23 Mar 2018 | 10:05 PM UTC
South Africa: Cape Town postpones “Day Zero” to July 9 /update 8
Cape Town authorities postpone “Day Zero” forecast from June 4 to July 9; additional water rationing measures possible in the coming weeks
Event
Cape Town authorities reported on Tuesday, February 20, that "Day Zero" - the day on which municipal water supplies will be turned off for all but essential services - has been postponed from its previously forecast date of June 4 to July 9. The announcement comes as the city's water consumption has been reduced to 523 million liters per day (138 million gallons per day).
Additional water rationing measures may be implemented in the coming weeks, and Cape Town officials have reported that Day Zero estimates may be pushed forward to a sooner date once again unless city water usage reaches the targeted 450 million liters per day (119 million gallons per day).
Context
Cape Town is currently facing its worst water shortage of the past 113 years. South African authorities declared a state of natural disaster across the country on February 13 over the ongoing drought in the southern and western parts of the country and the associated water shortage in Cape Town. Authorities have advised Cape Town residents to reduce their water consumption to 50 liters per day (13.2 gallons per day) or less, businesses by 45 percent, and agricultural users by 60 percent.
Long lines have been reported at the over 200 designated water collection sites across the city. Additionally, protests condemning the government's handling of the water crisis have occurred; further demonstrations are likely. Water restrictions have been in place in Cape Town since 2005 but have become increasingly strict since December 2015. Authorities are also on guard against an increased risk of wildfires in the region due to the ongoing drought.
Advice
Individuals in Cape Town and other drought-stricken areas are advised to conserve water, stock up on bottled water, keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. water rationing measures, details available here).
Additionally, those present in Cape Town are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to anticipate a heightened security presence in the vicinity of public gatherings.
