Cape Town Mayor Says Water Shortage Is a 'Real Crisis'

Cape Town faces a severe water crisis due to a historic drought and insufficient rainfall since 2015. The city has less than 120 days of usable water left, prompting efforts to educate the public on water conservation. Solutions include tapping into rivers, purifying wastewater, and investing in infrastructure. Funding is sourced from city budgets and climate change bonds, with incentives for green economy growth. Water tariffs have increased to deter excessive use, but efforts focus on changing habits and supporting the indigent. The city aims to work collectively to manage the crisis.

What has been the main cause of the water crisis in Cape Town since 2015?

• Increased population growth

• Pollution of water sources

• Unusual drought conditions

• Lack of infrastructure

Which method is Cape Town using to supplement its water supply?

• Importing water from neighboring countries

• Drilling new wells

• Desalination of seawater

• Tapping into nearby rivers and treating wastewater

What is one of the key messages for Cape Town residents regarding water usage?

• Water will become more abundant in the future

• Water conservation is only necessary during droughts

• Water prices will decrease soon

• Water scarcity is a long-term issue requiring habit changes

How is Cape Town planning to fund its new water projects?

• By increasing taxes

• Through climate change bonds and green bonds

• By borrowing from international banks

• By cutting other city services

What is the purpose of increasing water tariffs in Cape Town?

• To improve water quality

• To fund new dam constructions

• To discourage excessive water use

• To generate more revenue for the city