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Note: (j)
(ii)
(iii)
247
Animal water requirements are determined by both physiological and
environmental factors. Physiological parameters include animal
breed. stage of physiological development. gestation. lactation and
physical activity; as well as the type of feed and dry matter plus
inorganic salt intake· reflecting veld condition or feeding in intensive
systems. Environmental factors are air temperature. humidity.
evaporation and wind (reflecting season). These parameters also
apply to wild animals.
Washing and cooling water required (per cow) for the cow-shed and
the dairy has been estimated at 45 l day-1 (Perold. R.P.• 1957. B.
Water supply on the farm. Water requirements for home and
farmyard. In: Handbook for Farmers in South Africa, VOL 1:
Agriculture and Related Services. Department of Agriculture.
Pretoria. p. 527 - 529).
For planning purposes it is always advisable to allow for a factor of
safety - due to variable dietary as well as production and
environmental factors - in estimating the daily volume of water
required for livestock. In this regard it should be noted. for example.
that beef cattle generally consume less water than lactating dairy
cattle. The Department of Agriculture should be approached for
more precise South African data for specific climatic regions.
Table l3: Some South African domestic water consumption category data for formal
urban households.
Use category Details
Bath (one person once a day) 120 t at a time or 43 800 t annually
Shower (one person once a day) 75 t at a time or 27 375 t annually
Washing hands under running water Up to 5 t at a time·
Toilet (one person at 11 t per flush) 55 t day·1 or 20 075 t annually
Dripping tap (50 drops a minute) 1 838 t annually
Kettle and stove 90 minutes day·1 = 32850 t annually
Washing of dishes in the kitchen sink Up to 18 t day-"
Dishwasher (once a day) 30-60-150 t at a time or
10 950 - 21 900 - 54 750 t annually
Automatic washing machine (three times a 150 t at a time or 23 400 t annually
week)
Note: Automatic washing machines use
considerably more water than ordinary
washing machines
Swimming pool (without cover) 50000 t. up to 4 000 t at a time to top
up the pool·