Search Climate Insights Directory

The document describes 'Day Zero' as the point when Cape Town's water system can no longer maintain normal services due to a severe drought, the worst in over 100 years. It outlines the transition to 'Emergency Stage 2', where water is shut off for most households and businesses, leaving only critical services and 200 distribution points. The text warns of potential sewage system collapse, increased disease risk, and economic damage, urging residents to drastically reduce water usage through specific behavioral changes to delay the onset of Day Zero.

The document defines 'Day Zero' as a worst-case scenario where Cape Town's taps run dry, predicted for 21 April based on dam levels being 28% full as of 15 January. On this day, the city enters Emergency Stage 3, cutting off water to most households and businesses, leaving only vital services and 200 points of distribution providing 25 litres per person. Recovery is expected to take three to six months, depending on winter rainfall. While new sources like groundwater, desalination, and reclaimed water are planned (totaling 292 million litres per day by year-end), they will not meet the current demand of 600 million litres per day. The briefing advises residents to monitor water use, prepare emergency drinking water, and consider dry sanitation systems.