Cape Town in South Africa has close to four million residents, and they could be without tap water starting in July.  This is because of poor planning and droughts, especially in the winter, over the last three years. Cape Town is the first metropolis in the world that might use up its water reserves.

The initial estimate was that the city would not have water for homes and buildings starting in April. However, thanks to residents’ efforts to save water, this date has been delayed.

With the arrival of rainfall, there is hope that the situation will start improving mid-year. The authorities want to avoid “day zero” when the reservoirs would be so low in water that there might be none in the faucets.

Other world cities like Miami (USA), Mexico City (Mexico), and Cairo (Egypt) are also running the risk of becoming waterless. São Paulo is also among the cities that are at risk.

Water Figures
– The UN states that each person requires 110 litres of water per day for their consumption and hygiene needs.
– In Brazil, each person uses, on average, 166 litres per day.
– The government is recommending that Cape Town residents use a maximum of 50 litres of water per day.

Litres of water used by activity:

– Washing dishes and clothes: 18 litres
– A 90-second shower: 15 litres
– One toilet flush: 9 litres
– Daily hygiene: 3 litres
– Cooking: 2 litres
– Drinking water: 2 litres
– A bowl of water for a dog: 1 litre

Source: CNN

QUESTIONS – level 2

1- Why hasn’t the water in Cape Town dried up?
a. Because of its residents’ efforts
b. Because of government actions
c. Because of recent rainfall
d. All of the above

2- Which other cities run the same risk?