• Less than 3% of the World’s water is fresh and drinkable, and of that 2.5% is frozen in glaciers, leaving us with only 0.5% for all of man’s and ecosystem’s fresh water needs.
• South Africa is a dry country with an average rainfall of less than 500mm. If we continue at our present rate of water consumption, we could run out of drinking water well before 2040
• One fifth of the world’s population does not have access to clean water
• 12-14 million South Africans do not have access to safe drinking water
• 11 of 19 water management areas in SA have been identified as having water problems
• Over 60% of water in SA is used to irrigate farmland
• A dripping tap can result in 10220 litres of wasted water a year
  
  

• Reduce toilet flush volume – this can save 20% of water consumption with no reduction in convenience since older cisterns use double the water necessary to function
• Recycle water to your garden from the washing machine, bath, shower etc
• Use a low-flow showerhead
• Check that you don’t have leaking taps
• Have a shower instead of having a bath
• Do not let the water run when washing your hands or brushing your teeth.
• Use a bowl of water (or put the plug in the sink) for rinsing pots, pans, dishes and cooking implements rather than turning on the tap each time you need to rinse
• When buying a washing machine, look for one that is water and electricity efficient. Front loading washing machines use 40% less water than top loading washing machines
• Be sure the water heater thermostat is not set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and electricity
• Water early during the cooler periods of the day, early morning or late evening as much of the water used can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass when it’s too hot
• Use water-wise plants. Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and in which parts of the lawn, and then plant accordingly
  
  

• Woolworths fresh produce farmers have adhered to Eurepgap farming practices for nearly a decade. Eurepgap (now known as Globalgap) is an internationally recognised standard for safe and sustainable agriculture, setting guidelines for environmental and labour standards as well as product safety
• Woolworths makes sure that everyone who makes the fabric for our clothes adheres to very strict standards. This means that no materials, dyes or chemicals used in the production of Woolworths clothing or textiles pose an unacceptable risk to health - or to the environment - during their manufacture or disposal
• Woolworths is well-established as the country’s leading retailer in certified organic fresh produce. Certified organic foods are grown without the use of artificial chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides and do not release potentially harmful chemicals into water supplies
• Woolworths is also working with our conventional farmers to help them incorporate biological farming practises into the way they work. Farming for the future seeks to establish a thriving and sustainable microbial population in the soil. This essentially uses compost and organic fertilisers and eliminates potentially harmful water contaminants while improving the natural fertility of the soil. Such farming methods will protect water supplies and ensure safe fresh produce
  
  

When evaluating real estate opportunities, Woolworths will consider whether the design of the property enables the use of water and water waste more efficiently.

This includes:

• Storage and use of recycled and grey water systems, retaining as much water on site as possible for re-use
• Use of indigenous shrubs and ground covers, minimising irrigation needs
• Storm water management - allowing rain water to be stored and used
  Such measures have already been implemented at Woolworths distribution centre in Midrand. Municipal water at the distribution centre is used only for drinking purposes

Head office facilities have shown a 13% decrease in water use over the last financial year. We have also achieved just under a 5% reduction in relative usage in stores.

Where we’re going:

• Reduce Woolworths relative water consumption unit by 30% by 2012;
• Work with suppliers to reduce water used and improve waste water management during the growing, production and manufacture of our products
• Work with GTZ (The German Development Agency) to analyse water usage amongst agriculture pack houses and develop methods for reduction
• Working with experts on watershed mapping and prioritization