Water has become one of the most unpredictable parts of daily life in South Africa. One week the taps are running, the next there's a notice about a burst pipe, or a scheduled shutdown, or 'low pressure due to maintenance'. It's no surprise, then, that many households have taken matters into their own hands and installed JoJo tanks or other water storage systems to ensure a backup water supply.

Harvesting rainwater to fill your water tank means you rely less on the municipal supply, which not only helps during water cuts, but also keeps your garden healthy and your pool filled, while reducing your water bills. But untreated rainwater isn't safe to drink. At best, you can use it for irrigation, and with a pump you can stretch it to flushing toilets or washing clothes and cars. If you really want to use harvested water inside your home – for drinking, cooking, or even dishwashing – you'll need to filter and purify it first.

Why water filtration systems are worth the investment

Rainwater often looks clean when it runs off your roof and gutters into a tank, but that's misleading. Along the way it can collect dirt, pollen, animal droppings, leaves, even traces of chemicals from air pollution and roof coatings. None of that is something you want in your morning coffee. Without treatment, the water in your tank is fine for the garden trees, but unsafe for your family tree.

A water treatment system changes that by filtering out impurities and killing harmful bacteria. It's what turns your JoJo tank from a nice-to-have into a genuine alternative water supply. It ensures water security and independence – essential when the municipal supply is interrupted.

Components of water treatment systems

The good news is that water treatment doesn't need to be complicated or unaffordable. There are systems available for different households and budgets. To produce safe water for drinking or washing, a comprehensive system will include 4 stages of filtration and treatment:
 

• Sediment filters
  These trap visible dirt, sand and debris. They're simple and affordable and often form the first stage of treatment.
  
  
• Activated carbon filters
  These reduce odours, chlorine and some chemicals, while improving the taste of water. They're common in kitchen filters and a reliable middle step.
  
  
• UV sterilisation
  This step uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. It's chemical-free and effective, though it usually needs to be paired with a sediment filter to remove any particles before sterilisation.
  
  
• Reverse-osmosis systems
  This is a more advanced option that removes a wide range of contaminants. It's often the most comprehensive choice if you want bottled-water quality straight from your taps.

Combining these options will ensure that your backup water supply is pleasant and safe to drink. Get advice from a water purification specialist to design a convenient, affordable system for your needs.

6 benefits of home water filtration

Installing a filtration system brings more than just safe drinking water. It has everyday advantages as well

1. Filtration costs less than bottled water in the long run

Every time there's a supply interruption, bottled water flies off the shelves. In areas where residents don't trust the tap water, some households use only bottled water for drinking and cooking – but it gets expensive and inconvenient. With filtered water at home, you won't have to dash to the shops when there's an outage. Over time, the money you save by not buying bottled water could outweigh the cost of installing a filtration system.

2. Healthier, better-tasting water

Filtered water tastes fresher and is kinder to your body. By removing harmful substances, it helps reduce stomach bugs and irritation and protects you from the long-term effects of chemical exposure. It also makes everyday routines nicer: coffee tastes better, ice cubes are clearer, and a simple glass of water feels refreshing again.

3. More use from your JoJo tank

Without filtration, your JoJo tank is limited to outdoor use. With filtration, you can use that stored water in your kitchen and bathroom. That means more value from your tank, lower municipal bills, and a backup supply when there's an outage.

4. Environmental benefits

Every bottle of water you don't buy is 1 less plastic container to recycle or send to a landfill. Every litre you filter at home is 1 less litre pumped and treated by the municipal system. Filtration helps you use what nature gives you more responsibly – a small change at home with a big impact over time.

5. Healthier skin and hair

It's not just about what you drink. When you shower in filtered water, your skin and hair also benefit. Removing chemicals and impurities helps reduce dryness and irritation, leaving you feeling fresher and healthier. Over time, it can make a noticeable difference – fewer bad hair days, softer skin and less irritation from harsh water.

6. Peace of mind

Perhaps the biggest benefit is knowing you've covered one of life's basics. With a filtration and purification system in place, you don't have to second-guess whether your water is safe or scramble during every outage. Your household has a reliable, trusted supply, and that's peace of mind you can't put a price on.

Take the next step

If you're building a home and want to include a backup water supply in the plans, you could add the costs of a filtration system to your budget when you apply for a building loan. If you are an existing Nedbank home loan client, you could use any of our further lending options to finance a backup water supply solution or upgrade your existing system. Alternatively, we can help you finance it with a Nedbank Personal Loan.   

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act Act. Nedbank accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content. Please consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.