South Africa is facing a worsening water crisis, with several regions experiencing severe shortages. In Johannesburg, water supply interruptions have resulted from an increasing population and ageing infrastructure, leading to economic strain and daily disruptions. Durban’s eThekwini municipality is also grappling with an increasingly erratic water supply, with some communities reportedly experiencing dry taps for unprecedented periods. The Karoo region in the Northern Cape remains in the grip of a prolonged drought, devastating local agriculture. These challenges are all part of a larger national concern, with predictions indicating that South Africa will face a water deficit of 17% by 2030.
As the crisis deepens, corporate South Africa has an urgent role to play. Businesses, particularly those in industries reliant on stringent hygiene standards like hospitality, healthcare, and food services, must adopt water-saving measures without compromising cleanliness. “Water scarcity is a pressing concern, especially where inconsistent supply and growing demand put pressure on local resources. That’s why adopting water-efficient cleaning methods is essential,” says Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional Southern Africa. “By implementing resource-conscious sanitation protocols, businesses can still maintain strict hygiene standards while significantly reducing water consumption.”
Madkins provides the following advice to help businesses make a meaningful impact:
1. Harvest Rainwater for Cleaning
Collecting and storing rainwater is one of the most effective ways to reduce reliance on municipal water. This harvested water can be used for flushing toilets, washing floors and large surfaces in warehouses/factories, cleaning gutters and even windows, significantly cutting overall water consumption.
2. Repurpose Greywater Where Possible
Water from basins, laundries and showers – known as greywater – can be reused for non-hygiene-sensitive tasks such as cleaning driveways, watering gardens, and washing outdoor equipment. While it’s not suitable for sanitising kitchens or medical facilities, it can reduce the use of potable water in other cleaning processes.
3. Invest in Water-Saving Cleaning Equipment
Modern cleaning technology now prioritises efficiency. For example, microfiber cloths, high-performance scrubbers and low-flow pressure washers require significantly less water while delivering the same, if not better, results. Smart investments in this equipment not only save water but also improve long-term cost efficiency with correct application.
4. Choose Cleaning Products That Require Less Water
Not all cleaning products are created equal. Opting for concentrated or pre-dosed formulations minimises water use by reducing the need for excessive rinsing, making cleaning processes more efficient and eco-friendly. For example, the Handy Andy Professional range of Foodsafe cleaners is an excellent option as it ready to use and the range requires no additional rinsing.
5. Train Staff in Water-Saving Practices
Employee awareness and training play a crucial role in conserving water. Simple things – such as using the correct amount of cleaning solution, reporting leaking taps, toilets and pipes, reducing water usage in kitchens, properly operating appliances and following sustainable cleaning protocols – can all lead to substantial reductions in daily consumption.
“By integrating water-efficient cleaning practices, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on cleanliness. These practical changes not only drive sustainability but also contribute to cost savings, proving that protecting the planet and our precious resources can align with improving the bottom line,” Madkins concludes.
For more information on Unilever Professional products and how they can support your cleaning needs, visit https://www.unileverprofessional.co.za/ where you can also sign up to receive regular tips and insights on professional cleaning.
