Day Zero

The document defines 'Day Zero' as the date when Cape Town's municipal water supply will be shut off due to a severe drought lasting over 100 years. It outlines a scenario where residents would be limited to 25 litres of water per person per day from approximately 200 collection points, with priority given to hospitals and clinics. The text warns of significant risks, including the collapse of sewage systems, increased disease, and economic damage, while providing a detailed list of water-saving behaviors to delay the onset of Day Zero.

• Day Zero is defined as the day when there is insufficient water to maintain normal services and domestic taps are closed. This projection is based on the water levels of six major dams, water usage by residents and agriculture, and losses due to heat.
• Under the 'Level 2 Emergency' scenario projected for June, municipal water to homes and businesses would be shut off. Water would be provided at approximately 200 collection points, limited to 25 litres per person per day, with priority access for hospitals and clinics.
• The onset of Day Zero could lead to severe consequences, including the failure of sewage systems, increased risk of disease, and negative economic impacts. Recovery of dam levels could take months, and residents might need to survive on minimal water for three to six months after Day Zero occurs.
• To delay Day Zero, the document recommends specific water-saving measures: avoiding flushing for small needs, limiting showers to under one minute, reusing greywater from showers and sinks to flush toilets, and repairing leaking pipes.

APA

WWF South Africa (n.d.). Day Zero. http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/WWFWaterFiles_isiXhosa_FINAL.PDF

Chicago

WWF South Africa. Day Zero. n.d. http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/WWFWaterFiles_isiXhosa_FINAL.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF South Africa |title=Day Zero |url=http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/WWFWaterFiles_isiXhosa_FINAL.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfsouthafricandday, author = {{WWF South Africa}}, title = {{Day Zero}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, url = {http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/WWFWaterFiles_isiXhosa_FINAL.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }