"Sadly the ponds have many water birds, some who are permanent residents whose home is rapidly drying up. This is a warning of what could happen to the humans who have made their homes on Thesen Islands if they don’t start storing water. "

- excerpt from my letter to the HOA on 30 November 2023.

Here is the letter:

Dear Paul,

I trust this message finds you well. I am following up on my email to you on 6 November, which is appended below, along with the response from Elfrieda Loubser on 10 November, 2023. Please share my reply with the trustees.

Elfrieda's response primarily reiterated the challenges and reasons behind the reluctance to pursue various water projects, as mentioned in the first board communiqué of 2023. I find this response disheartening, given the urgent need for proactive measures, especially in light of the escalating water crisis in Knysna.

The inadequate water harvesting practices across Thesen Islands have become a growing concern for me. I strongly believe that the HOA should play a pivotal role in addressing this issue by setting an example. Specifically, showcasing rainwater harvesting at the clubhouse would embody a 'lead by example' strategy.

Our dependency on the municipality for water becomes increasingly precarious, considering their ongoing challenges in waste collection and sewerage pump maintenance. With water restrictions already in place due to insufficient town water supply and no immediate plans to increase storage capacity, our reliance on small dams filled by river pumping poses a significant risk. Yet the cash strapped municipality, desperate for more income, is still approving a block of flats in lower town, a mall in Main Street, houses, RDP housing and who knows what other developments.

In summary, we face a critical situation with inadequate water supply, managed by an inefficient cash strapped municipality, and a growing demand for water. This is a pivotal moment that demands immediate action and collective responsibility.

Whenever I can, I encourage residents to reassess their water usage and actively explore rainwater harvesting options. But in my immediate area where 3 houses have undergone extensive renovations, no water tanks have been installed and one has a new irrigation system (use prohibited by the water restrictions). This underscores the need for a proactive approach from the HOA.

Possible practical solution: Introduce an HOA requirement mandating water harvesting for every renovation project exceeding a certain threshold. This can be a first step in ensuring sustainable water practices within our community.

Clubhouse

I recently installed a 4,750L tank (DG height limit) adding to 2 existing 5,000L tanks. As I needed to harvest the remaining roof area, mainly the garage which was at the opposite end of my property from where the tank could fit, I needed about 70m of pipe plus numerous couplings to thread it around the established plants and house. The cost of all the materials, reinforced concrete slab, tank, pipe & couplings, 4 leaf catchers, wood for hiding fence was R18,400 (Total roof area harvested is now 218 sq m; 69mm rainfall to fill. Ideally, I need more storage but there’s no space). 

By my rough measuring, I estimate the clubhouse to have over 600 sq m of roof. One square meter of roof receiving 1mm of rain delivers 1 litre of water. 10-year average rainfall on Leisure Island is about 680mm. Year 2023 to October is 799mm!

On the west side of the clubhouse in the lower landscaping there is space to install 8 x 5,000L tanks, 40,000L capacity.  40,000/600 = 67 mm of rain to fill. (8 x 5000L tanks are for discussion purposes here. Given the roof area to be harvested, more tanks should be installed. 5000L tank costs about R5,500)     

Using my costs as a guide, each tank with 70m of piping and couplings will cost about R18,400.  8 x R18,400 = R147,200  So for about R150,000, we could get 8 tanks on slabs with 560m of pipe and couplings. 70m of pipe and couplings cost me R6,000 and I’d think 560m is more than is needed. 

Plus add a pump. An energy efficient variable speed pump, the DAB E.SyBox Mini 3 is now R15,000. So about we’re at R165,000 plus contractor’s costs.   

The clubhouse will be water self-sufficient. And a low-pressure pipe (least expensive type of piping) can be run from the tanks taking most of the water to the most accessible pond.  

Ponds

The current predicament with nearly empty ponds, following a R2 million investment, is disheartening. Sadly, the ponds have many water birds, some who are permanent residents whose home is rapidly drying up. This is a warning of what could happen to the humans who have made their homes on Thesen Islands if they don’t start storing water. 

The initial ponds were likely designed to be fed by run off but are the new ones? Can we investigate how we can get runoff?  At the north end across the road there is a swale with a drain in it. When it rains, masses of water runs down the drain into the lagoon.  What about a sump pump and some piping to run the water into the top pond? There is electricity at the capped borehole.

In closing, the current state of our water resources requires urgent and strategic action. I implore the HOA to consider these proposals seriously, given the immediate and long-term benefits they can bring to our community.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. 

Sincerely,

Ken Rutherford

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Email – 6 November 2023

Dear Paul

From 1st Board Communique 2023 (30 January 2023):

" Three of the key issues raised at the AGM by Members were discussed and given the go ahead for further investigation and costing.

1.   A feasibility study will be undertaken to assess alternative water sources including another borehole, additional rain water harvesting and a possible RO (reverse osmosis) plant. The ponds, the golf course and gardens with the lack of rain are of concern. As an interim measure, it will be investigated whether possible to collect rain water from the Club House roof and feed the ponds. Quotes are also being obtained for additional storage tanks for water harvesting at the maintenance area as well as the clubhouse."

 Please give me an update on the points mentioned above. 

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Email – 10 November 2023

Dear Ken

Thank you for the e-mail dated 6 November 2023.

Some feedback as requested:

A number of contractors were approached to do a quote on water harvesting at the Clubhouse. These varied from R 100 000.00 to R 365 000.00 and for this to be a cost-effective solution we need to be able to harvest more than 20 000 litres. An underground tank was considered, but this will add to the cost. The tank also needs to be outside of the peripheral contaminated area.

 Additional storage tanks were purchased and added to the maintenance area.

 A RO plant was considered but other than not having space for the structure, SANParks will not consider the suggestion.

 The alternative location identified for a possible borehole is on Barloworld property and they will not support such a project. There is also no guarantee that potable water will be found at the drilling location.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any other queries.