South Africans of all ages came together for a peaceful demonstration at the Melrose Arch Piazza in Sandton on Thursday as part of the global United Nations #action2015 initiative.

The initiative was one of thousands of United Nations-led #action2015 demonstrations taking place around the world‚ aimed at pressuring world leaders to take action at the UN Special Summit on Sustainable Development in New York‚ on Friday.

The New York summit is expected to see world leaders agree on a set of Sustainable Development Goals for the next 15 years which will replace and build on the 15-year-old Millennium Development Goals which expire this year.

South Africa is ranked the 30th driest country in the world‚ with only 8.6% of its rainwater available as surface water.

Less than 10 years ago in 2006‚ water shortage was considered only a distant threat by world leaders‚ one that did not require immediate attention. In its 2015 Global Risk Report‚ the World Economic Forum identified the water crisis‚ for the first time ever‚ as the top global risk in terms of impact.

According to MD of Hansgrohe Africa‚ David Cooper‚ “If water use in South Africa continues at the current rate‚ demand for fresh water is expected to exceed supply by 2025. Water security is closely aligned to food security since agriculture and food production relies heavily on water. A rise in the cost of water‚ together with potential restrictions in water consumption‚ will therefore threaten the country’s economic growth prospects.”

He said that Hansgrohe was proud to be part of this ground-breaking collaboration of campaigners‚ public figures‚ companies and civil society groups‚ which have united to tell leaders “it is time to take action and change the world”.

Speaking at the demonstration — in which South Africans from all walks of life participated — environmentalist and climatologist‚ Simon Gear said‚ “South Africa is a water stressed country with almost all our current water resources already allocated. For us to continue to grow our economy and provide a future with fresh water for our people and the environment‚ it is imperative that we manage our supplies better through better resourced water infrastructure and a more concerted effort to protect the watersheds of the eastern highlands from short term mining.”

Ten tips to conserve water:

• Be aware of your direct water footprint. Conduct a water audit at home‚ determine your monthly water use from your municipal bill and set goals to become more water efficient. Monitor your use and keep track of your progress.

• Switch off all water appliances and taps and check your water meter to see if you have a leak. Fix leaks at home and report public water leaks to your local municipality. An estimated 37% of water is lost from leaks in urban supply systems and last year‚ water leaks costs South Africa about R7.2-billion.

• Make your garden water-wise by planting indigenous drought-resistant plants which require minimal watering. Additionally‚ only water your garden very early in the morning or after sunset to reduce unnecessary evaporation.

• Capture rain water from gutters to use in your garden and invest in a rain water tank. Using rain water minimises the losses from piped systems and this is untreated so has a lower carbon-footprint.

• Install a grey-water system and recycle water at home. Generally‚ 40%-60% of household water is used for non-essential purposes‚ such as watering gardens and filling swimming pools.

• South Africa has good quality tap water which we can drink. Tap water uses less energy and water than bottled water‚ and bottled water uses less than cool drinks. Quench your thirst first from the tap.

 • Do not pour toxic paint‚ solvents‚ chemicals‚ poisons or pesticides into storm-water‚ sewer drains or normal rubbish. Find out where your nearest hazardous waste site is and dispose of polluting substances responsibly.

• Identify and remove invasive alien vegetation from your garden and local wetland. Protect and keep your local freshwater ecosystems pollution-free. If you see someone polluting water call the Blue Scorpions on 0800 200 200.

• Be water wise and purchase water-efficient devices and water-saving appliances. Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine to save water and energy.

• Cut down your food waste. We consume most water indirectly through the food we eat and things we buy — a glass of beer requires 300l of water‚ a litre of milk 1‚000l and a pair of jeans 11‚000 litres.