of soil only, so in dry periods they cannot property. A well planned system will reduce use water deeper down in the soil profile. water usage and save time and money. This is particularly true of lawns. between 10h00 and 14h00 when For example, irrigation specialists take • Water-train trees and shrubs. By gradually evaporation rates are high. In winter, into account the following: changing from frequent shallow watering morning irrigation is best. • Turf areas are irrigated differently from to less frequent but deeper watering • Adjust the irrigation programme shrub borders. schedule, permanent plants can be according to the season. Plants need less • South and east exposures need less ‘trained’ to need less water. water during the cool winter season than frequent watering than north and west • Water in the early morning or late during the hot summer months. exposures. afternoon to reduce water loss to • If the sky is cloudy, irrigation can be • Slopes need to be irrigated more slowly evaporation. In the hot summer months reduced by as much as 50%. than flat surfaces. from October to February, avoid watering • Avoid irrigating during windy weather as • The need to use a number of emitters high winds blow away water delivered by around the drip line of trees, where the sprinklers and prevent proper coverage. roots are, rather than just one next to the • Turn off the system if rain is irrigating the trunk. landscape sufficiently. • If water from a sprinkler system puddles Best irrigation practices instead of sinking into the soil, change the Maximum water conservation can be programme to deliver the required achieved by applying the following: amount of water in two sessions rather • Set automatic systems correctly and than one session. adjust them as conditions change. • Water only as frequently as your plants ABOVE: Constructing terraces to hold rainwater Best maintenance prevents soil erosion and conserves the water for need it.The different hydro zones have terrace plantings as demonstrated at Maropeng in practices different water requirements and require the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. Landscaping: Once an irrigation system is installed it different watering schedules. Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) needs to be checked at least twice a year to make sure it is performing well. Particularly in the case of sprinkler heads, plant growth over time may call for adjustments to the system. • Check it for overall coverage. If planted up areas are not being comprehensively irrigated, adjust the system.This may mean replacing heads, adding more heads, or changing heads to do a more efficient job. • With the system on, observe places that are receiving water where it is not needed. Overlaps onto paved areas may result in considerable water waste. Overwatering trees and shrubs may lead to diseases. • Check all water connections in the irrigation system at least twice a year for leaks. During hot Highveld summers irrigate in the early morning or late • Replace all old worn washers. afternoon to reduce water loss to evaporation. Shown here is the Parys • Monitor sprinkler heads for any Golf and Country Estate. Maintenance: Evergreen Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) misalignment, and adjust the sprinkler heads as is necessary. “Water conservation is something we all should practice. It's too precious a resource to waste” - American Water Works Association
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 19 Rainfall facts and Average city annual rainfall figures in mm figures Summer rainfall regions Upington Oudtshoorn 189 239 Graaff Reinet 361 Kimberley 414 A comprehensive knowledge of local rainfall Polokwane (Pietersburg) 478 averages, soil absorbency and rate of flow of Bloemfontein King William’s Town 559 606 irrigation systems are all part and parcel of Port Elizabeth 624 Vereeniging 671 efficient irrigation. Pretoria/Tshwane 674 Johannesburg 713 Mbombela (Nelspruit) 767 O nce the landscape is divided into separately irrigated zones, each with its own appropriate planting, hard landscaping and irrigation lines, irrigation can be fine tuned to achieve • Make sure to replace water lost to evaporation in the high water usage zone. High water usage ‘3 drop’ plants require 10mm of water every three days, in summer you need to put down 10mm East London Durban Winter rainfall regions Cape Town 921 1009 515 maximum water conservation. plus the 15mm or so that has evaporated George 715 over those three days – a total of 25mm. Paarl 886 Observation is vital In winter, only 15mm is required every Once new plants have been established, week. Source: South African Weather Bureau. careful observation of prevailing weather conditions and daily observation of the Annual rainfall averages condition of the plants are the key to The average annual precipitation of the adjusting your irrigation programmes entire surface of our planet is estimated to Average provincial efficiently. be about 1 050mm per year. Not one of annual rainfall in mm Observe how plants react to increasing South Africa’s cities or provinces receives Nearly 91% of South Africa falls within or decreasing their irrigation schedule. Most this amount. We live in a dry country with the United Nations’ definition of plants only need water when they start to limited water resources. Water is a resource affected drylands.These are wilt. However, some plants look wilted that is more valuable than gold or diamonds. extraordinarily dry areas where the during the day, but actually have plenty of Use it wisely. rainfall is low, and the potential water at their roots and will recover in the evaporation is high. evening. If your plants are still wilting at Source: night, they need water. http://www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/prov/rain.htm Northern Cape 202 Western Cape 348 How much water do North West 481 plants need? Limpopo 527 • Different plants require different Free State 532 irrigation schedules. Depending on their Eastern Cape 552 size, water needs to penetrate the soil to Gauteng 668 different depths at each watering. Irrigate Mpumalanga 736 long enough for water to penetrate to KwaZulu-Natal 845 the root zone, but no deeper. Deep infrequent irrigation is preferable to shallow frequent irrigation. Check the soil LEFT ABOVE: South Africa’s landscapers are able moisture depth after watering – use a to create stunning low water usage landscapes that long screwdriver, soil tube, or moisture look good all year round, as shown here at the meter. Irrigate as follows: Holiday Inn Express in Woodmead, Sandton. - Depth of 30cm: Small plants, such as Landscpaing: Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) lawn, groundcovers and perennials: LEFT: As appreciation for South Africa’s natural flora - Depth of 60cm: Medium plants, such and fauna steadily increases, developers of large as shrubs: country properties are striving to preserve the - Depth of 90cm: Large plants, such as natural vegetation, which has adapted over millions of years to local climatic conditions, and needs very trees and large shrubs: little irrigation or maintenance. Shown here are the • Take into account the evaporation rate grounds of the Mount Grace Hotel in the On the Highveld, the evaporation rate in Magaliesberg. Maintained by Servest Landscaping summer is 4-6mm per day, while in winter it was recognised as a Silver Award winner in the it is almost zero. Water Wise Category. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) “Between earth and earth’s atmosphere the amount of water remains constant. There is never a drop more, and never a drop less” Linda Hogan in Northern Lights, 1990
20 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Create a wetland Wetlands help to keep water clean and also to conserve water T he term ‘wetland’ refers to a section of land that is waterlogged – either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands provide an ecological habitat for the birds and wildlife of a particular area, but they are also a valuable environmental resource that can be used to prevent flash floods by slowing down and storing the water from heavy downpours. Preserving a natural wetland or constructing a new wetland in an urban or industrial landscape helps to compensate for The low lying area of a sloping property can be utilised to create an ecologically friendly the loss of valuable natural wetlands.Throughout the world, wetland supplied with harvested rainwater as demonstrated at the High Constantia Estate it is now quite common for golf courses to include a in the Western Cape. Landscaper: Marina Landscaping (Pic courtesy of SALI) wetland.This often feeds into a dam that harvests water for irrigating the turfed areas. Now industrial and commercial landscapers are following this water-friendly trend with a Constructed wetlands at the wetland appropriate to the size of the landscape. (See box) Cradle of Humankind A well designed wetland is a highly attractive feature in With plenty of land available, a natural water purification system for all a landscape. Many lovely plants like the moist soil of a bog wastewater at the Maropeng Hotel and the Tumulus visitor centre in the area. Some, such as sedge (Cyperus spp.), scarlet river lily Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng was viable. (Hesperantha coccinea) and white arum (Zantedeschia All wastewater, including sewage, is fed through a series of constructed aethiopica), grow with their roots in the waterlogged soils wetlands.The wetlands were designed and constructed by Lindros at the edge of a pond or in submerged containers in a pond. Whole Earth Consultants, and handle 110 kilolitres of effluent per day. Others, such as red-hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.), clivias and Initially the effluent is passed through a debris trap where all non- arums, like moist soil and can be planted at the edge of biodegradable materials are filtered out.The wastewater is then the bog. channeled into underground septic tanks where anaerobic digestion takes place. The overflow from the septic tanks is led into an automatic dosing siphon chamber where it is partially cleaned through the process of phytoremediation. A second dosing siphon directs this water into a similar series of second stage wetlands. Phragmitis is the main phytoremediation agent in these wetlands. Finally the water passes through two more wetland areas that contain a greater diversity of plant species that were chosen to eliminate any remaining harmful bacteria. At three points in the system the effluent is dosed with micro-organisms to further cleanse it. The cleaned effluent is available for irrigation or for infiltration into the natural water cycle. Reference: Environmental Management, May/June 2006, pages 19-23. A small wetland has been constructed at KwaMaritane in the North West Province. Landscaping: Top Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI.) The final wetlands in the wetland series system at Wetlands are a valuable Maropeng are planted with a environmental resource that can variety of indigenous species be used to prevent flash floods by that destroy pathogenic slowing down and storing the bacteria. (Pic: Carol Knoll) water from heavy downpours “Wetlands have a poor public image. Yet they are among the earth’s greatest natural assets – mankind’s waterlogged wealth” Edward Maltby, Waterlogged Wealth
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 21 Purifying waste water Wetlands can also ‘clean’ polluted water by the process of phytoremediation. The diverse bacterial communities and particular plants in a wetland benefit from the high nutrient load of polluted water. They ‘take up’ the pollutants, leaving the water clean. Wetlands are capable of biodegrading nutrient-laden domestic sewage and even toxic industrial effluents. The ‘green’ building movement of the last decade takes into account the use and purification of wastewater from a property, be it residential, commercial or industrial. Fairly large wetland areas are necessary to purify effluent water – water from baths, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and even sewage – generated by a hotel development, or the polluted wastewater from ABOVE: A buffer wetland area surrounds the dam at the Development Bank of South Africa in Midrand. Landscaping: a factory process. Where viable, this Landtech Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) technique is increasingly being used, for example, at golf course estate developments. The ‘green’ building movement of the last decade References: takes into account the use and purification 1. Phytoremediation & Constructed Wetlands by Cindy Moberly.Visit http://rydberg.biology. of wastewater from a property, colostate.edu/Phytoremediation. 2. www.notesfromtheroad.com/files/emp.pdf be it residential, commercial or industrial ❖ Ensuring a greener tomorrow. ❖ A proudly South African, level one bee supplier with 30 years experience in horticulture. ❖ Leaders in the field of interior plantscaping & exterior landscaping. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PLANTSCAPERS ❖ Experts in water wise gardens, for both corporate & private gardens, promoting the creative use of drought resistant, hardy, indigenous plants PO Box 628, Fourways, 2055 within the design. 266-1 Spencer Avenue, CHARTWELL NORTH ESTATES ❖ Experienced garden maintenance thereafter, ensures a healthy & vibrant E-mail: allscape@mweb.co.za garden throughout the year. Tel: (011) 460 1471 Fax: (011) 460 1844 ❖ Specialists in the supply & maintenance of indoor plants, offering a wide variety of plants & containers, enhancing the environment and beneficial to the well-being of your work force.
22 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Wise up Be Water Wise with swimming pools One of the most vital ways to reduce evaporation from swimming pools is to place a cover over it. A new case study has demonstrated that a thermal pool cover reduces water loss on water to evaporation by up to 98%. Filtration and energy consumption are also reduced by 50%. A cover also extends the swimming season by keeping the water temperatures higher, and reduces the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water clean. In Namibia, these benefits features have been recognised and, by law, swimming pools have to be covered whenever they are not in use. Another way to use water wisely is to fill the pool only when necessary. Use a timer on the tap as a forgotten running hose can waste about 1 000 litres of water per hour. It is possible to have Source: Landscape SA magazine, May 2011, pg 41 an attractive pond or fountain that does not waste water I n recent years a dramatic water feature, either indoors or outdoor, has become fashionable in prestigious commercial properties. In today’s more ecologically aware world the question arises about ABOVE LEFT: Installing a small swimming pool is one way in which water can be conserved. Shown here is the pool at the Stay Easy Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal. Landscaping: Countryline. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) ABOVE RIGHT: Fountains with sprayers that produces course droplets, or where the water simply overflows whether they are appropriate in a water- from the top layer, waste less water than those with a fine spray or tall jets of water. Make sure the basal pond is short country. large enough to catch all the descending water. Landscaping: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) The answer is: It depends on the type of water feature and how it is managed. A water feature is Water Wise when water in a sunny or windy position outside the lost to evaporation, to adjacent areas, and to entrance doors. leakage is kept to an absolute minimum. • Place one water feature strategically, to Below are some guidelines. form a focal point, rather than several • Locate a water feature in the shade scattered around the property. where evaporation rates are less. • Aim for a water feature of minimum size • Locate a water feature where it is with maximum effect. sheltered from the wind. • Reduce the size of the surface areas of • A water feature at the entrance of a water to reduce evaporation. building is more Water Wise if it is • Make a constructed pond deep as a positioned inside the building rather than shallow pond loses more water to evaporation than a deep pond. One LEFT: A pond containing water plants that metre is a good depth to aim for. shade the water surface area, thereby reducing • Avoid extravagant high-pressure evaporation, is a Water Wise choice as shown at movement in fountains and waterfalls as the Rodwell House Hotel in the Western Cape. these have high evaporation rates. Landscaping: Cape Contours. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) • A water feature where water drips or bubbles is more water efficient than one which sprays water. • If a fountain is the chosen water feature, A ‘dry’ river choose a sprayer that produces coarse Consider constructing a ‘dry river bed’ as an droplets rather than a fine spray – the illusionary water feature. A layer of pebbles with latter lose more water to evaporation a few strategically placed boulders, together with than the former. some bank-side plantings of low water usage trees • A basal pond of a fountain needs to be with dry season interest and clumps of grass-like one and a half times wider than the plants can be most attractive.The dry river bed and height of the fountain to prevent water edges can be planted up with local perennials and wastefully splashing out of the pond. bulbs which are dormant in the dry season but • A natural pond with a large surface area, spring to life when the rains arrive. needs to be between 50cm and 1m deep. Many water plants need a planting depth Landscaping: Eco Creations. of at least 45cm under the water surface (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) to survive, and fish need deep cool areas. “Less than 1% of all the water on Earth is available for human consumption”
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 23 Water Wise Add moisture retaining container gardening granules and wetting Growing plants in containers is highly agents to the water efficient soil in containers C ontainer plants are popular for enhancing the appearance of indoor spaces and large outdoor paved areas. And containers themselves can serve as focal points in an outdoor or foliar fertilisers that provide a regular supply of fertiliser over a period of time. Organic fertilisers are also recommended as they do least harm to underground water supplies. indoor setting, particularly when they are • Watering requirements. Containers large. Currently large geometrically shaped enable water to be used efficiently by containers are highly popular as they the grouping of plants with similar water complement the present trend of requirements together. In outdoor neomodernist architecture and design. containers, group high water usage Growing plants in containers is a ‘3 drop’ plants such as ferns, azaleas, recommended Water Wise practice, camellias and fuchsias together, and plant providing certain guidelines are followed. Water Wise shrubs in a different grouping • Type of container. Avoid containers that of containers. are porous and lose water through Use low water usage plants in outdoor evaporation. If you already have porous containers as much as possible, especially pots, such as terracotta, line them with if the containers are against hot north- or polythene or sealant, making sure to leave west-facing walls. a hole for drainage. For indoor containers make groupings • Container size. Make sure your pot is the of ‘3 drop’ subtropical plants such as ABOVE: A grouping of low water usage Aloe right size for the chosen plant. Choose a palms, schleffera, peace lily and crotons. species and Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’ makes container that allows for root growth. Alternatively, group ‘1 drop’ frost tender a bold statement and complements the current When a large container is required for succulents such as the striking Euphorbia neomodernist architectural trend. (Pic: Otto) impact, but the plant does not need so ingens and Pachypodium species.The water much space, to conserve water, fill the wise plants will not require watering as large container with lightweight packing frequently as the ‘waterholics’. (See page 7 garden area, require regular watering as material and put a smaller pot containing for the water requirements of different they like moist soil. Avoid automatically the plant on top. plants). applying water to a plant that wilts a little • Soil. For healthy and thriving container Position indoor container plants away during the heat of the day – it’s normal. plants, choose a good quality potting mix from any draughts, and away from direct Rather test the soil first. Push a finger into high in organic matter. Enhance the water sunlight. the soil up to the first knuckle joint. and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil • Water efficiently. The high water usage If the soil feels damp at that depth and by adding water-retaining granules. subtropical plants so popular as indoor sticks to your finger, the plant does not • Fertiliser. Use slow-release fertilisers and plants, both in containers or in an indoor need water. Place drip trays under containers of high The most water efficient method of watering water usage plants – these will collect surplus water which the plant will draw up container plants is by drip irrigation as the soil dries out. The most water efficient method of watering container plants is by drip RIGHT: Use low water usage irrigation, as this ensures that the water is plants in outdoor containers as distributed slowly throughout the soil, rather much as possible, especially if the containers are against hot north- or than soaking through it. Otherwise water west-facing walls. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr) them slowly, by hand. FAR RIGHT: A colourful and • Apply mulch. This will reduce water loss welcoming indoor display of through evaporation. When planting up '3 drop' winter flowers is water containers leave a 5cm gap below the top efficient because all the plants are of the container to allow for mulch. Keep grouped together to make watering the mulch about 3cm away from plant easier. (Pic: Leonie Ballard-Tremeer) stems to avoid possible fungal problems. “In South Africa water is a resource that is more precious than platinum, gold or diamonds – use it wisely, not wildly” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
24 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Water Wise management of buildings Water stewardship can be implemented in the kitchen, canteen and ablution 1 facilities of any commercial and industrial building I 4 t has been calculated that the average commercial building uses approximately 37% of its municipal water in amenities (kitchenettes and showers), 26% through leaking taps, running toilets etc, 31% in water-cooled air-conditioning units, 3% food production, 2% cleaning and 1% irrigation (depending on land use). An immediate saving of 2 at least 25% can be achieved by simply fixing and managing leaking amenities. Commercial buildings can save water by implementing modern plumbing systems and water management regimes aimed at reducing water consumption. Leaking taps, valves and pipes are another contributing factor to water wastage. A project carried out by the National Building Research Institute of the CSIR maintains that overall water consumption can be cut by as much as 40% without any inconvenience.The findings suggest that 3 5 a small building can save at least 260 litres per day or 7 800 litres per month by using water more 1 Flow control showerheads should be fitted in change room and ablution facilities to reduce water efficiently, while larger buildings can save much more. consumption. Pic: Schmidt 2 Ablution taps and plumbing fixtures should be inspected regularly for damage – ideally, conventional Hot water management taps should be replaced with pop-up or sensor activated. Pic: Schmidt 3 Regularly inspect the mains water meter to monitor the buildings water consumption. Pic: Schmidt Many litres of cold water are wasted whilst waiting 4 Leaking taps must be repaired as soon as possible. Pic: Otto for taps to run hot water in kitchens, ablutions and 5 A worn flange from a toilet cistern which needs to be repaced. change rooms. Investigate ways in which to capture or divert this water elsewhere. Insulating foam or other forms in insulating material wrapped around pipework will assist in keeping the water warmer for Ablutions and showers longer and prevent freezing in winter. Geysers and An immediate With all the water-saving ideas, concepts and hot water heating systems should be placed as close products available today, there is no reason as possible to where the water is used to prevent saving of why water cannot be used efficiently in prolonged running of cold water. bathrooms. Products such as flow control Geysers have an expansion valve built into the at least 25% can be regulators, toilet cisterns with reduced water system to prevent the geyser from bursting. As the cold water heats up it expands causing pressure achieved by simply capacity, toilet floats and even aerators are now readily available. Hotels can encourage within the storage cylinder. The expansion valve will open should this pressure exceed a certain level. fixing and less water usage with a ‘water stewardship’ notice in each bathroom. In dry countries When the expansion valve opens, extra water will managing leaking top brand hotels politely suggest that guests run through a pipe onto the outside of the building. reuse their towels to save on laundry water. This water should be captured in a container and amenities Water wastage from basin taps in the reused for washing or can be diverted and used for a toilet facilities of hotels, tourist venues, nearby drip irrigation system or into a water feature. restaurants and factories can be reduced by “Ultra-low flush toilets, depending on the type purchased, use only about 7 litres of water per flush. This could save your business’s indoor water use by as much as 20%” - American Water Works Association
Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping 25 installing taps that deliver a fixed amount of water per press. Motion sensor activated Install Water Wise plumbing systems taps can be installed in public bathrooms with high traffic flow. These only switch on When building or renovating plan for a water-efficient water supply system. Consider the when someone washes their hands close to following: the sensor and automatically turn off when • Install medium sized baths – 1 500mm or 1 650mm is an adequate length. they move their hands away. • Fit flow-controlled shower heads or fit a flow controller behind the showerhead. An example in the United States highlights • Install wash basin taps with aerator outlets.The aerator mixes air with the water, the potential water savings: resulting in a lower flow rate (5-20 litres per minute), which splashes less and feels By installing 30 tap aerators, a commercial soft on the skin. building in Brookline, Massachusetts, could • Install toilets that have cisterns with a maximum capacity of nine litres. However, also reduce water consumption by 190,000 consider the Aquasave – a toilet suite with a 4,5 litre cistern capacity. Manufactured by gallons (719 kilolitres) per year.The cost of Vaal Potteries, the Aquasave is endorsed by Rand Water. the devices and labour was approximately • Keep hot water pipe 'dead legs' to a minimum. A 'dead leg' is the length of pipe $300 and the savings for the retrofit are between the water heater and a single fitting which has to be drained of cold water estimated at $1,250 per year – a payback of before the hot water reaches the outlet. 'Dead legs' should not exceed the following 2 months. limits: 15m for a 15mm diameter pipe; 8m for a 20mm diameter pipe; 5m for a 25mm Using a shower is considered more diameter pipe. effective than bathing when it comes to • If the kitchen is remote from the water heater, install a small (15 litre capacity) or saving water. Manufacturer’s now design a instantaneous type of water heater above the sink.This is preferable to having a long versatile range of water saving showerheads length of pipe, which has to be drained of its cold water every time hot water is which are specially designed to save water required. while at the same time giving maximum efficiency in terms of its spraying capability. Aerator systems are also available for within the building, then the meter will • The easiest way is to check your mains showerheads which will reduce water flow. not turn. Calculate how much water water meter, although this will be very difficult in big commercial or public you’re losing by recording the meter How to detect leaks in properties where there is continuous use reading and timing it for 60 minutes/one the plumbing system of water. However, on a smaller scale, hour. If everything is turned off but the There are a few ways to determine if you if all the taps and valves are turned off meter is still running, then there is a have leaking pipes on your property: and there are no leaking taps or cisterns leaking pipe on your side of the property.
26 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping • Look out for unexplained damp or wet Replacing a regular free-flow patches around the building. Another telltale sign of a leaking pipe is rising damp shower head to a water saving or consistent moisture on a section of the shower head building walls. Many shower head manufacturers now market water Plumbing companies also offer professional saving shower heads which can save up to 50% of the leak detection services and can map out water used with conventional shower heads. New and trace your underground pipework. aerating and water flow technology ensures that sufficient If there is a leak, knowing where to dig will water is ejected through the shower spout or rose, but save you time and unnecessary expense. using only half the amount of water compared to a normal shower if measured over the Leaks commonly occur on joints and same time frame. bends in the pipe system, after building Compared to converting a toilet cistern to a dual-flush system, replacing the shower alterations – especially where heavy vehicles head or rose is relatively straightforward. It's a simple matter of unthreading the old shower were active or compactors used, as well as head and simply reattaching the new water saving one. In some circumstances, particularly in very old pipework which may have with old showers, the plumbing connections may be old and worn, and some additional corroded. plumbing work may be required. How to fix a leaking tap Converting a full-flush toilet Leaking and dripping taps are another to a dual-flush system contributing factor which wastes large Old buildings can make substantial water savings by converting the old toilet systems into amounts of water over time.The cause is water saving dual-flush systems.The older cisterns hold between 9-12 litres of water, and often a worn washer or rubber O-ring and when flushed, use all the available water in a single flush. If the toilet is flushed on average these can easily be replaced at minimal cost. 20 times during the day, it could amount to 240 litres. If there are 10 toilets in the building, All dripping taps on the property should be this quickly adds up to 2 400 litres.Taken over the year, an incredible 876 000 litres or 876 repaired immediately the drip is detected. kilolitres of municipal water is flushed away. • Turn off the mains water valve before Modern cisterns generally hold around 6 litres of water, so by simply converting to a dismantling the tap. Once the main valve is turned off, open the tap to alleviate water pressure. else the O-ring or washer could tear.The handle (otherwise known as the phantom • Carefully dismantle the tap casing – be tap should also be in the ‘open’ position flusher). careful not to scratch or damage the when reseating everything, so that when silver or chrome finishing. Depending on the components are tightened, the washer Testing for leaks using coloured dye the type of tap, you will need to remove is not forced excessively into the flange. Even if your toilet doesn’t have any of the the handle screw to dismantle the handle above signs, it’s still possible that it is leaking. and shroud in order to access the valve. How to test a toilet These leaks are known as ‘silent leaks’, because The valve includes the copper piece inside for leaks they usually go undetected. There is an easy the tap which has a rubber O-ring as well There are a number of signs that a toilet test you can do that will positively tell you as a washer.The O-ring and washers needs some repairs, but many toilets leak whether or not your toilet is leaking. And often wear down or split with regular use, without conspicuous indications of trouble. if the test shows that the toilet is leaking, and this is when the taps leak or drip. Here are some of the obvious signs of there is a second test that tells you what • Using a small flat screwdriver, remove the a leaking toilet: part inside the cistern is responsible and old washer and O-ring and replace with • If you have to jiggle the handle to make needs fixing. the new ones. a toilet stop running. • Remove the cover on the toilet cistern • When reassembling the tap, make sure all • Any sounds coming from a toilet that is and carefully set it aside so it can’t be the components are seated properly, or not being used are sure signs of a leak. accidentally knocked over and cracked • If you have to hold the handle down to (some commercial and industrial buildings allow the tank to empty. have toilets with cisterns built into the • If you see water running over the top of walls or connected directly to a plumbing the overflow, you definitely have a leaking pipe without a cistern). Remove any refill valve. If you are unsure whether or cleaners or detergents that colour the not water is running over the top of the water and begin the test with clear water overflow pipe; sprinkle talcum powder on in the cistern as well as in the bowl. top of the water in the tank, and you can • You’ll need some dye. Hardware stores clearly see whether or not it is. often sell dye capsules or tablets, but food • If you can see water trickling down the colouring or instant coffee works fine. sides of the toilet bowl long after it’s been Another suggestion is to use several flushed. tablespoons of a powdered fruit drink • If water drips out of the refill tube into mix. Now put enough dye in the tank the overflow pipe. water to give the water a deep colour. • If a toilet turns the water on for 15 Wait 30 minutes and make sure nobody seconds or so without you touching the uses the toilet. In 30 minutes if you find “A tap drip or invisible water leak that totals only tablespoons a minute can amount to 68 litres per day or 24 820 litres of wasted water over the year” - American Water Works Association
modern and smaller cistern, a saving of 438 kilolitres can be made over the year. A dual-flush toilet has a mechanism which gives the option of either making a full flush or only using half the capacity if a full flush is not necessary. A dual-flush system is one option, but you can also install a multi-flush system which flushes as long as the handle is held. In most situations, the entire cistern may need to be replaced in order to accommodate the new dual or multi-flush cistern; however, conversion kits are sometimes available whereby you can simply replace the inner workings of the cistern rather than the entire toilet system. A very quick and simple method of saving water is to wedge a sealed plastic bottle into the cistern which will take up some volume. For example, two one litre bottles anchored on each side of the cistern can save you up to two litres per flush, but make sure the bottles don't interfere with the working mechanism of the toilet. any of the dyed water is now in the toilet bowl - your toilet is leaking. A properly operating toilet will store water in the tank indefinitely without any water running into the bowl. Water on the floor around a toilet is certainly a problem. It can be dripping off a sweaty toilet cistern during humid weather; it can mean the wax sealing ring under the bowl has disintegrated, or the bowl is cracked; or it can mean the connections under the cistern are leaking. So for now, let’s say you’ve done the dye test and found your toilet is leaking, you now have to find out which part is the culprit – the flush valve or the refill valve. And there’s another simple little test that points to the perpetrator of the crime. • Draw a pencil line on the back wall of the cistern on the inside at the waterline.Then turn the water supply off, either under the cistern or at the main shutoff valve and wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the water level remains at the pencil mark, then the leak is occurring at the refill valve. If the water level falls below the pencil mark, then the leak is in the flush valve. Another test: If you have determined the leak is at the flush valve and you replace the ball, flapper, seal or whatever and it still leaks, there is one more test to further try and pinpoint the problem.This time turn the water off to the toilet before going to bed. In the morning, check the water level. If there’s about 2,5cm in the bottom of the tank and the water level is even with the edges of the seat, the leak is either a bad stopper (ball, flapper or whatever) or a damaged seat. On the other hand, if the tank is almost entirely empty, and the water level is below the edges of the seat, the problem is a damaged gasket under the flush valve.This means the cistern may have to be separated from the bowl in order to get to the connections. SOURCE: Information provided from http://www.toiletology.com REFERENCES: The Stakeholder Accord on Water Conservation, 2009. Guidelines for Baseline Water Use Determination and Target Setting in the Commercial Sector.

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Water Wise Guide to Landscaping - South Africa

  • 1.
    Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping
  • 3.
    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 1 World-class Water Contents Wise landscaping 2 Landscaping for the future 3 Water Wise landscapes S outh African landscapers are internationally acknowledged as experienced professionals who are able to overcome a range of difficult climatic conditions in their bid to create beautiful landscapes.They also appreciate the challenge of landscaping in a country that is officially classified as having a semi-arid climate. Predictions from climate change experts suggest that even more trying 4 6 Basic principles of Water Wise landscaping Planning in hydro zones conditions can be expected as world temperatures rise on account of global 8 Design Water Wise surfaces warming. In South Africa, climate change is also expected to affect annual rainfall 10 Marvels of mulch distribution patterns which will result in extended dry periods interspersed with excessively wet periods. 12 Harvest rainwater With an ever-growing population and pressure on the availability of potable water, Rand Water has joined forces with the South African Landscapers Institute 16 Efficient irrigation (SALI) to promote the concept of Water Wise landscaping. The likelihood of water demand outstripping supply to the Rand Water footprint 18 Become a water manager between 2013 and 2020 are well documented.The available supply of water in the 19 Rainfall facts and figures Vaal River System will only increase when the new Lesotho Highlands Water Project is completed in approximately 2020. This means that everyone, including office 20 Create a wetland parks, golf courses and housing estates, will have to become ever more proficient in managing water usage. 22 Wise up on water features Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping outlines the basic principles 23 Water Wise container gardening underlying the creation and maintenance of Water Wise landscapes. Most of the images used to illustrate these basic principles are from projects submitted by SALI 24 Water Wise management of buildings Principal Members for the 2011 Awards of Excellence. Since 2005, Rand Water has sponsored a Water Wise Trophy at this event, and the Water Wise winners are 28 The South African Landscapers Institute lauded for their efforts. We hope that the Water Wise ideas, concepts and advice in this publication will 30 SALI 2011 Shield for Excellence winner be of benefit to everyone who develops, manages or maintains a landscaped 31 SALI Awards of Excellence environment around factories, mines, office blocks, hotels, casinos, golf courses or housing estates. 32 SALI 2011 Trophy winners Leslie Hoy – Manager, Environmental Management Services, Rand Water 34 Rand Water’s Water Wise Trophy winner Paul Kirkby – Chairman, National Committee, SALI 36 SALI 2011 Gold Award winners Editorial Team 40 SALI 2011 Silver Award winners Rand Water Editors: Leslie Hoy & Meagan Donnelly Consultant Editors: Kay Montgomery, Beverley Ballard-Tremeer, Warren Schmidt 42 The value of a professional landscaper Design & Layout: Arthur McLellan, Caréna Büchner Production: Kay Montgomery Editorial Services, tel: 011 723 9000 45 Landscaping extravaganza Rand Water Customer Service Centre Hotline: 0860 10 10 60 Website: www.randwater.co.za 46 Accredited SALI suppliers Email: [email protected] 48 Principal Members of SALI This publication is a joint venture between Rand Water and the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI), 2011. Cover:Water Wise and eco-friendly landscaping beauty of the site, and resulted in the creation of accompanying water restrictions, thereby protecting Designed and implemented by Marina Landscaping, habitats for a variety of wildlife. the property owner’s investment in the landscape. this garden at the High Constantia Estate in the The riverine area at High Constantia was No bare soil can be seen anywhere on the Constantia Valley in Cape Town was awarded the completely cleared of alien invasive plants.This Estate, as all pathways are covered in mulch and all 2005 Rand Water Water Wise Trophy. vegetation had been absorbing large quantities of beds are fully planted.This reduces evaporation The five hectare site comprises 19 residential groundwater and reducing water flow in the stream. from the soil by up to 70%.The private open spaces units clustered around 2,5 hectares of open space. This area was rehabilitated with indigenous stream of residents comprise informal natural landscaped Marina Landscapes followed the recommendations and wetland plants.The river has a 10m buffer zone areas to mimimise the use of ‘waterholic’ lawn given in the on either side, which provides habitat for plants and areas.To create a recreational area the meadow Environmental animals, creating a biodiversity corridor. field was planted with buffalo grass, a relatively low Scoping Report and Most plantings comprise local indigenous plants water usage Cape turf type. designed a landscape – a total of over 200 different indigenous plant The Estate is now a bird-watcher’s paradise, and to preserve species. Such plants are well adapted to local is home to many frog and insect species as well as biodiversity and conditions, and therefore need little if any extra small mammals.The Estate showcases the principles habitats.The water beyond that provided by the local rainfall. of Water Wise gardening, illustrating how a beautiful indigenous plantings Local indigenous plants are also more likely to landscape can be created that also conserves water, retain the natural survive in the event of a prolonged dry spell with and animal and plant biodiversity.
  • 4.
    2 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Landscaping for the future Landscaping is evolving to deal with issues of water security, which are fast becoming a worldwide concern, particularly in water-short countries like South Africa T he amount of fresh water on earth ABOVE: Modern landscaping takes water neighbouring regions from 2013, when conservation into consideration. (Pic: Chelsea Flower Show. projected population growth and develop- is constant, which means that the Designer: Philip Nash) ment will exceed the available piped water fresh water available today is exactly the same as it has been for thousands of supplied to the region. Only in about 2020, centuries. And yet in the last 100 years the The day is fast when the new Lesotho Highlands Water earth’s population has increased dramatically. Project comes on stream, will more water From 1,6 billion people in 1900 there are approaching when there become available to Gauteng. now 7 billion people on earth, and this number is expected to reach 8 billion in will not be enough water Landscapes for the future 2025.The present population of Africa is – or affordable water – Water resources and their future availability 1 030 million; it is expected to double by 2050. for lush waterholic underpin the very existence of the The increasing demand made on existing landscaping industry. Landscape architects, water supplies by ever-growing populations landscapes designers, contractors and maintenance is of enormous concern to both governments specialists, need to design landscapes that and water authorities throughout the Leslie Hoy, Rand Water suit the new reality of predicted water world.The strain on water supplies was shortages, and to plan the most water- internationally acknowledged at the 1992 evaporation. Climate change is also affecting efficient on-site irrigation. United Nations Conference on Environment rainfall, with ‘drier dry spells’ and ‘wetter wet In this groundbreaking brochure, a joint and Development (UNCED) in Rio de spells’ being predicted. And increasingly, venture between Rand Water’s Environmental Janeiro.The United Nations deemed it South Africa’s limited water resources have Management Services and the South African necessary to establish an annual World to be shared amongst an expanding Landscaper’s Institute (SALI), the ideas, Water Day – March 22 – to highlight the population, a growing business sector, concepts and tips that will transform importance of water conservation and agriculture and our unique ecosystems, the landscaping sites into Water Wise models of water quality. latter of which generates a large part of our progressive excellence are presented. In water-stressed South Africa, studies tourism industry. We also celebrate landscapers and already indicate that, as the population South Africans have been urged to save landscaping projects which have installed grows, our limited water resources could be water in the workplace and at home.The a variety of Water Wise initiatives.These fully exhausted within the next 20 years. likelihood of future water shortages is not projects have been recognised by Rand A variety of programmes have been initiated a fantasy. Reports from the City of Cape Water and each year the best Water Wise by both government and water authorities Town indicate demand will exceed supply landscape is awarded Rand Water’s Water to manage water resources more efficiently in eight years, and the Department of Wise Trophy.This prestigeous Trophy is and reduce wasteful water usage. Water Affairs has predicted that water presented at the annual SALI Awards of shortages can be expected in Gauteng and Excellence. Demand for water South Africa receives an average rainfall of 495mm, less than half the world’s average of What is water stress? 1050mm. Hence South Africa is categorised South Africa is classified as a ‘water-stressed’ country as we have less than 1 700m3 of as a semi-arid country that is water water per person per year. Unless we begin to use our limited water supplies wisely, stressed (see box).There is also an uneven South Africa will move into the ‘water-scarce’ category of less than 1 000 m3 per person distribution of rainfall across our country, per year by 2025. and our hot dry climate causes excessive “Water conservation is destined to be an inevitable part of everyday life” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
  • 5.
    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 3 Water Wise landscapes Become a water steward Water conservation can serve as an integral part of corporate sustain- Rand Water has led the way in promoting the ability practices, or the ‘greening’ of a business. Many often think of development of landscapes that conserve water ‘greening’ as a technique that focuses on energy savings, but it is important to not forget the importance of ‘saving R and Water, the main supplier of potable water to Gauteng and neighbouring regions, has promoted water conservation for many decades. Following international trends, the Environ- launched numerous Water Wise initiatives and developed Water Wise demonstration gardens at the Delta Park Environmental Centre in Victory Park in Johannesburg and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical blue’. Not only is water a limited natural resource, but there is also a fundamental water-energy connection as the treatment and delivery of water requires a great deal of energy. mental Management Services of Rand Water Gardens in Roodepoort. Being an active water steward is has become increasingly interested in A Rand Water Water Wise Trophy was one more way to enhance a company’s quantifying the amount of potable water donated to the South African Landscapers image and improve employee pride used in landscapes. (Potable water is water Institute in 2000 and is awarded annually and motivation. Besides positive PR, from natural sources that has undergone to the landscape company that has an organisation will benefit with cost costly purification processes to render it safe designed the most Water Wise landscape savings, including lower maintenance to drink. Delivered through a complex (see page 34).This award is an accolade and equipment replacement costs, in system of pipes and reservoirs, it is often of recognition for the winning landscapers addition to reductions in water bills. referred to as municipal water). and is highly prestigious, as it guarantees A number of prestigious Interest in water efficient landscapes the future clients of these landscapers a organisations provide guidelines on began in the 1970s, when research in the team fully conversant with Water Wise how businesses can practice environ- semi-arid, south-western states of the USA landscaping principles. mental conservation in general, indicated that irrigation of landscapes in Landscaping professionals and plant including water conservation. These these dry regions accounted for about 50% growers are now well aware of the need to include the American Audubon of total domestic water use. The severe create Water Wise landscapes that conserve Cooperative Sanctuary Programme, drought in these regions in 1977 resulted water. Rand Water researchers continue the International Organisation for in the imposition of water restrictions to keep the general public, as well as Standardisation and the South African which impacted negatively on landscapes. professionals, informed about water Heritage Environmental Management Subsequent research demonstrated that, conservation by means of magazine and Company. All give recognition for if a specifically designed low water usage newspaper articles, brochures, informative achievement of their objectives. landscape was installed (instead of high talks, and the Water Wise website. (Visit In every business or factory there water usage European-inspired plantings), www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water are simple steps that can be taken to and irrigated with precision, landscape water Wise logo.) conserve water.These include fixing usage could be reduced by about 70%. Rand Water’s researchers have also leaks, installing low-flow showerheads, identified the water needs of a wide range installing high efficiency toilets, Rand Water and the of plants, and continue to be right up to installing Water Wise landscaping and Water Wise campaign date with the latest water saving techniques recycling processed water. However, During the drought of 1994/5, Rand Water and products.These findings are of major the best savings will occur if a launched a Horticultural Forum as part of interest to South African landscapers, who business creates an overall water their campaign to highlight the importance are at the forefront of innovative design. management plan. of Water Wise gardens, landscapes and The following pages highlight research which The three best practices for all recreational facilities in the Gauteng region. focuses on the many ways that the water organisations are: Shortly thereafter the Water Wise brand needs of an attractive landscape can be • Have a goal to save water. was launched. Since then, Rand Water have reduced to the absolute minimum. • Identify and implement water efficiency measures. • Monitor savings and progress. LEFT: Businesses can conserve water by installing an attractive Water Wise pavement planting rather than simply lawn as shown here at the entrance of the Waterfront Office Park in Cape Town. Landscapers: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) FAR LEFT: Launched in March, 2011, the Water Wise garden at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens includes water harvesting techniques, hydro zoning, indigenous low water plants and a variety of mulching techniques. It also proves that water wise gardens can be enormously attractive. “One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself” - Nelson Mandela
  • 6.
    4 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Eight rules for Water Wise design • Plan and design to conserve municipal water and harvest free rainwater. Basic principles • Remove declared alien invader plants – they over- consume water and destroy habitats. • Create practical turf areas of manageable sizes and shapes, and select appropriate grass types. of Water Wise • Zone the landscape into different hydro zones and group plants according to their water usage. Make the low water usage zone as large as possible.Thereafter, determine landscaping how much and how often to water through the seasons. • Use soil amendments such as compost, manure and water retentive polymers. • Use mulches, especially in high and moderate watering zones. • Irrigate efficiently with properly designed systems, and by Site assessment and planning applying the right amount of water at the right time. • Maintain the landscape appropriately by mowing, are vital pruning and fertilising properly. W ater Wise landscaping is an approach to landscaping that focuses on water conservation. Climate-appropriate plant choice and efficient irrigation are key factors. Others A Water Wise landscape is simply one in which basic principles of water conservation have been applied right from the start – although any existing landscape can be altered to make it Water Wise. are grouping plants with similar water The best time to convert an existing requirements together in different hydro landscape to one that is Water Wise is zones, watering just enough to meet plant when it needs a revamp. If building needs, and installing non-water consuming alterations are to be carried out, this is also areas, such as paved or gravelled sections. a good time to reassess the landscaping. The use of local indigenous or other low water usage introduced plants is a priority. Planning and design Being Water Wise does not necessarily Planning involves identifying the client’s imply only one particular landscape style. Planning to make the best use of site assets and preferences, intended uses and goals for the Rather, it is a concept of water conservation limitations is important. At the Mount Grace Hotel in landscape.These goals are then combined that may be applied to landscapes of any Gauteng, sloping ground permits water to be harvested with the environmental features of the style, from formal to informal in layout, to in a dam. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping. property to create a map.This ‘synthesis contemporary or traditional in appearance. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) map’ is refined by applying both standard and Water Wise design principles to create A Water Wise landscape is cost efficient an attractive landscape. Planning to make the best use of site assets and limitations is important. Assets may include views, rocky outcrops, a boggy A retention pond slows down floodwater area suitable for wetland plantings, areas with sunlight or shade, as well as existing During construction of the Echo Edge apartment building in Port Elizabeth the vegetation vegetation. on an adjacent steep slope suffered damage.The area was re-vegetated, and berms and Design principles include scale, balance, swales were constructed to slow down and manage fast-flowing stormwater that would interest, harmony and continuity. Three otherwise have flowed unrestricted into the Baakens Valley Nature Reserve, carrying with additional design considerations that are it valuable topsoil, and causing serious soil erosion to the valley walls. Landscaping: important in Water Wise design are: Ulterior Design. • Dividing the area into different hydro zones. • Creating shaded areas to help preserve moisture in the soil. • Creating windbreaks to prevent wind drying out the soil. Implementing a plan may involve site grading, creating berms and swales to harvest rainwater, preparing and amending soil to make it more water-retentive, planning and installing an irrigation system, constructing no water usage hard landscaping surfaces, planting up high water usage, medium water Construction of berms and swales. After construction. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) usage and low water usage hydro zones, mulching and maintenance. “As both population and water demands increase, and existing water supplies correspondingly decrease, the cost of potable water will increase.” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
  • 8.
    6 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Plan different hydro zones Different plants have different water needs so plan and plant accordingly T he key design principle of a Water Wise landscape is to group plants with similar water requirements in the same area. A landscape can have four hydro zones: A high water usage zone, small, and the high water usage zone even smaller. Also take into account the following: • Plan no or low water usage zones for windy exposed areas and the heat- No water usage zone Make this hydro zone as large as possible. It comprises mainly of hard landscaping surfaces such as paved or gravel areas and parking areas that need no water. However, a moderate water usage zone, a low water collecting hot areas adjacent to the north- established local indigenous trees and usage zone and a no water usage zone. or west-facing walls of buildings. shrubs, as well as many succulent species This approach allows for small areas of high • Make use of areas where rainwater can be included in this zone. water and medium water usage plants, but temporarily collects for medium water at the same time results in water savings of usage zones or a wetland area. Low water usage or ‘1 drop’ plant between 30% and 80%. • It is more water efficient to plant high zone water usage ‘3 drop’ plants in containers Make this hydro zone large.The plants for Plan different planting and group the containers together to this area are those that thrive mainly on zones create a focal point. the local rainfall. They tend to be local For greatest water conservation most of the indigenous plants. Once established, they landscape should be designed as low water Four zones only need a little, if any, watering. In summer usage and no water usage zones. Make Apply the four zones principle to conserve water only once every four weeks. In winter the moderate water usage zones relatively water. water only once every eight weeks. Water Wise landscapes promote biodiversity Water Wise landscapes recognise the value of local indigenous plants that are naturally adapted to prevailing weather conditions and rainfall. And, quite logically, local indigenous plants provide a habitat for a wide variety of local wildlife. As ever-expanding cities destroy natural habitats and wetlands, many local plants and animals are becoming endangered, to the extent where extinction is a possibility.To highlight this new millennium threat, the United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. Businesses can become 21st century ‘heroes’ by commissioning a landscape that conserves water and also provides a haven for wildlife. Practical advantages are a reduced water bill, little or no lawn mowing, and less fertilisation and maintenance. The predominantly indigenous plantings in the 43 hectare Veld Estate of the Woodlands Office Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Landscapers: Servest Landscapers. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) “Don’t blow it – good planets are hard to find” Time Magazine headline, 2007
  • 9.
    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 7 A well planned Water Wise landscape results in water savings of guide to plants between 30% and 80% Choose the correct plants for each hydro zone ‘1 Drop’ plants for low water usage zone: Once established, these plants do not need water, except during very hot dry spells. Local indigenous plants are an ideal choice. Only water in winter if they show signs of distress. Established local trees and shrubs, as well as most succulents, will not need any extra water. Some examples are: • Trees: Acacia spp., tree aloe, Buddleja spp., wild olive, karee, bush willows, Celtis africana, Dovyalis zeyheri, Erythrina lystistemon. • Shrubs: Abelia, carissa, confetti bush, euryops, felicia, FAR LEFT: A no water zone. Most cacti and lavender, rosemary, Plectranthus neochilus, philodendrum, succulents thrive on local rainfall and require no plumbago, Indian hawthorn, strelitzia, Cape honeysuckle. Arctotis extra irrigation. Shown here is The Succulent Garden • Perennials: Agapanthus, asparagus ferns, clivia, Cape at The University of Pretoria. Landscaping: Amaloba thatching reed, Dietes spp., gaura, Horticultural Services. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) blue statice (Limonium perezzi), Tulbaghia violacea. CENTRE: A high water zone. For greatest water • Groundcovers: Arctotis, stalked bulbine, hen-and-chickens, erigeron, trailing gazania, conservation keep this zone as small as possible. Plectranthus spp., trailing osteospermum, Sutera spp., star jasmine, vygies. Planting colourful annuals and bulbs in containers is • Bulbs: Fan-leaved boophane (Boophane disticha), Crinum spp., Ornithogalum thyrsoides. highly water efficient. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr) LEFT: A medium water zone. Keep this zone relatively small - shown here is a small rose garden ‘2 Drop’ plants for medium water usage zone: at the Westcliffe Hotel in Johannesburg. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Once established these plants do not need much water ABOVE: A low water zone.The pavement area of the during the rainy season, except during very hot dry Sunridge Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth is planted spells. Water once a month during the dry season. Some up with colourful but low water usage indigenous examples are: plants. Landscaping: Ulterior Design. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) • Trees: Silver birch, leopard tree, Juniperus spp., Platyclydus orientalis cvs., Melaleuca bracteata, deciduous Moderate water usage or ‘2 drop’ oaks (Quercus spp.), Populus simonii. plant zone • Shrubs: Aucuba, buxus, coprosma, cordyline, cuphea, Keep this hydro zone relatively small. The Cycas revoluta, Duranta cvs., Freylinia tropica, gardenia, plants for this area are those that need more hisbiscus, box honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), forest bell water than that which is provided by the (Mackaya bella), mahonia, nandina, roses, Solanum rainfall in your area. Many popular exotic plants rantonnetii, Viburnum species. are ‘2 drop’ plants. In summer water once a • Perennials: Shasta daisy, diascia, dianthus, hellebores, Day lily week. In winter water once a month. Hemerocallis spp., kniphofia, New Zealand flax. • Groundcovers: Carex spp., Festuca spp., Liriope spp., mondo grass, lamb’s ear, snow-in- High water usage or ‘3 drop’ plant summer (Cerastium tomentosum). zone Keep this hydro zone as small as possible, ‘3 Drop’ plants for high water usage zone: or even eliminate it altogether, as high water usage plants need frequent watering Once established these plants need regular watering throughout the year. If included, it makes every 3 days in summer, and more often during hot dry sense to position this zone where it is highly spells. Water at least once a week during the dry season. visible, such as a front entrance. Some examples are: Azaleas, camellias, tree ferns, fuchsias, The following types of plants all have Cape fuchsia, white arums (Zantedeschia aethiopica) high water needs: lawn, bog or wetland Canna hybrids, dahlias, acorus, Ajuga spp., creeping Jenny plants, exotic ‘3 drop’ plants, annuals and (Lysimachia spp.), Lamium spp., baby’s tears (Soleirolia bulbs. In summer water 2-3 times every soleirolii), all winter flowering bulbs and annuals. Fuchsia week. In winter reduce watering by half and water 2-3 times every fortnight. “The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives” Chinese Proverb
  • 10.
    8 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping What is hard landscaping? Hard landscaping refers to any non- plant surface area in a landscape where Design Water Wise alternatives to plant material are used. It includes outdoor terraces and patios, parking areas, paths and steps.These surfaces areas can comprise concrete or brick, cobble or flagstone paving, sleepers and stepping stones set in pebbles, gravel or bark chips, according to their purpose. Instead of putting down lawn on flat landscape In a Water Wise landscape it is vital that solid paved areas make provision surfaces, install low water usage alternatives for rainwater runoff – see below. T he materials used to cover the ground surface of a landscape have great bearing on the potential water conservation of a property. A low water usage surface Plant low-growing ‘1 drop’ ground covers. Evergreen ground covers are best as they look good all year round. Large swathes of just a few plant species with contrasting ABOVE: A no water surface: paved surfaces and foliage are particularly effective. Low water areas covered with gravel or pine bark nuggets at usage ground covers include dwarf Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. (Pic: Leslie Hoy) ABOVE LEFT: A no water surface: a surface comprising agapanthus, stalked bulbine, dymondia, low growing succulents and aloes at the Woolworths trailing gazania, trailing osteospermum and Plant natural grasslands. Make the area Distribution Centre in Gauteng requires no extra wild garlic (for sun); and Asystasia gangetica, a fashionable prairie-like natural veld grass irrigation. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping. Asparagus densiflorus, hen-and-chickens, area. Such grasses need only local rainfall (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Drimiopsis maculata, variegated plectranthus to thrive. ABOVE RIGHT: A low water surface: evergreen low and sutera (for shade). water usage ground covers make for an attractive and permeable surface area in the middle of the parking Plant ground-covering succulents. A no water usage A professional landscaper is well informed area at River Walk in Pretoria. Landscaping: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtsy of SALI) surface about local low growing succulents that are Plant local Cynodon lawn varieties. Most perfectly adapted to local conditions and water conserving designs.The larger such exotic lawn varieties are high water usage need no extra irrigation. Succulent surfaces surfaces are, the more water is conserved. plants.To conserve water and minimise cannot be used as recreation areas or walk Recent research indicates that such surfaces maintenance reduce or eliminate lawn areas. ways as foot use will damage the succulents. actually may help to retain moisture in the Select indigenous Cynodon varieties that are soil by keeping the soil cool.The moisture naturally dormant in winter and thrive on Install hard landscaping. Such surface then becomes available for neighbouring local rainfall only. treatments are particularly important in plantings. Permeable surfaces are preferable Surfaces that are water-permeable are always preferable to impermeable paved areas. A permeable surface is one that allows rainwater to percolate through it into the soil beneath. Such water remains cleaner and less polluted than stormwater that has flowed over impermeable surfaces such as roads and pavements. Polluted water is detrimental for natural ecosystems LEFT: Permeable concrete pavers. (Pic: Leslie Hoy) and makes the provision of piped drinking water more expensive. CENTRE: Permeable flagstone and gravel. (Pic: Lukas Otto) Examples of permeable hard-scaping surfaces are: RIGHT: A permeable mulch pathway. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) - Permeable concrete pavers.These are a good choice for under large trees, driveways and parking areas. Where impermeable paving is unavoidable, install it in such a way as - Gravel and small pebbles. to direct rainwater into adjacent planted areas.This can be achieved - Spaced flagstones with pebbles in the gaps. Use for pathways and by means of a slightly sloping surface that is barely detectable, or, in terraces. the case of a driveway, with judiciously positioned and very slightly - Spaced flagstones with a very low-growing Water Wise ground sloped berms. cover planted in the gaps. Where large areas are already paved, install infiltration basins - Pine bark nuggets or shredded bark for paths in informal natural planted with trees. Micro-organisms and root systems in the soil act or indigenous areas. as filters and clean stormwater as it travels down through the soil. “Plant up a landscape in autumn when establishment watering requirements are lower” – Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
  • 11.
    The perfect Landscapingsolution: Webco Gardening. When one sees WEBCO, they immediately know that we are in the hand-tool and mining industries, but what they don't realize is that WEBCO also has an OUTSTANDING garden range, that landscapers around South Africa have come to know and love. From small, light-duty, ladies' garden tool ranges, to robust, heavy-duty garden equipment for professional, every-day use; WEBCO is striving to become your entire gardening solution. New products and range extensions are our current focus, and we are excited to announce the arrival of the following additions to our garden product range: ❁ Economy plastic fan rake ❁ Bigger squeegee… 600mm ❁ Heavy-duty road rake ❁ 20m hosepipe – reinforced & hose fittings ❁ New ranges of secateurs and scissors. ❁ Various hedge cutters & loppers… even with telescopic handles for higher, hard-to-reach areas ❁ Axe with wooden handle ❁ 4x4 camping spade ❁ Pink ladies spade, fork and rake ❁ 3kg pick… with wooden / fibreglass handle ❁ 2.5kg mattock … with wooden / fibreglass handle ❁ Garden gloves… arriving soon. Try us, and see what makes WEBCO the choice of thousands… nationwide. Follow us on
  • 12.
    10 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Marvels of mulch Covering the soil with a layer of mulch is an essential aspect of Water Wise landscaping M ulching dramatically reduces water loss from the soil due to evaporation, so that less frequent watering is required. Which mulch to choose and the depth of the applied mulch depends on the landscape theme, availability of various mulches and the local climate. • Mulched soils do not need digging, as A properly mulched micro-organisms and earthworms do all Types of mulch the work. landscape can save • Partially decomposed compost makes • Organic mulches. These come from plant excellent organic mulch and is particularly between 50 to 70% water, and animal sources and are the best sort appropriate and cost effective for of mulch because, as they break down, businesses where the establishment of as the water in the soil they enrich the soil. Examples are compost, a compost heap made from kitchen and fruit pips, nut shells, bark nuggets, wood garden waste is viable. cannot evaporate so chips, cobs and autumn leaves. Organic mulches need to be topped up regularly. quickly • Inorganic mulches. These are substances or materials that do not break down and enrich the soil, but help keep moisture in the soil. Examples are gravel, pebbles, stone chips and pavers. As they can store heat they need to be used judiciously; they are most suitable in shady areas. • Living mulches. Ground covering plants serve the exact same purpose as other types of mulch, and may be preferable for aesthetic reasons. Low water usage ground covers are the most Water Wise choice. The benefits of mulch • Mulch reduces soil temperature, so less water is lost to evaporation. • It promotes good root growth by retaining moisture in the root zone. • It suppresses water-consuming weed growth by keeping out the light. • Mulch provides winter protection in cold climates, preventing frost damage to roots. • It reduces exposure to wind, which results in less moisture loss through evaporation. • It controls erosion by softening the impact of falling water and slowing it down so that it can soak into the soil before running off. Benefits of organic mulch • Organic mulch eventually breaks down and improves the quality and water- holding capacity of soil near the surface. “A 5cm layer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65% depending on the type of leaf”
  • 13.
    Tips for organicmulch use - Organic mulches must at least be 5-8cm thick for normal soil and 8-12cm for a sandy soil. With clay soils 2-4cm is sufficient under normal conditions. - During dry or cold periods the level of mulch needs to be thicker than during wet periods to protect plant roots. - As organic mulches break down in the decay process, they need to be replenished. Compost decomposes in two to four months, whereas bark chips last about two years before being broken down. - In spring, after the last frost, it may be necessary to pull mulch back from emerging plants, especially small perennials. - If a particular mulch creates a nitrogen deficiency, correct by adding a solution of ammonium sulphate, dried blood or rock phosphate. ABOVE: Mulching is highly Leaf litter is ‘in’ effective in retaining moisture in the soil. Shown here is the Maintenance services often think they are doing the Houghton Golf Course entrance right thing by ruthlessly clearing beds and borders in Johannesburg. Landscaping: of fallen plant debris for the sake of neatness.This Horticare. (Pic: Coutesy of SALI) practice is outdated in landscapes of the future as BELOW : An inorganic rock bare soil inevitably loses its moisture content. A 5cm mulch has been utilised at the layer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65% Dept of Health Offices in the depending on the type of leaf; pine is the best. North West. Landscaping: Amaloba Horticultural Services. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) BELOW LEFT: A living mulch is just as effective as inorganic and organic mulches. Choosing low water usage groundcovers with soil retentive roots is the best choice for sloping ground. Landscaping: Servest Landscapers. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Pic: Leslie Hoy “Nearly 91% of South Africa falls within the United Nations’ definition of affected drylands, which are extraordinarily dry areas where the rainfall is low and the evaporation is high”
  • 14.
    12 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Water harvesting winner Harvest rainwater Make maximum use of rainwater to irrigate a landscape W ater is a precious resource that should not be wasted and certainly not thrown away. And yet, by not making the most of free rainwater, it is, in effect, being thrown away. Rather than letting this free water run off a property, use it to irrigate the landscape by directing the water to where it is needed, such as a high water usage zone, a wetland or a pond. Alternatively, it can be Large and sloping hard-landscaped areas designed stored in water tanks for later use. Collecting rainwater for use in a landscape is to harvest water. Landscaping: Life Landscapes. known as rain harvesting. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Harvest rainwater from the roof At the Pivot Hotel at Montecasino in Sandton, Collecting rainwater from the roof is the most efficient means of harvesting water. Life Landscaping utilised the slightly sloping Every 1m2 of roof generates one litre of water from 1mm of rainfall. Put differently, paved areas to direct stormwater runoff into a in a region with South Africa’s average annual rainfall (464mm per annum), 464 litres catchment system, and from there into a dam. (0,46 kilolitres) of free water can be harvested per year per 1m2 of roof. Water from the dam is used to irrigate the To find out how much rainwater in litres can be harvested from a particular roof small high water usage zone which comprises per year multiply the area of the roof in m2 (or the ground area of the building) by the plantings with retaining walls. amount of rainfall your area receives per year in mm. Allow for 15% wastage. Deduct The retaining walls hold water in the beds, this amount from your annual water usage to see how much less water you would be keeping the soil moist for longer. Clean, paying for annually. unpolluted rainwater from the roof, is directed to storage tanks in the basement area and from there it flows into a neighbouring stream. Slightly sloping paving directs runoff. By using water wisely up to 50% of landscape irrigation water can be saved Construct berms and swales Swales (shallow depressions) and berms (slight ridges that are higher than the adjacent surface area) that are carefully positioned in a landscape, harvest water by keeping rainwater from a heavy downpour from being lost to runoff.They are particularly beneficial on a sloping site. A berm at the lower edge of a slightly sloping lawn area will harvest water for the lawn.Very slight concrete berms on a solid surface driveway can direct runoff into an adjacent high or medium water usage zone. And a swale that collects runoff rainwater can be the basis of a wetland or pond area (see page 20). Terrace slopes The rainwater that falls on slopes is all too easily lost to runoff. In the process it Stormwater runoff is directed into a dam which provides erodes the soil, taking off the fertile top layer.Terracing sloping ground to create level free water for irrigation. Landscaping: Life Landscapes. areas of soil is a Water Wise practice. By constructing terraces rainwater runoff is (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) slowed down, permitting more water to soak into the soil.This makes terraced areas ideal for plantings. In addition, a multi-level terrace makes an attractive landscape feature. To collect rainwater for trees Direct rainwater into ponds and dams and large shrubs, contour the Rainwater from gutters and hard surfaces can be directed into decorative ponds, storage dams or water tanks. Such water features are set to become a characteristic landscape so water collects of future landscapes. On a practical level, the water in dams can be used for irrigating the landscape. under the drip line “Conservation is about managing our natural resources, from the largest watershed to the smallest ecosystem” Essex Regional Conservation Authority, UK.
  • 16.
    14 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping ADVERTORIAL Landscaping going even greener With the ever increasing pressures on natural resources and the sure indication that demand for water in South Africa will outstrip supply by 2025, the landscaping industry is being transformed from a primarily aesthetic service to one that impacts the very sustenance of life on our planet. T he landscaping industry can lead the way in educating both corporates and homeowners on the important role of rainwater harvesting to secure the future of both the planet and the landscaping Design green spaces between hard surfaces (patios, walkways and parking lots) and building edges. (Pic: Greenacres, SALI) industry. Substituting rainwater for all water applications excluding drinking water, could result in a potable water saving of around 50% of all domestic water consumption, and more than 80% of consumption in corporate and public buildings, thus relieving the immense stresses placed on municipal water supplies (not to mention the accompanying water bills!). It is no wonder that rainwater harvesting, in conjunction with water wise, sustainable landscapes and permeable paving is amongst the top 10 international landscaping trends. Principles of water wise landscaping 1. Plan and design for water conservation. 2. Green retaining walls by building small out-pockets and planters on the sides to absorb water and reduce run-off. 3. Reduce impervious surfaces by, for example, replacing solid driveways with porous alternatives. harvesting tanks in the landscape design. 4. Interplant flagstone walkways with With the variety of sizes, stylish options creeping groundcovers, such as thyme, and fashionable colours available, smaller which will help to slow stormwater flow sized tanks can be unobtrusively and create a more aesthetic space. positioned under decks, alongside 5. Design green spaces between hard walkways or vertically against a wall. surfaces (patios, walkways and parking Alternatively, consider underground lots) and building edges. water storage tanks. JoJo Tanks have 6. Include the installation of JoJo rainwater a wide range to suit this application.
  • 18.
    16 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Efficient irrigation A properly designed and maintained irrigation system both conserves water and promotes a thriving landscape T he choice of an irrigation system and how it is implemented in different hydro zones has a great impact on the efficiency of water use on any site. in a landscape to have different watering schedules. Automatic systems offer the benefit of programmable controllers. However the danger lies in ‘setting and forgetting’. For ABOVE: Drip irrigation is particularly good for mulched areas because it does not wash away the mulch, as can be the case with a sprinkler system. (Pic: Courtesy of Netafin) Automatic systems maximum water efficiency the timing of the account – depending on received rainfall The most efficient irrigation system – and irrigation needs to change seasonally, as the it is quite feasible to switch off the irrigation certainly the least time-consuming – is an quantity of water required by plants varies system for a few days. Linking a rain sensor irrigation system with an automatic controller from summer to winter.To conserve water, into the automatic system ensures that that allows for the different hydro zones the rainy season needs to be taken into irrigation will be halted automatically during rainy periods (see box). Drip versus sprinklers From a Water Wise perspective, drip irrigation is preferable to sprinklers and lawn pop up systems. A drip irrigation system emits 2-15 litres of water per hour, whereas a sprinkler system emits 2-7 litres per minute. Research in the dry south-western states of America has shown that drip irrigation has a high level of water efficiency. Water drips directly into the soil, so there is less waste of water compared to sprinkler systems that spray water above the soil, where droplets are often blown away by the wind, or evaporate. Drip irrigation is particularly good for mulched areas because ABOVE: A drip irrigation system emits water directly into the soil so that there is less water lost to wind or to it does not wash away the mulch. evaporation. (Pic: Lukas Otto) Drip irrigation is ideal for large shrubberies, as there is no interference from foliage and Install a rain sensor therefore no dry spots. Plants that are vulnerable to fungal attack, such as roses, An easy way to prevent overwatering is to install benefit from this form of irrigation as the rain sensor to override the automatic watering foliage does not get wet during irrigation. system during rainy weather. A rain sensor simply Awkwardly shaped and narrow areas, where senses rainfall. Once a designated amount of conventional sprinklers waste water by over- water has been detected, it shuts down any spraying, will also benefit from drip irrigation. regularly scheduled irrigation and makes sure that you do not have a public relations disaster on a References rainy day. - Landscape Irrigation Association of South Africa (LIASA) on tel: 021-558-4989; Email: [email protected]; website: www.liasa.co.za - The Drip Guidelines Manual on http://www.amwua.org/publications/guidelines-for- Pic: Lukas Otto landscape-drip.html or http://amwua.org/pdfs/drip_irrigation_guide.pdf “Overwatering is not practical or economical. It runs up electricity bills, fosters soil compaction, and encourages weeds and diseases” National Parks and Recreation Association, USA
  • 19.
    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 17 ABOVE: Narrow areas, where conventional sprinklers waste water by overspraying, benefit from drip irrigation. (Pic: Courtesy of Netafin) LEFT: Slopes need to be irrigated more slowly than flat surfaces. Landscaping: GvH Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) Code of Standards The Landscape Irrigation Association of South Africa (LIASA) has a Code of Standards Manual for the design, installation and management of irrigation systems. The aim is to assist contractors, dealers, specifiers, developers, architects and building managers in the correct application, installation and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems for South African conditions. Now in its 3rd edition, the Manual was compiled by a team of local irrigation experts to ensure an efficient and trouble free system. Included in the manual are tables which offer guidelines for soil infiltration rates and average irrigation requirements.There is also information about how to take into account the prevailing climatic conditions. Formulas for calculating the precipitation rates of all sprayheads (micro sprays and cone heads), rotating sprinklers (mini to large) and emitters (bubblers and drippers) are included, as well as potable water flow testing methods and equipment. Any LIA professional has access to this Manual and can advise building managers on any excessive use of water relative to the area under irrigation. It wastes water to over-irrigate plants that grow well with minimum water. In fact, many such plants will die if overwatered “The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe – if less obviously immediate – as any wartime crisis we have ever faced” Jim Wright, US Representative at Water Conference
  • 20.
    18 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Become a water manager Proper irrigation practices can lead to water savings between 30% and 80% T o become a water manager requires the assistance of a professional team of irrigation and landscaping consultants who can set in place systems that allow for monitoring the water • Water less frequently but more deeply. This encourages deep root growth that sustains the plant during dry periods. Frequent watering causes a plant to develop roots in the first few centimetres ABOVE: If water from a sprinkler system puddles instead of sinking into the soil, change the programme to deliver the required amount of water in two sessions rather than one session. (Pic: Schmidt) usage in the various hydro zones on a of soil only, so in dry periods they cannot property. A well planned system will reduce use water deeper down in the soil profile. water usage and save time and money. This is particularly true of lawns. between 10h00 and 14h00 when For example, irrigation specialists take • Water-train trees and shrubs. By gradually evaporation rates are high. In winter, into account the following: changing from frequent shallow watering morning irrigation is best. • Turf areas are irrigated differently from to less frequent but deeper watering • Adjust the irrigation programme shrub borders. schedule, permanent plants can be according to the season. Plants need less • South and east exposures need less ‘trained’ to need less water. water during the cool winter season than frequent watering than north and west • Water in the early morning or late during the hot summer months. exposures. afternoon to reduce water loss to • If the sky is cloudy, irrigation can be • Slopes need to be irrigated more slowly evaporation. In the hot summer months reduced by as much as 50%. than flat surfaces. from October to February, avoid watering • Avoid irrigating during windy weather as • The need to use a number of emitters high winds blow away water delivered by around the drip line of trees, where the sprinklers and prevent proper coverage. roots are, rather than just one next to the • Turn off the system if rain is irrigating the trunk. landscape sufficiently. • If water from a sprinkler system puddles Best irrigation practices instead of sinking into the soil, change the Maximum water conservation can be programme to deliver the required achieved by applying the following: amount of water in two sessions rather • Set automatic systems correctly and than one session. adjust them as conditions change. • Water only as frequently as your plants ABOVE: Constructing terraces to hold rainwater Best maintenance prevents soil erosion and conserves the water for need it.The different hydro zones have terrace plantings as demonstrated at Maropeng in practices different water requirements and require the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. Landscaping: Once an irrigation system is installed it different watering schedules. Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) needs to be checked at least twice a year to make sure it is performing well. Particularly in the case of sprinkler heads, plant growth over time may call for adjustments to the system. • Check it for overall coverage. If planted up areas are not being comprehensively irrigated, adjust the system.This may mean replacing heads, adding more heads, or changing heads to do a more efficient job. • With the system on, observe places that are receiving water where it is not needed. Overlaps onto paved areas may result in considerable water waste. Overwatering trees and shrubs may lead to diseases. • Check all water connections in the irrigation system at least twice a year for leaks. During hot Highveld summers irrigate in the early morning or late • Replace all old worn washers. afternoon to reduce water loss to evaporation. Shown here is the Parys • Monitor sprinkler heads for any Golf and Country Estate. Maintenance: Evergreen Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) misalignment, and adjust the sprinkler heads as is necessary. “Water conservation is something we all should practice. It's too precious a resource to waste” - American Water Works Association
  • 21.
    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 19 Rainfall facts and Average city annual rainfall figures in mm figures Summer rainfall regions Upington Oudtshoorn 189 239 Graaff Reinet 361 Kimberley 414 A comprehensive knowledge of local rainfall Polokwane (Pietersburg) 478 averages, soil absorbency and rate of flow of Bloemfontein King William’s Town 559 606 irrigation systems are all part and parcel of Port Elizabeth 624 Vereeniging 671 efficient irrigation. Pretoria/Tshwane 674 Johannesburg 713 Mbombela (Nelspruit) 767 O nce the landscape is divided into separately irrigated zones, each with its own appropriate planting, hard landscaping and irrigation lines, irrigation can be fine tuned to achieve • Make sure to replace water lost to evaporation in the high water usage zone. High water usage ‘3 drop’ plants require 10mm of water every three days, in summer you need to put down 10mm East London Durban Winter rainfall regions Cape Town 921 1009 515 maximum water conservation. plus the 15mm or so that has evaporated George 715 over those three days – a total of 25mm. Paarl 886 Observation is vital In winter, only 15mm is required every Once new plants have been established, week. Source: South African Weather Bureau. careful observation of prevailing weather conditions and daily observation of the Annual rainfall averages condition of the plants are the key to The average annual precipitation of the adjusting your irrigation programmes entire surface of our planet is estimated to Average provincial efficiently. be about 1 050mm per year. Not one of annual rainfall in mm Observe how plants react to increasing South Africa’s cities or provinces receives Nearly 91% of South Africa falls within or decreasing their irrigation schedule. Most this amount. We live in a dry country with the United Nations’ definition of plants only need water when they start to limited water resources. Water is a resource affected drylands.These are wilt. However, some plants look wilted that is more valuable than gold or diamonds. extraordinarily dry areas where the during the day, but actually have plenty of Use it wisely. rainfall is low, and the potential water at their roots and will recover in the evaporation is high. evening. If your plants are still wilting at Source: night, they need water. http://www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/prov/rain.htm Northern Cape 202 Western Cape 348 How much water do North West 481 plants need? Limpopo 527 • Different plants require different Free State 532 irrigation schedules. Depending on their Eastern Cape 552 size, water needs to penetrate the soil to Gauteng 668 different depths at each watering. Irrigate Mpumalanga 736 long enough for water to penetrate to KwaZulu-Natal 845 the root zone, but no deeper. Deep infrequent irrigation is preferable to shallow frequent irrigation. Check the soil LEFT ABOVE: South Africa’s landscapers are able moisture depth after watering – use a to create stunning low water usage landscapes that long screwdriver, soil tube, or moisture look good all year round, as shown here at the meter. Irrigate as follows: Holiday Inn Express in Woodmead, Sandton. - Depth of 30cm: Small plants, such as Landscpaing: Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) lawn, groundcovers and perennials: LEFT: As appreciation for South Africa’s natural flora - Depth of 60cm: Medium plants, such and fauna steadily increases, developers of large as shrubs: country properties are striving to preserve the - Depth of 90cm: Large plants, such as natural vegetation, which has adapted over millions of years to local climatic conditions, and needs very trees and large shrubs: little irrigation or maintenance. Shown here are the • Take into account the evaporation rate grounds of the Mount Grace Hotel in the On the Highveld, the evaporation rate in Magaliesberg. Maintained by Servest Landscaping summer is 4-6mm per day, while in winter it was recognised as a Silver Award winner in the it is almost zero. Water Wise Category. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) “Between earth and earth’s atmosphere the amount of water remains constant. There is never a drop more, and never a drop less” Linda Hogan in Northern Lights, 1990
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    20 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Create a wetland Wetlands help to keep water clean and also to conserve water T he term ‘wetland’ refers to a section of land that is waterlogged – either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands provide an ecological habitat for the birds and wildlife of a particular area, but they are also a valuable environmental resource that can be used to prevent flash floods by slowing down and storing the water from heavy downpours. Preserving a natural wetland or constructing a new wetland in an urban or industrial landscape helps to compensate for The low lying area of a sloping property can be utilised to create an ecologically friendly the loss of valuable natural wetlands.Throughout the world, wetland supplied with harvested rainwater as demonstrated at the High Constantia Estate it is now quite common for golf courses to include a in the Western Cape. Landscaper: Marina Landscaping (Pic courtesy of SALI) wetland.This often feeds into a dam that harvests water for irrigating the turfed areas. Now industrial and commercial landscapers are following this water-friendly trend with a Constructed wetlands at the wetland appropriate to the size of the landscape. (See box) Cradle of Humankind A well designed wetland is a highly attractive feature in With plenty of land available, a natural water purification system for all a landscape. Many lovely plants like the moist soil of a bog wastewater at the Maropeng Hotel and the Tumulus visitor centre in the area. Some, such as sedge (Cyperus spp.), scarlet river lily Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng was viable. (Hesperantha coccinea) and white arum (Zantedeschia All wastewater, including sewage, is fed through a series of constructed aethiopica), grow with their roots in the waterlogged soils wetlands.The wetlands were designed and constructed by Lindros at the edge of a pond or in submerged containers in a pond. Whole Earth Consultants, and handle 110 kilolitres of effluent per day. Others, such as red-hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.), clivias and Initially the effluent is passed through a debris trap where all non- arums, like moist soil and can be planted at the edge of biodegradable materials are filtered out.The wastewater is then the bog. channeled into underground septic tanks where anaerobic digestion takes place. The overflow from the septic tanks is led into an automatic dosing siphon chamber where it is partially cleaned through the process of phytoremediation. A second dosing siphon directs this water into a similar series of second stage wetlands. Phragmitis is the main phytoremediation agent in these wetlands. Finally the water passes through two more wetland areas that contain a greater diversity of plant species that were chosen to eliminate any remaining harmful bacteria. At three points in the system the effluent is dosed with micro-organisms to further cleanse it. The cleaned effluent is available for irrigation or for infiltration into the natural water cycle. Reference: Environmental Management, May/June 2006, pages 19-23. A small wetland has been constructed at KwaMaritane in the North West Province. Landscaping: Top Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI.) The final wetlands in the wetland series system at Wetlands are a valuable Maropeng are planted with a environmental resource that can variety of indigenous species be used to prevent flash floods by that destroy pathogenic slowing down and storing the bacteria. (Pic: Carol Knoll) water from heavy downpours “Wetlands have a poor public image. Yet they are among the earth’s greatest natural assets – mankind’s waterlogged wealth” Edward Maltby, Waterlogged Wealth
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    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 21 Purifying waste water Wetlands can also ‘clean’ polluted water by the process of phytoremediation. The diverse bacterial communities and particular plants in a wetland benefit from the high nutrient load of polluted water. They ‘take up’ the pollutants, leaving the water clean. Wetlands are capable of biodegrading nutrient-laden domestic sewage and even toxic industrial effluents. The ‘green’ building movement of the last decade takes into account the use and purification of wastewater from a property, be it residential, commercial or industrial. Fairly large wetland areas are necessary to purify effluent water – water from baths, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and even sewage – generated by a hotel development, or the polluted wastewater from ABOVE: A buffer wetland area surrounds the dam at the Development Bank of South Africa in Midrand. Landscaping: a factory process. Where viable, this Landtech Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) technique is increasingly being used, for example, at golf course estate developments. The ‘green’ building movement of the last decade References: takes into account the use and purification 1. Phytoremediation & Constructed Wetlands by Cindy Moberly.Visit http://rydberg.biology. of wastewater from a property, colostate.edu/Phytoremediation. 2. www.notesfromtheroad.com/files/emp.pdf be it residential, commercial or industrial ❖ Ensuring a greener tomorrow. ❖ A proudly South African, level one bee supplier with 30 years experience in horticulture. ❖ Leaders in the field of interior plantscaping & exterior landscaping. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PLANTSCAPERS ❖ Experts in water wise gardens, for both corporate & private gardens, promoting the creative use of drought resistant, hardy, indigenous plants PO Box 628, Fourways, 2055 within the design. 266-1 Spencer Avenue, CHARTWELL NORTH ESTATES ❖ Experienced garden maintenance thereafter, ensures a healthy & vibrant E-mail: [email protected] garden throughout the year. Tel: (011) 460 1471 Fax: (011) 460 1844 ❖ Specialists in the supply & maintenance of indoor plants, offering a wide variety of plants & containers, enhancing the environment and beneficial to the well-being of your work force.
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    22 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Wise up Be Water Wise with swimming pools One of the most vital ways to reduce evaporation from swimming pools is to place a cover over it. A new case study has demonstrated that a thermal pool cover reduces water loss on water to evaporation by up to 98%. Filtration and energy consumption are also reduced by 50%. A cover also extends the swimming season by keeping the water temperatures higher, and reduces the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water clean. In Namibia, these benefits features have been recognised and, by law, swimming pools have to be covered whenever they are not in use. Another way to use water wisely is to fill the pool only when necessary. Use a timer on the tap as a forgotten running hose can waste about 1 000 litres of water per hour. It is possible to have Source: Landscape SA magazine, May 2011, pg 41 an attractive pond or fountain that does not waste water I n recent years a dramatic water feature, either indoors or outdoor, has become fashionable in prestigious commercial properties. In today’s more ecologically aware world the question arises about ABOVE LEFT: Installing a small swimming pool is one way in which water can be conserved. Shown here is the pool at the Stay Easy Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal. Landscaping: Countryline. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) ABOVE RIGHT: Fountains with sprayers that produces course droplets, or where the water simply overflows whether they are appropriate in a water- from the top layer, waste less water than those with a fine spray or tall jets of water. Make sure the basal pond is short country. large enough to catch all the descending water. Landscaping: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) The answer is: It depends on the type of water feature and how it is managed. A water feature is Water Wise when water in a sunny or windy position outside the lost to evaporation, to adjacent areas, and to entrance doors. leakage is kept to an absolute minimum. • Place one water feature strategically, to Below are some guidelines. form a focal point, rather than several • Locate a water feature in the shade scattered around the property. where evaporation rates are less. • Aim for a water feature of minimum size • Locate a water feature where it is with maximum effect. sheltered from the wind. • Reduce the size of the surface areas of • A water feature at the entrance of a water to reduce evaporation. building is more Water Wise if it is • Make a constructed pond deep as a positioned inside the building rather than shallow pond loses more water to evaporation than a deep pond. One LEFT: A pond containing water plants that metre is a good depth to aim for. shade the water surface area, thereby reducing • Avoid extravagant high-pressure evaporation, is a Water Wise choice as shown at movement in fountains and waterfalls as the Rodwell House Hotel in the Western Cape. these have high evaporation rates. Landscaping: Cape Contours. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) • A water feature where water drips or bubbles is more water efficient than one which sprays water. • If a fountain is the chosen water feature, A ‘dry’ river choose a sprayer that produces coarse Consider constructing a ‘dry river bed’ as an droplets rather than a fine spray – the illusionary water feature. A layer of pebbles with latter lose more water to evaporation a few strategically placed boulders, together with than the former. some bank-side plantings of low water usage trees • A basal pond of a fountain needs to be with dry season interest and clumps of grass-like one and a half times wider than the plants can be most attractive.The dry river bed and height of the fountain to prevent water edges can be planted up with local perennials and wastefully splashing out of the pond. bulbs which are dormant in the dry season but • A natural pond with a large surface area, spring to life when the rains arrive. needs to be between 50cm and 1m deep. Many water plants need a planting depth Landscaping: Eco Creations. of at least 45cm under the water surface (Pic: Courtesy of SALI) to survive, and fish need deep cool areas. “Less than 1% of all the water on Earth is available for human consumption”
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    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 23 Water Wise Add moisture retaining container gardening granules and wetting Growing plants in containers is highly agents to the water efficient soil in containers C ontainer plants are popular for enhancing the appearance of indoor spaces and large outdoor paved areas. And containers themselves can serve as focal points in an outdoor or foliar fertilisers that provide a regular supply of fertiliser over a period of time. Organic fertilisers are also recommended as they do least harm to underground water supplies. indoor setting, particularly when they are • Watering requirements. Containers large. Currently large geometrically shaped enable water to be used efficiently by containers are highly popular as they the grouping of plants with similar water complement the present trend of requirements together. In outdoor neomodernist architecture and design. containers, group high water usage Growing plants in containers is a ‘3 drop’ plants such as ferns, azaleas, recommended Water Wise practice, camellias and fuchsias together, and plant providing certain guidelines are followed. Water Wise shrubs in a different grouping • Type of container. Avoid containers that of containers. are porous and lose water through Use low water usage plants in outdoor evaporation. If you already have porous containers as much as possible, especially pots, such as terracotta, line them with if the containers are against hot north- or polythene or sealant, making sure to leave west-facing walls. a hole for drainage. For indoor containers make groupings • Container size. Make sure your pot is the of ‘3 drop’ subtropical plants such as ABOVE: A grouping of low water usage Aloe right size for the chosen plant. Choose a palms, schleffera, peace lily and crotons. species and Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’ makes container that allows for root growth. Alternatively, group ‘1 drop’ frost tender a bold statement and complements the current When a large container is required for succulents such as the striking Euphorbia neomodernist architectural trend. (Pic: Otto) impact, but the plant does not need so ingens and Pachypodium species.The water much space, to conserve water, fill the wise plants will not require watering as large container with lightweight packing frequently as the ‘waterholics’. (See page 7 garden area, require regular watering as material and put a smaller pot containing for the water requirements of different they like moist soil. Avoid automatically the plant on top. plants). applying water to a plant that wilts a little • Soil. For healthy and thriving container Position indoor container plants away during the heat of the day – it’s normal. plants, choose a good quality potting mix from any draughts, and away from direct Rather test the soil first. Push a finger into high in organic matter. Enhance the water sunlight. the soil up to the first knuckle joint. and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil • Water efficiently. The high water usage If the soil feels damp at that depth and by adding water-retaining granules. subtropical plants so popular as indoor sticks to your finger, the plant does not • Fertiliser. Use slow-release fertilisers and plants, both in containers or in an indoor need water. Place drip trays under containers of high The most water efficient method of watering water usage plants – these will collect surplus water which the plant will draw up container plants is by drip irrigation as the soil dries out. The most water efficient method of watering container plants is by drip RIGHT: Use low water usage irrigation, as this ensures that the water is plants in outdoor containers as distributed slowly throughout the soil, rather much as possible, especially if the containers are against hot north- or than soaking through it. Otherwise water west-facing walls. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr) them slowly, by hand. FAR RIGHT: A colourful and • Apply mulch. This will reduce water loss welcoming indoor display of through evaporation. When planting up '3 drop' winter flowers is water containers leave a 5cm gap below the top efficient because all the plants are of the container to allow for mulch. Keep grouped together to make watering the mulch about 3cm away from plant easier. (Pic: Leonie Ballard-Tremeer) stems to avoid possible fungal problems. “In South Africa water is a resource that is more precious than platinum, gold or diamonds – use it wisely, not wildly” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water
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    24 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping Water Wise management of buildings Water stewardship can be implemented in the kitchen, canteen and ablution 1 facilities of any commercial and industrial building I 4 t has been calculated that the average commercial building uses approximately 37% of its municipal water in amenities (kitchenettes and showers), 26% through leaking taps, running toilets etc, 31% in water-cooled air-conditioning units, 3% food production, 2% cleaning and 1% irrigation (depending on land use). An immediate saving of 2 at least 25% can be achieved by simply fixing and managing leaking amenities. Commercial buildings can save water by implementing modern plumbing systems and water management regimes aimed at reducing water consumption. Leaking taps, valves and pipes are another contributing factor to water wastage. A project carried out by the National Building Research Institute of the CSIR maintains that overall water consumption can be cut by as much as 40% without any inconvenience.The findings suggest that 3 5 a small building can save at least 260 litres per day or 7 800 litres per month by using water more 1 Flow control showerheads should be fitted in change room and ablution facilities to reduce water efficiently, while larger buildings can save much more. consumption. Pic: Schmidt 2 Ablution taps and plumbing fixtures should be inspected regularly for damage – ideally, conventional Hot water management taps should be replaced with pop-up or sensor activated. Pic: Schmidt 3 Regularly inspect the mains water meter to monitor the buildings water consumption. Pic: Schmidt Many litres of cold water are wasted whilst waiting 4 Leaking taps must be repaired as soon as possible. Pic: Otto for taps to run hot water in kitchens, ablutions and 5 A worn flange from a toilet cistern which needs to be repaced. change rooms. Investigate ways in which to capture or divert this water elsewhere. Insulating foam or other forms in insulating material wrapped around pipework will assist in keeping the water warmer for Ablutions and showers longer and prevent freezing in winter. Geysers and An immediate With all the water-saving ideas, concepts and hot water heating systems should be placed as close products available today, there is no reason as possible to where the water is used to prevent saving of why water cannot be used efficiently in prolonged running of cold water. bathrooms. Products such as flow control Geysers have an expansion valve built into the at least 25% can be regulators, toilet cisterns with reduced water system to prevent the geyser from bursting. As the cold water heats up it expands causing pressure achieved by simply capacity, toilet floats and even aerators are now readily available. Hotels can encourage within the storage cylinder. The expansion valve will open should this pressure exceed a certain level. fixing and less water usage with a ‘water stewardship’ notice in each bathroom. In dry countries When the expansion valve opens, extra water will managing leaking top brand hotels politely suggest that guests run through a pipe onto the outside of the building. reuse their towels to save on laundry water. This water should be captured in a container and amenities Water wastage from basin taps in the reused for washing or can be diverted and used for a toilet facilities of hotels, tourist venues, nearby drip irrigation system or into a water feature. restaurants and factories can be reduced by “Ultra-low flush toilets, depending on the type purchased, use only about 7 litres of water per flush. This could save your business’s indoor water use by as much as 20%” - American Water Works Association
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    Rand Water’s WaterWise Guide to Landscaping 25 installing taps that deliver a fixed amount of water per press. Motion sensor activated Install Water Wise plumbing systems taps can be installed in public bathrooms with high traffic flow. These only switch on When building or renovating plan for a water-efficient water supply system. Consider the when someone washes their hands close to following: the sensor and automatically turn off when • Install medium sized baths – 1 500mm or 1 650mm is an adequate length. they move their hands away. • Fit flow-controlled shower heads or fit a flow controller behind the showerhead. An example in the United States highlights • Install wash basin taps with aerator outlets.The aerator mixes air with the water, the potential water savings: resulting in a lower flow rate (5-20 litres per minute), which splashes less and feels By installing 30 tap aerators, a commercial soft on the skin. building in Brookline, Massachusetts, could • Install toilets that have cisterns with a maximum capacity of nine litres. However, also reduce water consumption by 190,000 consider the Aquasave – a toilet suite with a 4,5 litre cistern capacity. Manufactured by gallons (719 kilolitres) per year.The cost of Vaal Potteries, the Aquasave is endorsed by Rand Water. the devices and labour was approximately • Keep hot water pipe 'dead legs' to a minimum. A 'dead leg' is the length of pipe $300 and the savings for the retrofit are between the water heater and a single fitting which has to be drained of cold water estimated at $1,250 per year – a payback of before the hot water reaches the outlet. 'Dead legs' should not exceed the following 2 months. limits: 15m for a 15mm diameter pipe; 8m for a 20mm diameter pipe; 5m for a 25mm Using a shower is considered more diameter pipe. effective than bathing when it comes to • If the kitchen is remote from the water heater, install a small (15 litre capacity) or saving water. Manufacturer’s now design a instantaneous type of water heater above the sink.This is preferable to having a long versatile range of water saving showerheads length of pipe, which has to be drained of its cold water every time hot water is which are specially designed to save water required. while at the same time giving maximum efficiency in terms of its spraying capability. Aerator systems are also available for within the building, then the meter will • The easiest way is to check your mains showerheads which will reduce water flow. not turn. Calculate how much water water meter, although this will be very difficult in big commercial or public you’re losing by recording the meter How to detect leaks in properties where there is continuous use reading and timing it for 60 minutes/one the plumbing system of water. However, on a smaller scale, hour. If everything is turned off but the There are a few ways to determine if you if all the taps and valves are turned off meter is still running, then there is a have leaking pipes on your property: and there are no leaking taps or cisterns leaking pipe on your side of the property.
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    26 Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping • Look out for unexplained damp or wet Replacing a regular free-flow patches around the building. Another telltale sign of a leaking pipe is rising damp shower head to a water saving or consistent moisture on a section of the shower head building walls. Many shower head manufacturers now market water Plumbing companies also offer professional saving shower heads which can save up to 50% of the leak detection services and can map out water used with conventional shower heads. New and trace your underground pipework. aerating and water flow technology ensures that sufficient If there is a leak, knowing where to dig will water is ejected through the shower spout or rose, but save you time and unnecessary expense. using only half the amount of water compared to a normal shower if measured over the Leaks commonly occur on joints and same time frame. bends in the pipe system, after building Compared to converting a toilet cistern to a dual-flush system, replacing the shower alterations – especially where heavy vehicles head or rose is relatively straightforward. It's a simple matter of unthreading the old shower were active or compactors used, as well as head and simply reattaching the new water saving one. In some circumstances, particularly in very old pipework which may have with old showers, the plumbing connections may be old and worn, and some additional corroded. plumbing work may be required. How to fix a leaking tap Converting a full-flush toilet Leaking and dripping taps are another to a dual-flush system contributing factor which wastes large Old buildings can make substantial water savings by converting the old toilet systems into amounts of water over time.The cause is water saving dual-flush systems.The older cisterns hold between 9-12 litres of water, and often a worn washer or rubber O-ring and when flushed, use all the available water in a single flush. If the toilet is flushed on average these can easily be replaced at minimal cost. 20 times during the day, it could amount to 240 litres. If there are 10 toilets in the building, All dripping taps on the property should be this quickly adds up to 2 400 litres.Taken over the year, an incredible 876 000 litres or 876 repaired immediately the drip is detected. kilolitres of municipal water is flushed away. • Turn off the mains water valve before Modern cisterns generally hold around 6 litres of water, so by simply converting to a dismantling the tap. Once the main valve is turned off, open the tap to alleviate water pressure. else the O-ring or washer could tear.The handle (otherwise known as the phantom • Carefully dismantle the tap casing – be tap should also be in the ‘open’ position flusher). careful not to scratch or damage the when reseating everything, so that when silver or chrome finishing. Depending on the components are tightened, the washer Testing for leaks using coloured dye the type of tap, you will need to remove is not forced excessively into the flange. Even if your toilet doesn’t have any of the the handle screw to dismantle the handle above signs, it’s still possible that it is leaking. and shroud in order to access the valve. How to test a toilet These leaks are known as ‘silent leaks’, because The valve includes the copper piece inside for leaks they usually go undetected. There is an easy the tap which has a rubber O-ring as well There are a number of signs that a toilet test you can do that will positively tell you as a washer.The O-ring and washers needs some repairs, but many toilets leak whether or not your toilet is leaking. And often wear down or split with regular use, without conspicuous indications of trouble. if the test shows that the toilet is leaking, and this is when the taps leak or drip. Here are some of the obvious signs of there is a second test that tells you what • Using a small flat screwdriver, remove the a leaking toilet: part inside the cistern is responsible and old washer and O-ring and replace with • If you have to jiggle the handle to make needs fixing. the new ones. a toilet stop running. • Remove the cover on the toilet cistern • When reassembling the tap, make sure all • Any sounds coming from a toilet that is and carefully set it aside so it can’t be the components are seated properly, or not being used are sure signs of a leak. accidentally knocked over and cracked • If you have to hold the handle down to (some commercial and industrial buildings allow the tank to empty. have toilets with cisterns built into the • If you see water running over the top of walls or connected directly to a plumbing the overflow, you definitely have a leaking pipe without a cistern). Remove any refill valve. If you are unsure whether or cleaners or detergents that colour the not water is running over the top of the water and begin the test with clear water overflow pipe; sprinkle talcum powder on in the cistern as well as in the bowl. top of the water in the tank, and you can • You’ll need some dye. Hardware stores clearly see whether or not it is. often sell dye capsules or tablets, but food • If you can see water trickling down the colouring or instant coffee works fine. sides of the toilet bowl long after it’s been Another suggestion is to use several flushed. tablespoons of a powdered fruit drink • If water drips out of the refill tube into mix. Now put enough dye in the tank the overflow pipe. water to give the water a deep colour. • If a toilet turns the water on for 15 Wait 30 minutes and make sure nobody seconds or so without you touching the uses the toilet. In 30 minutes if you find “A tap drip or invisible water leak that totals only tablespoons a minute can amount to 68 litres per day or 24 820 litres of wasted water over the year” - American Water Works Association
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    modern and smallercistern, a saving of 438 kilolitres can be made over the year. A dual-flush toilet has a mechanism which gives the option of either making a full flush or only using half the capacity if a full flush is not necessary. A dual-flush system is one option, but you can also install a multi-flush system which flushes as long as the handle is held. In most situations, the entire cistern may need to be replaced in order to accommodate the new dual or multi-flush cistern; however, conversion kits are sometimes available whereby you can simply replace the inner workings of the cistern rather than the entire toilet system. A very quick and simple method of saving water is to wedge a sealed plastic bottle into the cistern which will take up some volume. For example, two one litre bottles anchored on each side of the cistern can save you up to two litres per flush, but make sure the bottles don't interfere with the working mechanism of the toilet. any of the dyed water is now in the toilet bowl - your toilet is leaking. A properly operating toilet will store water in the tank indefinitely without any water running into the bowl. Water on the floor around a toilet is certainly a problem. It can be dripping off a sweaty toilet cistern during humid weather; it can mean the wax sealing ring under the bowl has disintegrated, or the bowl is cracked; or it can mean the connections under the cistern are leaking. So for now, let’s say you’ve done the dye test and found your toilet is leaking, you now have to find out which part is the culprit – the flush valve or the refill valve. And there’s another simple little test that points to the perpetrator of the crime. • Draw a pencil line on the back wall of the cistern on the inside at the waterline.Then turn the water supply off, either under the cistern or at the main shutoff valve and wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the water level remains at the pencil mark, then the leak is occurring at the refill valve. If the water level falls below the pencil mark, then the leak is in the flush valve. Another test: If you have determined the leak is at the flush valve and you replace the ball, flapper, seal or whatever and it still leaks, there is one more test to further try and pinpoint the problem.This time turn the water off to the toilet before going to bed. In the morning, check the water level. If there’s about 2,5cm in the bottom of the tank and the water level is even with the edges of the seat, the leak is either a bad stopper (ball, flapper or whatever) or a damaged seat. On the other hand, if the tank is almost entirely empty, and the water level is below the edges of the seat, the problem is a damaged gasket under the flush valve.This means the cistern may have to be separated from the bowl in order to get to the connections. SOURCE: Information provided from http://www.toiletology.com REFERENCES: The Stakeholder Accord on Water Conservation, 2009. Guidelines for Baseline Water Use Determination and Target Setting in the Commercial Sector.