23 Mar 2018 | 10:05 PM UTC
South Africa: Cape Town postpones “Day Zero” to 2019 /update 9
Cape Town authorities postpone “Day Zero” forecast from July to 2019; water rationing and threat of wildfires continue amidst drought
Event
Cape Town authorities have delayed “Day Zero” – the day on which municipal water supplies will be turned off for all but essential services – from July 9, 2018, to 2019. The city has instituted a 50-liter (13.2 gallons) daily limit per person, with a total citywide target water consumption of 450 million liters per day (119 million gallons per day). Even with Day Zero pushed until next year, current water rationing will remain in effect, despite its toll on agriculture. Cape Town farmers have had to abandon at least a quarter of their high-value vineyards and fruit orchards amidst the drought as they have lacked sufficient water for irrigation.
Due to the ongoing drought and dry conditions, the risk of wildfires remains high.
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.
