Water WiseLandscaping

Guide to

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1Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

Editorial Team

Rand Water Editors: Leslie Hoy & Meagan Donnelly Consultant Editors: Kay Montgomery, Beverley Ballard-Tremeer, Warren SchmidtDesign & Layout: Arthur McLellan, Caréna Büchner Production: Kay Montgomery Editorial Services, tel: 011 723 9000

Rand Water Customer Service Centre Hotline: 0860 10 10 60Website: www.randwater.co.za Email: customerservice@randwater.co.za

This publication is a joint venture between Rand Water and the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI), 2011.

2 Landscaping for the future

3 Water Wise landscapes

4 Basic principles of Water Wise landscaping

6 Planning in hydro zones

8 Design Water Wise surfaces

10 Marvels of mulch

12 Harvest rainwater

16 Efficient irrigation

18 Become a water manager

19 Rainfall facts and figures

20 Create a wetland

22 Wise up on water features

23 Water Wise container gardening

24 Water Wise management of buildings

28 The South African Landscapers Institute

30 SALI 2011 Shield for Excellence winner

31 SALI Awards of Excellence

32 SALI 2011 Trophy winners

34 Rand Water’s Water Wise Trophy winner

36 SALI 2011 Gold Award winners

40 SALI 2011 Silver Award winners

42 The value of a professional landscaper

45 Landscaping extravaganza

46 Accredited SALI suppliers

48 Principal Members of SALI

Contents

Cover:Water Wise and eco-friendly landscapingDesigned and implemented by Marina Landscaping,this garden at the High Constantia Estate in theConstantia Valley in Cape Town was awarded the2005 Rand Water Water Wise Trophy.

The five hectare site comprises 19 residentialunits clustered around 2,5 hectares of open space.Marina Landscapes followed the recommendations

given in theEnvironmentalScoping Report anddesigned a landscapeto preservebiodiversity andhabitats.Theindigenous plantingsretain the natural

beauty of the site, and resulted in the creation ofhabitats for a variety of wildlife.

The riverine area at High Constantia wascompletely cleared of alien invasive plants.Thisvegetation had been absorbing large quantities ofgroundwater and reducing water flow in the stream.This area was rehabilitated with indigenous streamand wetland plants.The river has a 10m buffer zoneon either side, which provides habitat for plants andanimals, creating a biodiversity corridor.

Most plantings comprise local indigenous plants– a total of over 200 different indigenous plantspecies. Such plants are well adapted to localconditions, and therefore need little if any extrawater beyond that provided by the local rainfall.Local indigenous plants are also more likely tosurvive in the event of a prolonged dry spell with

accompanying water restrictions, thereby protectingthe property owner’s investment in the landscape.

No bare soil can be seen anywhere on theEstate, as all pathways are covered in mulch and allbeds are fully planted.This reduces evaporationfrom the soil by up to 70%.The private open spacesof residents comprise informal natural landscapedareas to mimimise the use of ‘waterholic’ lawnareas.To create a recreational area the meadowfield was planted with buffalo grass, a relatively lowwater usage Cape turf type.

The Estate is now a bird-watcher’s paradise, andis home to many frog and insect species as well assmall mammals.The Estate showcases the principlesof Water Wise gardening, illustrating how a beautifullandscape can be created that also conserves water,and animal and plant biodiversity.

South African landscapers are internationally acknowledged as experiencedprofessionals who are able to overcome a range of difficult climatic conditionsin 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

conditions can be expected as world temperatures rise on account of globalwarming. In South Africa, climate change is also expected to affect annual rainfalldistribution patterns which will result in extended dry periods interspersed withexcessively wet periods.

With an ever-growing population and pressure on the availability of potablewater, Rand Water has joined forces with the South African Landscapers Institute(SALI) to promote the concept of Water Wise landscaping.

The likelihood of water demand outstripping supply to the Rand Water footprintbetween 2013 and 2020 are well documented.The available supply of water in theVaal River System will only increase when the new Lesotho Highlands Water Projectis completed in approximately 2020. This means that everyone, including officeparks, golf courses and housing estates, will have to become ever more proficient inmanaging water usage.

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping outlines the basic principlesunderlying the creation and maintenance of Water Wise landscapes. Most of theimages used to illustrate these basic principles are from projects submitted by SALIPrincipal Members for the 2011 Awards of Excellence. Since 2005, Rand Water hassponsored a Water Wise Trophy at this event, and the Water Wise winners arelauded for their efforts.

We hope that the Water Wise ideas, concepts and advice in this publication willbe of benefit to everyone who develops, manages or maintains a landscapedenvironment around factories, mines, office blocks, hotels, casinos, golf courses orhousing estates.

Leslie Hoy – Manager, Environmental Management Services, Rand WaterPaul Kirkby – Chairman, National Committee, SALI

World-class WaterWise landscaping

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping2

“Water conservation is destined to be an inevitable part of everyday life” Leslie Hoy, Rand Water

The amount of fresh water on earthis constant, which means that thefresh water available today is exactly

the same as it has been for thousands ofcenturies. And yet in the last 100 years theearth’s population has increased dramatically.From 1,6 billion people in 1900 there arenow 7 billion people on earth, and thisnumber is expected to reach 8 billion in2025.The present population of Africa is 1 030 million; it is expected to double by2050.

The increasing demand made on existingwater supplies by ever-growing populationsis of enormous concern to both governmentsand water authorities throughout the world.The strain on water supplies wasinternationally acknowledged at the 1992United Nations Conference on Environmentand Development (UNCED) in Rio deJaneiro.The United Nations deemed itnecessary to establish an annual WorldWater Day – March 22 – to highlight theimportance of water conservation andwater quality.

In water-stressed South Africa, studiesalready indicate that, as the populationgrows, our limited water resources could befully exhausted within the next 20 years.A variety of programmes have been initiatedby both government and water authoritiesto manage water resources more efficientlyand reduce wasteful water usage.

Demand for waterSouth Africa receives an average rainfall of495mm, less than half the world’s average of1050mm. Hence South Africa is categorisedas a semi-arid country that is water stressed (see box).There is also an unevendistribution of rainfall across our country,and our hot dry climate causes excessive

evaporation. Climate change is also affectingrainfall, with ‘drier dry spells’ and ‘wetter wetspells’ being predicted. And increasingly,South Africa’s limited water resources haveto be shared amongst an expandingpopulation, a growing business sector,agriculture and our unique ecosystems, thelatter of which generates a large part of ourtourism industry.

South Africans have been urged to savewater in the workplace and at home.Thelikelihood of future water shortages is not a fantasy. Reports from the City of CapeTown indicate demand will exceed supply in eight years, and the Department of Water Affairs has predicted that watershortages can be expected in Gauteng and

neighbouring regions from 2013, whenprojected population growth and develop-ment will exceed the available piped watersupplied to the region. Only in about 2020,when the new Lesotho Highlands WaterProject comes on stream, will more waterbecome available to Gauteng.

Landscapes for thefutureWater resources and their future availabilityunderpin the very existence of thelandscaping industry. Landscape architects,designers, contractors and maintenancespecialists, need to design landscapes thatsuit the new reality of predicted watershortages, and to plan the most water-efficient on-site irrigation.

In this groundbreaking brochure, a jointventure between Rand Water’s EnvironmentalManagement Services and the South AfricanLandscaper’s Institute (SALI), the ideas,concepts and tips that will transformlandscaping sites into Water Wise models ofprogressive excellence are presented.

We also celebrate landscapers andlandscaping projects which have installed a variety of Water Wise initiatives.Theseprojects have been recognised by RandWater and each year the best Water Wiselandscape is awarded Rand Water’s WaterWise Trophy.This prestigeous Trophy ispresented at the annual SALI Awards ofExcellence.

Landscaping for the future

Landscaping is evolvingto deal with issues ofwater security, which are fast becoming aworldwide concern,particularly in water-shortcountries like South Africa

ABOVE: Modern landscaping takes waterconservation into consideration. (Pic: Chelsea Flower Show.

Designer: Philip Nash)

The day is fast

approaching when there

will not be enough water

– or affordable water –

for lush waterholic

landscapes

Leslie Hoy, Rand Water

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What is water stress?South Africa is classified as a ‘water-stressed’ country as we have less than 1 700m3 ofwater per person per year. Unless we begin to use our limited water supplies wisely,South Africa will move into the ‘water-scarce’ category of less than 1 000 m3 per personper year by 2025.

3Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

“One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself” - Nelson Mandela

R and Water, the main supplier ofpotable water to Gauteng andneighbouring regions, has promoted

water conservation for many decades.Following international trends, the Environ-mental Management Services of Rand Waterhas become increasingly interested inquantifying the amount of potable waterused in landscapes. (Potable water is waterfrom natural sources that has undergonecostly purification processes to render it safeto drink. Delivered through a complexsystem of pipes and reservoirs, it is oftenreferred to as municipal water).

Interest in water efficient landscapesbegan in the 1970s, when research in thesemi-arid, south-western states of the USAindicated that irrigation of landscapes inthese dry regions accounted for about 50%of total domestic water use. The severedrought in these regions in 1977 resulted in the imposition of water restrictions which impacted negatively on landscapes.Subsequent research demonstrated that,if a specifically designed low water usagelandscape was installed (instead of highwater usage European-inspired plantings),and irrigated with precision, landscape waterusage could be reduced by about 70%.

Rand Water and theWater Wise campaignDuring the drought of 1994/5, Rand Waterlaunched a Horticultural Forum as part oftheir campaign to highlight the importanceof Water Wise gardens, landscapes andrecreational facilities in the Gauteng region.Shortly thereafter the Water Wise brandwas launched. Since then, Rand Water have

launched numerous Water Wise initiativesand developed Water Wise demonstrationgardens at the Delta Park EnvironmentalCentre in Victory Park in Johannesburg and the Walter Sisulu National BotanicalGardens in Roodepoort.

A Rand Water Water Wise Trophy wasdonated to the South African LandscapersInstitute in 2000 and is awarded annually to the landscape company that has designed the most Water Wise landscape(see page 34).This award is an accolade of recognition for the winning landscapersand is highly prestigious, as it guarantees the future clients of these landscapers ateam fully conversant with Water Wiselandscaping principles.

Landscaping professionals and plantgrowers are now well aware of the need tocreate Water Wise landscapes that conservewater. Rand Water researchers continue to keep the general public, as well asprofessionals, informed about waterconservation by means of magazine andnewspaper articles, brochures, informativetalks, and the Water Wise website. (Visitwww.randwater.co.za and click on the WaterWise logo.)

Rand Water’s researchers have alsoidentified the water needs of a wide rangeof plants, and continue to be right up todate with the latest water saving techniquesand products.These findings are of majorinterest to South African landscapers, whoare at the forefront of innovative design.The following pages highlight research whichfocuses on the many ways that the waterneeds of an attractive landscape can bereduced to the absolute minimum.

Water Wise landscapesRand Water has led the way in promoting thedevelopment of landscapes that conserve water

LEFT: Businesses can conserve water by installing an attractive Water Wise pavement planting ratherthan 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 WaterWise garden at the Walter Sisulu National BotanicalGardens includes water harvesting techniques, hydrozoning, indigenous low water plants and a variety of mulching techniques. It also proves that water wisegardens can be enormously attractive.

Become a waterstewardWater conservation can serve as anintegral part of corporate sustain-ability practices, or the ‘greening’ of a business. Many often think of‘greening’ as a technique that focuseson energy savings, but it is importantto not forget the importance of ‘savingblue’. Not only is water a limitednatural resource, but there is also afundamental water-energy connectionas the treatment and delivery ofwater requires a great deal of energy.

Being an active water steward isone more way to enhance a company’simage and improve employee prideand motivation. Besides positive PR,an organisation will benefit with costsavings, including lower maintenanceand equipment replacement costs, inaddition to reductions in water bills.

A number of prestigiousorganisations provide guidelines onhow businesses can practice environ-mental conservation in general,including water conservation. Theseinclude the American AudubonCooperative Sanctuary Programme,the International Organisation forStandardisation and the South AfricanHeritage Environmental ManagementCompany. All give recognition forachievement of their objectives.

In every business or factory thereare simple steps that can be taken toconserve water.These include fixingleaks, installing low-flow showerheads,installing high efficiency toilets,installing Water Wise landscaping andrecycling processed water. However,the best savings will occur if abusiness creates an overall watermanagement plan.

The three best practices for allorganisations are:• Have a goal to save water.• Identify and implement water

efficiency measures.• Monitor savings and progress.

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping4

“As both population and water demands increase, and existing water suppliescorrespondingly decrease, the cost of potable water will increase.”

Leslie Hoy, Rand Water

Water Wise landscaping is anapproach to landscaping thatfocuses on water conservation.

Climate-appropriate plant choice andefficient irrigation are key factors. Others are grouping plants with similar waterrequirements together in different hydrozones, watering just enough to meet plantneeds, and installing non-water consumingareas, such as paved or gravelled sections.The use of local indigenous or other lowwater usage introduced plants is a priority.

Being Water Wise does not necessarilyimply only one particular landscape style.Rather, it is a concept of water conservationthat may be applied to landscapes of anystyle, from formal to informal in layout, tocontemporary or traditional in appearance.

A Water Wise landscape is simply one inwhich basic principles of water conservationhave been applied right from the start –although any existing landscape can bealtered to make it Water Wise.

The best time to convert an existinglandscape to one that is Water Wise iswhen it needs a revamp. If buildingalterations are to be carried out, this is alsoa good time to reassess the landscaping.

Planning and designPlanning involves identifying the client’spreferences, intended uses and goals for thelandscape.These goals are then combinedwith the environmental features of theproperty to create a map.This ‘synthesismap’ is refined by applying both standardand Water Wise design principles to createan attractive landscape.

Planning to make the best use of siteassets and limitations is important. Assetsmay include views, rocky outcrops, a boggyarea suitable for wetland plantings, areaswith sunlight or shade, as well as existingvegetation.

Design principles include scale, balance,interest, harmony and continuity. Threeadditional design considerations that areimportant in Water Wise design are:• 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 harvestrainwater, preparing and amending soil tomake it more water-retentive, planning andinstalling an irrigation system, constructing nowater usage hard landscaping surfaces,planting up high water usage, medium waterusage and low water usage hydro zones,mulching and maintenance.

Basic principlesof Water Wiselandscaping Site assessment and planningare vital

A Water Wise landscape is cost efficient

During construction of the Echo Edge apartment building in Port Elizabeth the vegetationon an adjacent steep slope suffered damage.The area was re-vegetated, and berms andswales were constructed to slow down and manage fast-flowing stormwater that wouldotherwise have flowed unrestricted into the Baakens Valley Nature Reserve, carrying withit valuable topsoil, and causing serious soil erosion to the valley walls. Landscaping:Ulterior Design.

Planning to make the best use of site assets andlimitations is important. At the Mount Grace Hotel inGauteng, sloping ground permits water to be harvestedin a dam. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Eight rules for Water Wise design• Plan and design to conserve municipal water and harvest

free rainwater.• 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.• Zone the landscape into different hydro zones and

group plants according to their water usage. Make the lowwater usage zone as large as possible.Thereafter, determinehow much and how often to water through the seasons.

• Use soil amendments such as compost, manure andwater retentive polymers.

• Use mulches, especially in high and moderate watering zones.• Irrigate efficiently with properly designed systems, and by

applying the right amount of water at the right time.• Maintain the landscape appropriately by mowing,

pruning and fertilising properly.

A retention pond slows down floodwater

Construction of berms and swales.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

After construction. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

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Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping6

“Don’t blow it – good planets are hard to find”Time Magazine headline, 2007

The key design principle of a WaterWise landscape is to group plantswith similar water requirements in

the same area. A landscape can have fourhydro zones: A high water usage zone,a moderate water usage zone, a low waterusage zone and a no water usage zone.This approach allows for small areas of highwater and medium water usage plants, butat the same time results in water savings ofbetween 30% and 80%.

Plan different plantingzones For greatest water conservation most of thelandscape should be designed as low waterusage and no water usage zones. Make the moderate water usage zones relatively

small, and the high water usage zone evensmaller.

Also take into account the following:• Plan no or low water usage zones for

windy exposed areas and the heat-collecting hot areas adjacent to the north-or west-facing walls of buildings.

• Make use of areas where rainwatertemporarily collects for medium waterusage zones or a wetland area.

• It is more water efficient to plant highwater usage ‘3 drop’ plants in containersand group the containers together tocreate a focal point.

Four zonesApply the four zones principle to conservewater.

No water usage zoneMake this hydro zone as large as possible.It comprises mainly of hard landscapingsurfaces such as paved or gravel areas andparking areas that need no water. However,established local indigenous trees andshrubs, as well as many succulent speciescan be included in this zone.

Low water usage or ‘1 drop’ plantzoneMake this hydro zone large.The plants forthis area are those that thrive mainly on the local rainfall. They tend to be localindigenous plants. Once established, theyonly need a little, if any, watering. In summerwater only once every four weeks. In winterwater only once every eight weeks.

Plan different hydro zonesDifferent plants have different water needs so planand plant accordingly

The predominantly indigenous plantings in the 43 hectare VeldEstate of the Woodlands Office Park is home to a wide variety of

wildlife. Landscapers: Servest Landscapers.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Water Wise landscapes promote biodiversityWater Wise landscapes recognise the value of local indigenous plants that are naturallyadapted to prevailing weather conditions and rainfall. And, quite logically, local indigenousplants provide a habitat for a wide variety of local wildlife.

As ever-expanding cities destroy natural habitats and wetlands, many local plants andanimals are becoming endangered, to the extent where extinction is a possibility.Tohighlight this new millennium threat, the United Nations declared 2010 the InternationalYear of Biodiversity.

Businesses can become 21st century ‘heroes’ by commissioning a landscape thatconserves 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.

7Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

“The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives” Chinese Proverb

‘1 Drop’ plants for low water usage zone:

Once established, these plants do not need water, exceptduring 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 asmost succulents, will not need any extra water. Someexamples 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,lavender, rosemary, Plectranthus neochilus, philodendrum,plumbago, Indian hawthorn, strelitzia, Cape honeysuckle.

• Perennials: Agapanthus, asparagus ferns, clivia, Capethatching reed, Dietes spp., gaura,blue statice (Limonium perezzi), Tulbaghia violacea.

• Groundcovers: Arctotis, stalked bulbine, hen-and-chickens, erigeron, trailing gazania,Plectranthus spp., trailing osteospermum, Sutera spp., star jasmine, vygies.

• Bulbs: Fan-leaved boophane (Boophane disticha), Crinum spp., Ornithogalum thyrsoides.

‘2 Drop’ plants for medium water usage zone:

Once established these plants do not need much waterduring the rainy season, except during very hot dry spells.Water once a month during the dry season. Someexamples are:• Trees: Silver birch, leopard tree, Juniperus spp.,

Platyclydus orientalis cvs., Melaleuca bracteata, deciduousoaks (Quercus spp.), Populus simonii.

• Shrubs: Aucuba, buxus, coprosma, cordyline, cuphea,Cycas revoluta, Duranta cvs., Freylinia tropica, gardenia,hisbiscus, box honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), forest bell(Mackaya bella), mahonia, nandina, roses, Solanumrantonnetii, Viburnum species.

• Perennials: Shasta daisy, diascia, dianthus, hellebores,Hemerocallis spp., kniphofia, New Zealand flax.

• Groundcovers: Carex spp., Festuca spp., Liriope spp., mondo grass, lamb’s ear, snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum).

‘3 Drop’ plants for high water usage zone:

Once established these plants need regular wateringevery 3 days in summer, and more often during hot dryspells.Water at least once a week during the dry season.Some examples are: Azaleas, camellias, tree ferns, fuchsias,Cape fuchsia, white arums (Zantedeschia aethiopica)Canna hybrids, dahlias, acorus, Ajuga spp., creeping Jenny(Lysimachia spp.), Lamium spp., baby’s tears (Soleiroliasoleirolii), all winter flowering bulbs and annuals.

A well planned Water

Wise landscape results

in water savings of

between 30% and 80%

FAR LEFT: A no water zone. Most cacti andsucculents thrive on local rainfall and require noextra irrigation. Shown here is The Succulent Gardenat The University of Pretoria. Landscaping: AmalobaHorticultural Services. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

CENTRE: A high water zone. For greatest waterconservation keep this zone as small as possible.Planting colourful annuals and bulbs in containers ishighly water efficient. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr)

LEFT: A medium water zone. Keep this zonerelatively small - shown here is a small rose gardenat the Westcliffe Hotel in Johannesburg. Landscaping:Servest Landscaping (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

ABOVE: A low water zone.The pavement area of theSunridge Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth is plantedup with colourful but low water usage indigenousplants. Landscaping: Ulterior Design. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Moderate water usage or ‘2 drop’plant zoneKeep this hydro zone relatively small. Theplants for this area are those that need morewater than that which is provided by therainfall in your area. Many popular exotic plantsare ‘2 drop’ plants. In summer water once aweek. In winter water once a month.

High water usage or ‘3 drop’ plantzoneKeep this hydro zone as small as possible,or even eliminate it altogether, as high waterusage plants need frequent wateringthroughout the year. If included, it makessense to position this zone where it is highlyvisible, such as a front entrance.

The following types of plants all have high water needs: lawn, bog or wetlandplants, exotic ‘3 drop’ plants, annuals andbulbs. In summer water 2-3 times everyweek. In winter reduce watering by half and water 2-3 times every fortnight.

�

�guide to plants

Choose the correct plantsfor each hydro zone

Arctotis

Day lily

Fuchsia

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping8

“Plant up a landscape in autumn when establishment watering requirements are lower” – Leslie Hoy, Rand Water

The materials used to cover theground surface of a landscape havegreat bearing on the potential water

conservation of a property.

A low water usagesurfacePlant low-growing ‘1 drop’ ground covers.Evergreen ground covers are best as theylook good all year round. Large swathes ofjust a few plant species with contrastingfoliage are particularly effective. Low waterusage ground covers include dwarfagapanthus, stalked bulbine, dymondia,trailing gazania, trailing osteospermum andwild garlic (for sun); and Asystasia gangetica,Asparagus densiflorus, hen-and-chickens,Drimiopsis maculata, variegated plectranthusand sutera (for shade).

A no water usagesurfacePlant local Cynodon lawn varieties. Mostexotic lawn varieties are high water usageplants.To conserve water and minimisemaintenance reduce or eliminate lawn areas.Select indigenous Cynodon varieties that arenaturally dormant in winter and thrive onlocal rainfall only.

water conserving designs.The larger suchsurfaces are, the more water is conserved.Recent research indicates that such surfacesactually may help to retain moisture in thesoil by keeping the soil cool.The moisturethen becomes available for neighbouringplantings.

Design Water WisesurfacesInstead of putting down lawn on flat landscapesurfaces, install low water usage alternatives

Surfaces that are water-permeable are always preferable toimpermeable paved areas. A permeable surface is one thatallows rainwater to percolate through it into the soil beneath.Such water remains cleaner and less polluted than stormwaterthat has flowed over impermeable surfaces such as roads andpavements. Polluted water is detrimental for natural ecosystems and makes the provision of piped drinking water more expensive.

Examples of permeable hard-scaping surfaces are:- Permeable concrete pavers.These are a good choice for

under large trees, driveways and parking areas.- Gravel and small pebbles.- Spaced flagstones with pebbles in the gaps. Use for pathways and

terraces.- Spaced flagstones with a very low-growing Water Wise ground

cover planted in the gaps.- Pine bark nuggets or shredded bark for paths in informal natural

or indigenous areas.

Permeable surfaces are preferable

Plant natural grasslands. Make the area a fashionable prairie-like natural veld grassarea. Such grasses need only local rainfall to thrive.

Plant ground-covering succulents.A professional landscaper is well informedabout local low growing succulents that areperfectly adapted to local conditions andneed no extra irrigation. Succulent surfacescannot be used as recreation areas or walkways as foot use will damage the succulents.

Install hard landscaping. Such surfacetreatments are particularly important in

ABOVE: A no water surface: paved surfaces andareas covered with gravel or pine bark nuggets atWalter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. (Pic: Leslie Hoy) ABOVE LEFT: A no water surface: a surface comprising

low growing succulents and aloes at the WoolworthsDistribution Centre in Gauteng requires no extrairrigation. Landscaping: Servest Landscaping.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

ABOVE RIGHT: A low water surface: evergreen lowwater usage ground covers make for an attractive andpermeable surface area in the middle of the parkingarea at River Walk in Pretoria. Landscaping: GreenacresLandscapes. (Pic: Courtsy of SALI)

LEFT: Permeable concrete pavers. (Pic: Leslie Hoy)

CENTRE: Permeable flagstone and gravel. (Pic: Lukas Otto)

RIGHT: A permeable mulch pathway. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Hard landscaping refers to any non-plant surface area in a landscape wherealternatives to plant material are used.It includes outdoor terraces and patios,parking areas, paths and steps.Theseareas can comprise concrete or brick,cobble or flagstone paving, sleepers andstepping stones set in pebbles, gravel orbark chips, according to their purpose.

In a Water Wise landscape it is vitalthat solid paved areas make provisionfor rainwater runoff – see below.

What is hardlandscaping?

Where impermeable paving is unavoidable, install it in such a way asto direct rainwater into adjacent planted areas.This can be achievedby means of a slightly sloping surface that is barely detectable, or, inthe case of a driveway, with judiciously positioned and very slightlysloped berms.

Where large areas are already paved, install infiltration basinsplanted with trees. Micro-organisms and root systems in the soil actas filters and clean stormwater as it travels down through the soil.

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 followingadditions 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.

The perfect Landscaping solution:

Webco Gardening.

Try us, and see what makes WEBCO the choice of thousands… nationwide.

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Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping10

“A 5cm layer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65% depending on the type of leaf”

Mulching dramatically reduces water loss from the soil due toevaporation, so that less frequent

watering is required.Which mulch to chooseand the depth of the applied mulch dependson the landscape theme, availability ofvarious mulches and the local climate.

Types of mulch• Organic mulches. These come from plant

and animal sources and are the best sortof mulch because, as they break down,they enrich the soil. Examples are compost,fruit pips, nut shells, bark nuggets, woodchips, cobs and autumn leaves. Organicmulches need to be topped up regularly.

• Inorganic mulches. These are substancesor materials that do not break down andenrich the soil, but help keep moisture inthe soil. Examples are gravel, pebbles,stone chips and pavers. As they can storeheat they need to be used judiciously;they are most suitable in shady areas.

• Living mulches. Ground covering plantsserve the exact same purpose as othertypes of mulch, and may be preferable foraesthetic reasons. Low water usage groundcovers 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 thatit can soak into the soil before running off.

Benefits of organicmulch• Organic mulch eventually breaks down

and improves the quality and water-holding capacity of soil near the surface.

• Mulched soils do not need digging, asmicro-organisms and earthworms do allthe work.

• Partially decomposed compost makesexcellent organic mulch and is particularlyappropriate and cost effective forbusinesses where the establishment of a compost heap made from kitchen andgarden waste is viable.

Marvels of mulchCovering the soil with a layer ofmulch is an essential aspect ofWater Wise landscaping

A properly mulched

landscape can save

between 50 to 70% water,

as the water in the soil

cannot evaporate so

quickly

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“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”

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 sufficientunder normal conditions.

- During dry or cold periods the level of mulch needs to bethicker than during wet periods to protect plant roots.

- As organic mulches break down in the decay process, theyneed to be replenished. Compost decomposes in two to fourmonths, whereas bark chips last about two years beforebeing broken down.

- In spring, after the last frost, it may be necessary to pull mulchback from emerging plants, especially small perennials.

- If a particular mulch creates a nitrogen deficiency, correct byadding a solution of ammonium sulphate, dried blood or rockphosphate.

ABOVE: Mulching is highlyeffective in retaining moisture inthe soil. Shown here is theHoughton Golf Course entrancein Johannesburg. Landscaping:Horticare. (Pic: Coutesy of SALI)

BELOW : An inorganic rockmulch has been utilised at theDept of Health Offices in theNorth West. Landscaping:Amaloba Horticultural Services.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

BELOW LEFT: A living mulch isjust as effective as inorganic andorganic mulches. Choosing lowwater usage groundcovers withsoil retentive roots is the bestchoice for sloping ground.Landscaping: ServestLandscapers. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Leaf litter is ‘in’Maintenance services often think they are doing theright thing by ruthlessly clearing beds and bordersof fallen plant debris for the sake of neatness.Thispractice is outdated in landscapes of the future asbare soil inevitably loses its moisture content. A 5cmlayer of leaf litter reduces evaporation by 45-65%depending on the type of leaf; pine is the best.

Pic: Leslie Hoy

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping12

To collect rainwater for trees

and large shrubs, contour the

landscape so water collects

under the drip line

Water is a precious resource that should not be wasted and certainly notthrown 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 isneeded, such as a high water usage zone, a wetland or a pond. Alternatively, it can bestored in water tanks for later use. Collecting rainwater for use in a landscape isknown as rain harvesting.

Harvest rainwater from the roofCollecting rainwater from the roof is the most efficient means of harvesting water.Every 1m2 of roof generates one litre of water from 1mm of rainfall. Put differently,in a region with South Africa’s average annual rainfall (464mm per annum), 464 litres(0,46 kilolitres) of free water can be harvested per year per 1m2 of roof.

To find out how much rainwater in litres can be harvested from a particular roofper year multiply the area of the roof in m2 (or the ground area of the building) by theamount of rainfall your area receives per year in mm. Allow for 15% wastage. Deductthis amount from your annual water usage to see how much less water you would bepaying for annually.

Construct berms and swales Swales (shallow depressions) and berms (slight ridges that are higher than the adjacentsurface area) that are carefully positioned in a landscape, harvest water by keepingrainwater from a heavy downpour from being lost to runoff.They are particularlybeneficial on a sloping site.

A berm at the lower edge of a slightly sloping lawn area will harvest water for thelawn.Very slight concrete berms on a solid surface driveway can direct runoff into anadjacent high or medium water usage zone. And a swale that collects runoff rainwatercan be the basis of a wetland or pond area (see page 20).

Terrace slopesThe rainwater that falls on slopes is all too easily lost to runoff. In the process iterodes the soil, taking off the fertile top layer.Terracing sloping ground to create levelareas of soil is a Water Wise practice. By constructing terraces rainwater runoff isslowed down, permitting more water to soak into the soil.This makes terraced areasideal for plantings. In addition, a multi-level terrace makes an attractive landscapefeature.

Direct rainwater into ponds and damsRainwater 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 of future landscapes. On a practical level, the water in dams can be used for irrigatingthe landscape.

Harvest rainwaterMake maximum use of rainwaterto irrigate a landscape

By using water wisely up to 50% of

landscape irrigation water can be saved�

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Large and sloping hard-landscaped areas designed to harvest water. Landscaping: Life Landscapes.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Stormwater runoff is directed into a dam which provides free water for irrigation. Landscaping: Life Landscapes.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

At the Pivot Hotel at Montecasino in Sandton,Life Landscaping utilised the slightly slopingpaved areas to direct stormwater runoff into acatchment system, and from there into a dam.Water from the dam is used to irrigate the small high water usage zone which comprisesplantings with retaining walls.

The retaining walls hold water in the beds,keeping the soil moist for longer. Clean,unpolluted rainwater from the roof, is directedto storage tanks in the basement area and fromthere it flows into a neighbouring stream. Slightlysloping paving directs runoff.

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Water harvesting winner

“Conservation is about managing our natural resources, from the largest watershed to the smallest ecosystem”

Essex Regional Conservation Authority, UK.

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping14

The landscaping industry can lead theway in educating both corporatesand homeowners on the important

role of rainwater harvesting to secure thefuture of both the planet and the landscapingindustry. Substituting rainwater for all waterapplications excluding drinking water, couldresult in a potable water saving of around50% of all domestic water consumption, andmore than 80% of consumption in corporateand public buildings, thus relieving theimmense stresses placed on municipal watersupplies (not to mention the accompanyingwater bills!).

It is no wonder that rainwater harvesting,in conjunction with water wise, sustainablelandscapes and permeable paving is amongstthe 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 toabsorb water and reduce run-off.

3. Reduce impervious surfaces by, forexample, replacing solid driveways withporous alternatives.

4. Interplant flagstone walkways withcreeping groundcovers, such as thyme,which will help to slow stormwater flowand create a more aesthetic space.

5. Design green spaces between hardsurfaces (patios, walkways and parkinglots) and building edges.

6. Include the installation of JoJo rainwater

harvesting tanks in the landscape design.With the variety of sizes, stylish optionsand fashionable colours available, smallersized tanks can be unobtrusivelypositioned under decks, alongsidewalkways or vertically against a wall.Alternatively, consider undergroundwater storage tanks. JoJo Tanks have a wide range to suit this application.

Landscaping going even greenerWith the ever increasingpressures on naturalresources and the sureindication that demandfor water in South Africawill outstrip supply by2025, the landscapingindustry is beingtransformed from aprimarily aesthetic serviceto one that impacts the very sustenance of life on our planet.

Design green spaces between hard surfaces (patios,walkways and parking lots) and building edges.(Pic: Greenacres, SALI)

ADVERTORIAL

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping16

“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

The choice of an irrigation system andhow it is implemented in differenthydro zones has a great impact on

the efficiency of water use on any site.

Automatic systems The most efficient irrigation system – andcertainly the least time-consuming – is anirrigation system with an automatic controllerthat allows for the different hydro zones

account – depending on received rainfall it is quite feasible to switch off the irrigationsystem for a few days. Linking a rain sensorinto the automatic system ensures thatirrigation will be halted automatically duringrainy periods (see box).

Drip versus sprinklersFrom a Water Wise perspective, dripirrigation is preferable to sprinklers and lawnpop up systems. A drip irrigation systememits 2-15 litres of water per hour, whereasa sprinkler system emits 2-7 litres per minute.

Research in the dry south-western statesof America has shown that drip irrigationhas a high level of water efficiency. Waterdrips directly into the soil, so there is lesswaste of water compared to sprinklersystems that spray water above the soil,where droplets are often blown away by thewind, or evaporate. Drip irrigation isparticularly good for mulched areas becauseit does not wash away the mulch.

Drip irrigation is ideal for large shrubberies,as there is no interference from foliage andtherefore no dry spots. Plants that arevulnerable to fungal attack, such as roses,benefit from this form of irrigation as thefoliage does not get wet during irrigation.Awkwardly shaped and narrow areas, whereconventional sprinklers waste water by over-spraying, will also benefit from drip irrigation.

References- 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 onhttp://www.amwua.org/publications/guidelines-for-landscape-drip.html orhttp://amwua.org/pdfs/drip_irrigation_guide.pdf

A properly designed andmaintained irrigation systemboth conserves water andpromotes a thriving landscape

ABOVE: A drip irrigation system emits water directly into the soil so that there is less water lost to wind or toevaporation. (Pic: Lukas Otto)

An easy way to prevent overwatering is to installrain sensor to override the automatic wateringsystem during rainy weather. A rain sensor simplysenses rainfall. Once a designated amount ofwater has been detected, it shuts down anyregularly scheduled irrigation and makes sure thatyou do not have a public relations disaster on arainy day.

Pic: Lukas Otto

ABOVE: Drip irrigation is particularly good formulched areas because it does not wash away themulch, as can be the case with a sprinkler system.(Pic: Courtesy of Netafin)

Efficient irrigation

Install a rain sensor

in a landscape to have different wateringschedules.

Automatic systems offer the benefit ofprogrammable controllers. However thedanger lies in ‘setting and forgetting’. Formaximum water efficiency the timing of theirrigation needs to change seasonally, as thequantity of water required by plants variesfrom summer to winter.To conserve water,the rainy season needs to be taken into

It wastes water to over-irrigate

plants that grow well with minimum

water. In fact, many such plants

will die if overwatered

ABOVE:Narrow areas,whereconventionalsprinklerswaste water byoverspraying,benefit fromdrip irrigation.(Pic: Courtesy

of Netafin)

LEFT: Slopesneed to beirrigated moreslowly thanflat surfaces.Landscaping:GvHLandscapes.(Pic: Courtesy

of SALI)

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Code of StandardsThe Landscape Irrigation Association of South Africa (LIASA) has a Code of Standards Manual for the design, installation and management of irrigationsystems. The aim is to assist contractors, dealers, specifiers,developers, architects and building managers in the correctapplication, installation and maintenance of landscape irrigationsystems for South African conditions.

Now in its 3rd edition, the Manual was compiled by a teamof local irrigation experts to ensure an efficient and troublefree system. Included in the manual are tables which offerguidelines for soil infiltration rates and average irrigationrequirements.There is also information about how to take intoaccount the prevailing climatic conditions. Formulas forcalculating the precipitation rates of all sprayheads (microsprays and cone heads), rotating sprinklers (mini to large) andemitters (bubblers and drippers) are included, as well aspotable water flow testing methods and equipment.

Any LIA professional has access to this Manual and canadvise building managers on any excessive use of water relativeto the area under irrigation.

17Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

“The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe – if less obviouslyimmediate – as any wartime crisis we have ever faced”

Jim Wright, US Representative at Water Conference

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping18

“Water conservation is something we all should practice.It's too precious a resource to waste”

- American Water Works Association

To become a water managerrequires the assistance of aprofessional team of irrigation and

landscaping consultants who can set in placesystems that allow for monitoring the waterusage in the various hydro zones on aproperty. A well planned system will reducewater usage and save time and money.

For example, irrigation specialists takeinto account the following:• Turf areas are irrigated differently from

shrub borders.• South and east exposures need less

frequent watering than north and westexposures.

• Slopes need to be irrigated more slowlythan flat surfaces.

• The need to use a number of emittersaround the drip line of trees, where theroots are, rather than just one next to thetrunk.

Best irrigation practicesMaximum water conservation can beachieved by applying the following:• Set automatic systems correctly and

adjust them as conditions change.• Water only as frequently as your plants

need it.The different hydro zones havedifferent water requirements and requiredifferent watering schedules.

• Water less frequently but more deeply.This encourages deep root growth thatsustains the plant during dry periods.Frequent watering causes a plant todevelop roots in the first few centimetresof soil only, so in dry periods they cannotuse water deeper down in the soil profile.This is particularly true of lawns.

• Water-train trees and shrubs. By graduallychanging from frequent shallow wateringto less frequent but deeper wateringschedule, permanent plants can be‘trained’ to need less water.

• Water in the early morning or lateafternoon to reduce water loss toevaporation. In the hot summer monthsfrom October to February, avoid watering

between 10h00 and 14h00 whenevaporation rates are high. In winter,morning irrigation is best.

• Adjust the irrigation programmeaccording to the season. Plants need lesswater during the cool winter season thanduring the hot summer months.

• If the sky is cloudy, irrigation can bereduced by as much as 50%.

• Avoid irrigating during windy weather ashigh winds blow away water delivered bysprinklers and prevent proper coverage.

• Turn off the system if rain is irrigating thelandscape sufficiently.

• If water from a sprinkler system puddlesinstead of sinking into the soil, change theprogramme to deliver the requiredamount of water in two sessions ratherthan one session.

Best maintenancepracticesOnce an irrigation system is installed itneeds to be checked at least twice a year tomake sure it is performing well. Particularlyin the case of sprinkler heads, plant growthover time may call for adjustments to thesystem.• Check it for overall coverage. If planted

up areas are not being comprehensivelyirrigated, adjust the system.This may meanreplacing heads, adding more heads, orchanging heads to do a more efficient job.

• With the system on, observe places thatare receiving water where it is notneeded. Overlaps onto paved areas mayresult in considerable water waste.Overwatering trees and shrubs may leadto diseases.

• Check all water connections in theirrigation system at least twice a year forleaks.

• Replace all old worn washers.• Monitor sprinkler heads for any

misalignment, and adjust the sprinklerheads as is necessary.

Proper irrigation practices can lead to water savings between 30% and 80%

During hot Highveld summers irrigate in the early morning or lateafternoon to reduce water loss to evaporation. Shown here is the Parys

Golf and Country Estate. Maintenance: Evergreen Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

ABOVE: Constructing terraces to hold rainwaterprevents soil erosion and conserves the water forterrace plantings as demonstrated at Maropeng inthe Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. Landscaping:Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Become a water manager

ABOVE: If water from a sprinkler system puddlesinstead of sinking into the soil, change theprogramme to deliver the required amount of waterin two sessions rather than one session. (Pic: Schmidt)

19Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

“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

Once the landscape is divided intoseparately irrigated zones, eachwith its own appropriate planting,

hard landscaping and irrigation lines,irrigation can be fine tuned to achievemaximum water conservation.

Observation is vitalOnce new plants have been established,careful observation of prevailing weatherconditions and daily observation of thecondition of the plants are the key toadjusting your irrigation programmesefficiently.

Observe how plants react to increasingor decreasing their irrigation schedule. Mostplants only need water when they start towilt. However, some plants look wiltedduring the day, but actually have plenty ofwater at their roots and will recover in theevening. If your plants are still wilting atnight, they need water.

How much water doplants need?• Different plants require different

irrigation schedules. Depending on theirsize, water needs to penetrate the soil todifferent depths at each watering. Irrigatelong enough for water to penetrate tothe root zone, but no deeper. Deepinfrequent irrigation is preferable toshallow frequent irrigation. Check the soilmoisture depth after watering – use along screwdriver, soil tube, or moisturemeter. Irrigate as follows:- Depth of 30cm: Small plants, such as

lawn, groundcovers and perennials:- Depth of 60cm: Medium plants, such

as shrubs:- Depth of 90cm: Large plants, such as

trees and large shrubs:• Take into account the evaporation rate

On the Highveld, the evaporation rate insummer is 4-6mm per day, while in winterit is almost zero.

• Make sure to replace water lost toevaporation in the high water usagezone. High water usage ‘3 drop’ plantsrequire 10mm of water every three days,in summer you need to put down 10mmplus the 15mm or so that has evaporatedover those three days – a total of 25mm.In winter, only 15mm is required everyweek.

Annual rainfall averagesThe average annual precipitation of theentire surface of our planet is estimated tobe about 1 050mm per year. Not one ofSouth Africa’s cities or provinces receivesthis amount.We live in a dry country withlimited water resources.Water is a resourcethat is more valuable than gold or diamonds.Use it wisely.

Source:

http://www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/prov/rain.htm

Rainfall facts andfiguresA comprehensive knowledge of local rainfallaverages, soil absorbency and rate of flow ofirrigation systems are all part and parcel ofefficient irrigation.

LEFT ABOVE: South Africa’s landscapers are able to create stunning low water usage landscapes thatlook good all year round, as shown here at theHoliday Inn Express in Woodmead, Sandton.Landscpaing: Servest Landscaping. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

LEFT: As appreciation for South Africa’s natural floraand fauna steadily increases, developers of largecountry properties are striving to preserve thenatural vegetation, which has adapted over millionsof years to local climatic conditions, and needs verylittle irrigation or maintenance. Shown here are thegrounds of the Mount Grace Hotel in theMagaliesberg. Maintained by Servest Landscaping it was recognised as a Silver Award winner in theWater Wise Category. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Average city annualrainfall figures in mmSummer rainfall regionsUpington 189Oudtshoorn 239Graaff Reinet 361Kimberley 414Polokwane (Pietersburg) 478Bloemfontein 559King William’s Town 606Port Elizabeth 624Vereeniging 671Pretoria/Tshwane 674Johannesburg 713Mbombela (Nelspruit) 767East London 921Durban 1009

Winter rainfall regions Cape Town 515George 715Paarl 886

Source: South African Weather Bureau.

Average provincialannual rainfall in mmNearly 91% of South Africa falls withinthe United Nations’ definition of affected drylands.These areextraordinarily dry areas where therainfall is low, and the potentialevaporation is high.

Northern Cape 202Western Cape 348North West 481Limpopo 527Free State 532Eastern Cape 552Gauteng 668Mpumalanga 736KwaZulu-Natal 845

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping20

“Wetlands have a poor public image. Yet they are among the earth’s greatest natural assets – mankind’s waterlogged wealth”

Edward Maltby, Waterlogged Wealth

The term ‘wetland’ refers to a section of land that iswaterlogged – either permanently or seasonally.Wetlands provide an ecological habitat for the birds

and wildlife of a particular area, but they are also a valuableenvironmental resource that can be used to prevent flashfloods by slowing down and storing the water from heavydownpours.

Preserving a natural wetland or constructing a new wetlandin an urban or industrial landscape helps to compensate forthe loss of valuable natural wetlands.Throughout the world,it is now quite common for golf courses to include awetland.This often feeds into a dam that harvests water forirrigating the turfed areas. Now industrial and commerciallandscapers are following this water-friendly trend with awetland appropriate to the size of the landscape. (See box)

A well designed wetland is a highly attractive feature in a landscape. Many lovely plants like the moist soil of a bogarea. Some, such as sedge (Cyperus spp.), scarlet river lily(Hesperantha coccinea) and white arum (Zantedeschiaaethiopica), grow with their roots in the waterlogged soils at the edge of a pond or in submerged containers in a pond.Others, such as red-hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.), clivias andarums, like moist soil and can be planted at the edge of the bog.

Create a wetlandWetlands help to keepwater clean and also toconserve water

Wetlands are a valuable

environmental resource that can

be used to prevent flash floods by

slowing down and storing the

water from heavy downpours

The final wetlandsin the wetland

series system atMaropeng areplanted with a

variety ofindigenous species

that destroypathogenic

bacteria.(Pic: Carol Knoll)

The low lying area of a sloping property can be utilised to create an ecologically friendlywetland supplied with harvested rainwater as demonstrated at the High Constantia Estatein the Western Cape. Landscaper: Marina Landscaping (Pic courtesy of SALI)

A small wetland has been constructed at KwaMaritane in the North WestProvince. Landscaping:Top Turf. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI.)

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Constructed wetlands at the Cradle of HumankindWith plenty of land available, a natural water purification system for allwastewater at the Maropeng Hotel and the Tumulus visitor centre in theCradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng was viable.All wastewater, including sewage, is fed through a series of constructedwetlands.The wetlands were designed and constructed by LindrosWhole Earth Consultants, and handle 110 kilolitres of effluent per day.

Initially the effluent is passed through a debris trap where all non-biodegradable materials are filtered out.The wastewater is thenchanneled into underground septic tanks where anaerobic digestiontakes place.

The overflow from the septic tanks is led into an automatic dosingsiphon chamber where it is partially cleaned through the process ofphytoremediation. A second dosing siphon directs this water into asimilar series of second stage wetlands. Phragmitis is the mainphytoremediation agent in these wetlands.

Finally the water passes through two more wetland areas that containa greater diversity of plant species that were chosen to eliminate anyremaining harmful bacteria. At three points in the system the effluent isdosed 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.

Create a wetland

21Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

Purifying wastewaterWetlands can also ‘clean’ polluted waterby the process of phytoremediation.

The diverse bacterial communitiesand particular plants in a wetlandbenefit from the high nutrient load of polluted water. They ‘take up’ thepollutants, leaving the water clean.Wetlands are capable of biodegradingnutrient-laden domestic sewage andeven toxic industrial effluents.

The ‘green’ building movement ofthe last decade takes into account theuse and purification of wastewaterfrom a property, be it residential,commercial or industrial.

Fairly large wetland areas arenecessary to purify effluent water –water from baths, sinks, dishwashers,washing machines and even sewage –generated by a hotel development,or the polluted wastewater from a factory process. Where viable, thistechnique is increasingly being used,for example, at golf course estatedevelopments.

References:1. Phytoremediation & Constructed Wetlands by

Cindy Moberly.Visit http://rydberg.biology.colostate.edu/Phytoremediation.

2. www.notesfromtheroad.com/files/emp.pdf

ABOVE: A buffer wetland area surrounds the dam at the Development Bank of South Africa in Midrand. Landscaping:Landtech Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

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

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Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping22

“Less than 1% of all the water on Earth is available for human consumption”

In recent years a dramatic water feature,either indoors or outdoor, has becomefashionable in prestigious commercial

properties. In today’s more ecologicallyaware world the question arises aboutwhether they are appropriate in a water-short country.

The answer is: It depends on the type ofwater feature and how it is managed. A water feature is Water Wise when water

lost to evaporation, to adjacent areas, and toleakage is kept to an absolute minimum.Below are some guidelines.• Locate a water feature in the shade

where evaporation rates are less.• Locate a water feature where it is

sheltered from the wind.• A water feature at the entrance of a

building is more Water Wise if it ispositioned inside the building rather than

in a sunny or windy position outside theentrance doors.

• Place one water feature strategically, toform a focal point, rather than severalscattered around the property.

• Aim for a water feature of minimum sizewith maximum effect.

• Reduce the size of the surface areas ofwater to reduce evaporation.

• Make a constructed pond deep as ashallow pond loses more water toevaporation than a deep pond. Onemetre is a good depth to aim for.

• Avoid extravagant high-pressuremovement in fountains and waterfalls asthese have high evaporation rates.

• A water feature where water drips orbubbles is more water efficient than onewhich sprays water.

• If a fountain is the chosen water feature,choose a sprayer that produces coarsedroplets rather than a fine spray – thelatter lose more water to evaporationthan the former.

• A basal pond of a fountain needs to beone and a half times wider than theheight of the fountain to prevent waterwastefully splashing out of the pond.

• A natural pond with a large surface area,needs to be between 50cm and 1m deep.Many water plants need a planting depthof at least 45cm under the water surfaceto survive, and fish need deep cool areas.

Wise upon waterfeaturesIt is possible to havean attractive pond or fountain that doesnot waste water

ABOVE LEFT: Installing a small swimming pool is one way in which water can be conserved. Shown here is thepool 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 overflowsfrom the top layer, waste less water than those with a fine spray or tall jets of water. Make sure the basal pond islarge enough to catch all the descending water. Landscaping: Greenacres Landscapes. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

LEFT: A pond containing water plants that shade the water surface area, thereby reducingevaporation, is a Water Wise choice as shown atthe Rodwell House Hotel in the Western Cape.Landscaping: Cape Contours. (Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

Landscaping: Eco Creations.(Pic: Courtesy of SALI)

A ‘dry’ riverConsider constructing a ‘dry river bed’ as anillusionary water feature. A layer of pebbles with a few strategically placed boulders, together withsome bank-side plantings of low water usage treeswith dry season interest and clumps of grass-likeplants can be most attractive.The dry river bed andedges can be planted up with local perennials andbulbs which are dormant in the dry season butspring to life when the rains arrive.

Be Water Wise with swimming poolsOne of the most vital ways to reduce evaporation from swimming pools is to place a coverover it. A new case study has demonstrated that a thermal pool cover reduces water lossto 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, andreduces the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water clean. In Namibia, these benefitshave been recognised and, by law, swimming pools have to be covered whenever they arenot in use.

Another way to use water wisely is to fill the pool only when necessary. Use a timer onthe tap as a forgotten running hose can waste about 1 000 litres of water per hour.

Source: Landscape SA magazine, May 2011, pg 41

23Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

“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

Container plants are popular forenhancing the appearance ofindoor spaces and large outdoor

paved areas. And containers themselves canserve as focal points in an outdoor orindoor setting, particularly when they arelarge. Currently large geometrically shapedcontainers are highly popular as theycomplement the present trend ofneomodernist architecture and design.

Growing plants in containers is arecommended Water Wise practice,providing certain guidelines are followed.• Type of container. Avoid containers that

are porous and lose water throughevaporation. If you already have porouspots, such as terracotta, line them withpolythene or sealant, making sure to leavea hole for drainage.

• Container size. Make sure your pot is theright size for the chosen plant. Choose acontainer that allows for root growth.When a large container is required forimpact, but the plant does not need somuch space, to conserve water, fill thelarge container with lightweight packingmaterial and put a smaller pot containingthe plant on top.

• Soil. For healthy and thriving containerplants, choose a good quality potting mixhigh in organic matter. Enhance the waterand nutrient-holding capacity of the soilby adding water-retaining granules.

• Fertiliser. Use slow-release fertilisers and

foliar fertilisers that provide a regularsupply of fertiliser over a period of time.Organic fertilisers are also recommendedas they do least harm to undergroundwater supplies.

• Watering requirements. Containersenable water to be used efficiently by the grouping of plants with similar waterrequirements together. In outdoorcontainers, group high water usage ‘3 drop’ plants such as ferns, azaleas,camellias and fuchsias together, and plantWater Wise shrubs in a different groupingof containers.

Use low water usage plants in outdoorcontainers as much as possible, especiallyif the containers are against hot north- orwest-facing walls.

For indoor containers make groupingsof ‘3 drop’ subtropical plants such aspalms, schleffera, peace lily and crotons.Alternatively, group ‘1 drop’ frost tendersucculents such as the striking Euphorbiaingens and Pachypodium species.The waterwise plants will not require watering asfrequently as the ‘waterholics’. (See page 7for the water requirements of differentplants).

Position indoor container plants awayfrom any draughts, and away from directsunlight.

• Water efficiently. The high water usagesubtropical plants so popular as indoorplants, both in containers or in an indoor

garden area, require regular watering asthey like moist soil. Avoid automaticallyapplying water to a plant that wilts a littleduring the heat of the day – it’s normal.Rather test the soil first. Push a finger intothe soil up to the first knuckle joint.If the soil feels damp at that depth andsticks to your finger, the plant does notneed water.Place drip trays under containers of high

water usage plants – these will collectsurplus water which the plant will draw upas the soil dries out.

The most water efficient method ofwatering container plants is by dripirrigation, as this ensures that the water isdistributed slowly throughout the soil, ratherthan soaking through it. Otherwise waterthem slowly, by hand.• Apply mulch. This will reduce water loss

through evaporation.When planting upcontainers leave a 5cm gap below the topof the container to allow for mulch. Keepthe mulch about 3cm away from plantstems to avoid possible fungal problems.

Growing plants in containers is highlywater efficient

RIGHT: Use low water usageplants in outdoor containers as

much as possible, especially if thecontainers are against hot north- orwest-facing walls. (Pic: Loren Shirley-Carr)

FAR RIGHT: A colourful andwelcoming indoor display of

'3 drop' winter flowers is waterefficient because all the plants are

grouped together to make wateringeasier. (Pic: Leonie Ballard-Tremeer)

The most water efficient method of watering

container plants is by drip irrigation

Water Wise container gardening

Add moistureretaining

granules andwetting

agents to thesoil in

containers

ABOVE: A grouping of low water usage Aloespecies and Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’ makes a bold statement and complements the currentneomodernist architectural trend. (Pic: Otto)

��

�

�

Add moistureretaining

granules andwetting

agents to thesoil in

containers

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping24

“Ultra-low flush toilets, depending on the type purchased, use only about 7 litres ofwater per flush. This could save your business’s indoor water use by as much as 20%”

- American Water Works Association

It has been calculated that the averagecommercial building uses approximately 37% ofits municipal water in amenities (kitchenettes and

showers), 26% through leaking taps, running toiletsetc, 31% in water-cooled air-conditioning units,3% food production, 2% cleaning and 1% irrigation(depending on land use). An immediate saving of at least 25% can be achieved by simply fixing andmanaging leaking amenities.

Commercial buildings can save water byimplementing modern plumbing systems and watermanagement regimes aimed at reducing waterconsumption. Leaking taps, valves and pipes areanother contributing factor to water wastage.A project carried out by the National BuildingResearch Institute of the CSIR maintains that overallwater consumption can be cut by as much as 40%without any inconvenience.The findings suggest thata small building can save at least 260 litres per day or 7 800 litres per month by using water moreefficiently, while larger buildings can save much more.

Hot water managementMany litres of cold water are wasted whilst waitingfor taps to run hot water in kitchens, ablutions andchange rooms. Investigate ways in which to captureor divert this water elsewhere. Insulating foam orother forms in insulating material wrapped aroundpipework will assist in keeping the water warmer forlonger and prevent freezing in winter. Geysers andhot water heating systems should be placed as closeas possible to where the water is used to preventprolonged running of cold water.

Geysers have an expansion valve built into thesystem to prevent the geyser from bursting. As thecold water heats up it expands causing pressurewithin the storage cylinder. The expansion valve willopen should this pressure exceed a certain level.When the expansion valve opens, extra water willrun through a pipe onto the outside of the building.This water should be captured in a container andreused for washing or can be diverted and used for anearby drip irrigation system or into a water feature.

Ablutions and showersWith all the water-saving ideas, concepts andproducts available today, there is no reasonwhy water cannot be used efficiently inbathrooms. Products such as flow controlregulators, toilet cisterns with reduced watercapacity, toilet floats and even aerators arenow readily available. Hotels can encourageless water usage with a ‘water stewardship’notice in each bathroom. In dry countriestop brand hotels politely suggest that guestsreuse their towels to save on laundry water.

Water wastage from basin taps in thetoilet facilities of hotels, tourist venues,restaurants and factories can be reduced by

Water Wise management of buildingsWater stewardship can beimplemented in the kitchen,canteen and ablutionfacilities of any commercialand industrial building

1 Flow control showerheads should be fitted in change room and ablution facilities to reduce waterconsumption. Pic: Schmidt

2 Ablution taps and plumbing fixtures should be inspected regularly for damage – ideally, conventionaltaps 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

4 Leaking taps must be repaired as soon as possible. Pic: Otto

5 A worn flange from a toilet cistern which needs to be repaced.

1

4

5

2

3

An immediate

saving of

at least 25% can be

achieved by simply

fixing and

managing leaking

amenities �

�

25Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping

installing taps that deliver a fixed amount ofwater per press. Motion sensor activatedtaps can be installed in public bathroomswith high traffic flow. These only switch onwhen someone washes their hands close tothe sensor and automatically turn off whenthey move their hands away.

An example in the United States highlightsthe potential water savings:

By installing 30 tap aerators, a commercialbuilding in Brookline, Massachusetts, couldreduce water consumption by 190,000gallons (719 kilolitres) per year.The cost ofthe devices and labour was approximately$300 and the savings for the retrofit areestimated at $1,250 per year – a payback of2 months.

Using a shower is considered moreeffective than bathing when it comes tosaving water. Manufacturer’s now design aversatile range of water saving showerheadswhich are specially designed to save waterwhile at the same time giving maximumefficiency in terms of its spraying capability.Aerator systems are also available forshowerheads which will reduce water flow.

How to detect leaks inthe plumbing systemThere are a few ways to determine if youhave leaking pipes on your property:

Install Water Wise plumbing systemsWhen building or renovating plan for a water-efficient water supply system. Consider thefollowing:• Install medium sized baths – 1 500mm or 1 650mm is an adequate length.• Fit flow-controlled shower heads or fit a flow controller behind the showerhead.• Install wash basin taps with aerator outlets.The aerator mixes air with the water,

resulting in a lower flow rate (5-20 litres per minute), which splashes less and feelssoft on the skin.

• Install toilets that have cisterns with a maximum capacity of nine litres. However, alsoconsider the Aquasave – a toilet suite with a 4,5 litre cistern capacity. Manufactured byVaal Potteries, the Aquasave is endorsed by Rand Water.

• Keep hot water pipe 'dead legs' to a minimum. A 'dead leg' is the length of pipebetween the water heater and a single fitting which has to be drained of cold waterbefore the hot water reaches the outlet. 'Dead legs' should not exceed the followinglimits: 15m for a 15mm diameter pipe; 8m for a 20mm diameter pipe; 5m for a 25mmdiameter pipe.

• If the kitchen is remote from the water heater, install a small (15 litre capacity) orinstantaneous type of water heater above the sink.This is preferable to having a longlength of pipe, which has to be drained of its cold water every time hot water isrequired.

• The easiest way is to check your mainswater meter, although this will be verydifficult in big commercial or publicproperties where there is continuous useof water. However, on a smaller scale,if all the taps and valves are turned offand there are no leaking taps or cisterns

within the building, then the meter willnot turn. Calculate how much wateryou’re losing by recording the meterreading and timing it for 60 minutes/onehour. If everything is turned off but themeter is still running, then there is aleaking pipe on your side of the property.

Rand Water’s Water Wise Guide to Landscaping26

“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

• Look out for unexplained damp or wetpatches around the building. Anothertelltale sign of a leaking pipe is rising dampor consistent moisture on a section of thebuilding walls.Plumbing companies also offer professional

leak detection services and can map out and trace your underground pipework.If there is a leak, knowing where to dig willsave you time and unnecessary expense.Leaks commonly occur on joints and bends in the pipe system, after buildingalterations – especially where heavy vehicleswere active or compactors used, as well asin very old pipework which may havecorroded.

How to fix a leakingtapLeaking and dripping taps are anothercontributing factor which wastes largeamounts of water over time.The cause isoften a worn washer or rubber O-ring andthese can easily be replaced at minimal cost.All dripping taps on the property should berepaired immediately the drip is detected.• Turn off the mains water valve before

dismantling the tap. Once the main valveis turned off, open the tap to alleviatewater pressure.

• Carefully dismantle the tap casing – becareful not to scratch or damage thesilver or chrome finishing. Depending onthe type of tap, you will need to removethe handle screw to dismantle the handleand shroud in order to access the valve.The valve includes the copper piece insidethe tap which has a rubber O-ring as wellas a washer.The O-ring and washersoften wear down or split with regular use,and this is when the taps leak or drip.

• Using a small flat screwdriver, remove theold washer and O-ring and replace withthe new ones.

• When reassembling the tap, make sure allthe components are seated properly, or

else the O-ring or washer could tear.Thetap should also be in the ‘open’ positionwhen reseating everything, so that whenthe components are tightened, the washeris not forced excessively into the flange.

How to test a toilet for leaksThere are a number of signs that a toiletneeds some repairs, but many toilets leakwithout conspicuous indications of trouble.Here are some of the obvious signs of a leaking toilet:• If you have to jiggle the handle to make

a toilet stop running.• Any sounds coming from a toilet that is

not being used are sure signs of a leak.• If you have to hold the handle down to

allow the tank to empty.• If you see water running over the top of

the overflow, you definitely have a leakingrefill valve. If you are unsure whether ornot water is running over the top of theoverflow pipe; sprinkle talcum powder ontop of the water in the tank, and you canclearly see whether or not it is.

• If you can see water trickling down thesides of the toilet bowl long after it’s beenflushed.

• If water drips out of the refill tube intothe overflow pipe.

• If a toilet turns the water on for 15seconds or so without you touching the

handle (otherwise known as the phantomflusher).

Testing for leaks using coloured dyeEven if your toilet doesn’t have any of theabove signs, it’s still possible that it is leaking.These leaks are known as ‘silent leaks’, becausethey usually go undetected. There is an easytest you can do that will positively tell youwhether or not your toilet is leaking. And if the test shows that the toilet is leaking,there is a second test that tells you whatpart inside the cistern is responsible andneeds fixing.

• Remove the cover on the toilet cisternand carefully set it aside so it can’t beaccidentally knocked over and cracked(some commercial and industrial buildingshave toilets with cisterns built into thewalls or connected directly to a plumbingpipe without a cistern). Remove anycleaners or detergents that colour thewater and begin the test with clear waterin the cistern as well as in the bowl.

• You’ll need some dye. Hardware storesoften sell dye capsules or tablets, but foodcolouring or instant coffee works fine.Another suggestion is to use severaltablespoons of a powdered fruit drinkmix. Now put enough dye in the tankwater to give the water a deep colour.Wait 30 minutes and make sure nobodyuses the toilet. In 30 minutes if you find

Replacing a regular free-flowshower head to a water savingshower headMany shower head manufacturers now market watersaving shower heads which can save up to 50% of thewater used with conventional shower heads. Newaerating and water flow technology ensures that sufficientwater is ejected through the shower spout or rose, butusing only half the amount of water compared to a normal shower if measured over thesame time frame.

Compared to converting a toilet cistern to a dual-flush system, replacing the showerhead or rose is relatively straightforward. It's a simple matter of unthreading the old showerhead and simply reattaching the new water saving one. In some circumstances, particularlywith old showers, the plumbing connections may be old and worn, and some additionalplumbing work may be required.

Converting a full-flush toilet to a dual-flush systemOld buildings can make substantial water savings by converting the old toilet systems intowater saving dual-flush systems.The older cisterns hold between 9-12 litres of water, andwhen flushed, use all the available water in a single flush. If the toilet is flushed on average 20 times during the day, it could amount to 240 litres. If there are 10 toilets in the building,this quickly adds up to 2 400 litres.Taken over the year, an incredible 876 000 litres or 876kilolitres of municipal water is flushed away.

Modern cisterns generally hold around 6 litres of water, so by simply converting to a

any of the dyed water is now in the toilet bowl - your toilet isleaking. A properly operating toilet will store water in the tankindefinitely without any water running into the bowl.

Water on the floor around a toilet is certainly a problem. Itcan be dripping off a sweaty toilet cistern during humidweather; it can mean the wax sealing ring under the bowl hasdisintegrated, or the bowl is cracked; or it can mean theconnections under the cistern are leaking.

So for now, let’s say you’ve done the dye test and found yourtoilet is leaking, you now have to find out which part is theculprit – the flush valve or the refill valve. And there’s anothersimple little test that points to the perpetrator of the crime.

• Draw a pencil line on the back wall of the cistern on the insideat the waterline.Then turn the water supply off, either under thecistern or at the main shutoff valve and wait 20 to 30 minutes.If the water level remains at the pencil mark, then the leak isoccurring at the refill valve. If the water level falls below thepencil mark, then the leak is in the flush valve.

Another test:If you have determined the leak is at the flush valve and youreplace the ball, flapper, seal or whatever and it still leaks, there isone more test to further try and pinpoint the problem.This timeturn the water off to the toilet before going to bed. In themorning, check the water level. If there’s about 2,5cm in thebottom of the tank and the water level is even with the edges ofthe seat, the leak is either a bad stopper (ball, flapper or whatever)or a damaged seat. On the other hand, if the tank is almostentirely empty, and the water level is below the edges of the seat,the problem is a damaged gasket under the flush valve.This meansthe cistern may have to be separated from the bowl in order toget to the connections.

SOURCE: Information provided from http://www.toiletology.com

REFERENCES:The Stakeholder Accord on Water Conservation, 2009. Guidelines for Baseline WaterUse Determination and Target Setting in the Commercial Sector.

modern and smaller cistern, a saving of 438 kilolitres can bemade over the year. A dual-flush toilet has a mechanism whichgives the option of either making a full flush or only using halfthe 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 replacedin order to accommodate the new dual or multi-flush cistern;however, conversion kits are sometimes available whereby youcan simply replace the inner workings of the cistern rather thanthe entire toilet system.

A very quick and simple method of saving water is towedge a sealed plastic bottle into the cistern which will take upsome volume. For example, two one litre bottles anchored on

each side of thecistern can saveyou up to twolitres per flush,but make sure the bottles don'tinterfere with the workingmechanism of the toilet.