Michael Byren took to Facebook to share some unsolicited advice about how he and his 82-year-old wife make their water last. Facebook users have been loving it and have even offered to take the couple on a few adventures.
Michael Byren has some pretty wise words for the people of the Cape. He visited the Cape Town Water-Shedding Group to share information about how he and his wife live on an average of 950 litres of water per month. He wanted people to know that it isn’t impossible but fairly manageable if done correctly.
His story has had readers feeling really thankful and some have even arranged an amazing surprise to thank the couple for their dedication to saving water.
A MESSAGE FROM TWO ANCIENT ONES
“My wife (82 yrs) and I (84 yrs) have been existing fairly comfortably on an average of 950 litres of water per month between the two of us since 1 November 2017. That’s under 16 litres per person per day. It is not easy, but it is achievable. I realise that as retired folk, our water needs are probably lower than families with small kids or those with active jobs and lifestyles, but if we can happily survive on under 16, the allowance of 50 litres is not beyond your reach.
We live in a small house which has 3 cold water taps and three hot water taps. There is also a cold water tap in the garden and one in the yard. We have a washing machine needing 46 litres per load and a toilet cistern holding 9 litres. We currently have no rainwater tank or well point.
From mid-October, we started recording daily, on a notepad in our kitchen, any tap that is opened/closed measuring the amount of water used to the nearest litre. We have complete figures for the months of November and December.”
A consecutive three-day detailed example:
Wednesday 6/12/17 – total 21 litres
(breakfast: 1 litre; Tea Time – 1 litre; Lunch – 1 litre; Tea time – 1 litre; Bathroom 10 litres; Toilet – 7 litres)
Thursday 7/12/17 – total 21 litres
(breakfast – 2 litres; maid – 3 litres; Bathroom 2 litres; Toilet – 14 litres)
Friday 8/12/17 – Total 90 litres
(breakfast – 2 litres; Showers – 20 litres; Tea Time – 1 litre; Laundry – 46 litres; Toilet – 14 litres)Total November 2017: 900 litres for two people;
Total December 2017: 1,000 litres (1 kilolitre) for two people
Monthly average: 950 litres for two people
The City is asking us not to use more than 50 litres per person per day from 1st February 2018, or be forced to queue for 25 litres per person per day. I cannot help but wonder how it is that this is so hard. At our advanced age lack of energy is our biggest problem. One litre of water weighs 1 kilogram, 5 litres = 5 kgs, and 25 litres = 25 kgs. Lugging water around is not as easy as it used to be. I certainly don’t want to be queuing.
Please remember they are not giving it to us, and if not used, it is NOT carried forward to the next month.”
Michael’s unsolicited advice is GOLDEN!
STOP PRESS: (Allow an old man to give you a bit of unsolicited advice)
STOP feeling sorry for yourself, we are in this together.
STOP moaning. It’s not helping.
STOP asking “why me ?” The whole world is trying to address the same problem.
STOP dwelling on the past – We are here NOW. Move on.
STOP bad mouthing the City of Cape Town which has many responsible citizens working for them who are trying their best to do their job properly.Ask yourself “what more can I do to help reduce the water usage.”
Along with his post, Michael shared a Mark Twain quote to let people see his thoughts on the matter.
The group’s users have been really grateful for the advice and thanked Michael for his contribution to the water-shedding forum.
Dawn Noland said, “Well said sir … and you are so right … on every count. Thank you. I hope your letter is read by many.”
Jenny Barenbrug said, “Thank you for sharing. You are setting a wonderful example!”
Patricia Worshipp said, “Thank u for your inspirational message you are amazing. What an excellent role model for all of us. God bless you abundantly”
Gerhard Söhnge said, “Not two ancient ones, rather two sages. Lovely post and sound advice, I apologise on behalf of the younger generation”
Leanne Hewitt was so inspired she is offering the couple an amazing adventure to see the dolphins that call Granger Bay home.
“Hi special water saving couple!! Michael, I don’t know you BUT on behalf of Cape Town, Kaskazi Kayaks (at 3 Anchor Bay) & Paul of ?? Boat charters I would like to offer you the chance to come meet our resident Havieside Dolphins of Granger Bay ON the ocean – up close and personal”
“You may choose to be paddled each by a strapping young guide on a kayak at a Day / time of your choice OR Paul is willing to give you a lift (his designated day/time) in his charter boat to meet us kayakers there…. let me know”
We are sure the couple are enjoying all the positive feedback from their letter. We too are grateful for their dedication to saving water and hope that the letter inspires you as well.
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