April 21, 2018, is “day zero” for Cape Town, South Africa. If the current situation is not overcome, on that date the taps of this important African city could stop providing drinking water to its citizens.
Cape Town’s devastating drought has placed it at a “point of no return,” according to City Mayor Patricia de Lille, and it could become the first major city in the modern world to run out of drinking water.
Recurring droughts due to years of little rain, population growth, the scarcity of alternative sources and a lack of awareness, which has led to indiscriminate waste, have been identified by experts as the main causes of this problem, of which Cape Town is the most critical, but not only example.
In 2014, a United Nations study concluded that of the 500 largest cities in the world, one in four is in a situation of “water stress.” According to the UN, an area is experiencing water stress when annual water supplies drop below 1,700 m3 per person. Water restrictions mean Cape Town residents can currently use a maximum of 50 liters per day.
Another report by the multilateral organization noted that in every continent, important urban areas are facing water shortages in a race against time to find a solution. The case of Cape Town could be that point of no return that many other cities on the planet fear.
OTHER MAJOR CITIES LIKELY TO RUN OUT OF WATER IN THE NEAR FUTURE
1. Mexico City (Mexico)
One in five of Mexico City’s 21 million inhabitants receive running tap water for just a few hours a day, and 20% during only part of the day. The Mexican capital faces serious drought problems and has to import up to 40% of its water from distant sources.
2. Beijing (China)
Although China is home to 20% of the world population, it has only 7% of global potable water. In 2014, each of the more than 20 million inhabitants of Beijing received just 145 cubic meters of water. Pollution is also one of the causes of the shortage of this vital liquid.
3. Gaza (Palestine)
Life in Gaza is a constant struggle to obtain potable water. A report by the Palestinian Water Authority in the besieged Gaza Strip warns that up to 97% of the water in the coastal enclave is unfit for human consumption, due to contamination from untreated sewage, chemicals and seawater. Israel prevents access to water sources in occupied territory.
4. Moscow (Russia)
Although a quarter of the world’s freshwater reserves are located in Russia, 70% of Moscow’s water supply is dependent on surface water. Widespread pollution affected the country in the last century and between 35% and 60% of all water supplies do not meet sanitary standards.
5. Tokyo (Japan)
With more than 30 million inhabitants, Tokyo’s water network is 70% dependant on surface water (rivers, lakes or melted snow). In addition, its intense but short rainy season makes the Japanese capital vulnerable to drought. City authorities have created a system to collect and use rainwater, operating in approximately 750 public and private buildings.
