How Cape Town residents are coping with the water crises

As the harsh reality of a waterless Cape Town sets in, residents are facing unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing water crisis. With limited access to only 50 litres of water per day, individuals in the city are learning to adapt and adopt sustainable practices to ensure they have enough water to meet their needs. The impact of the water crisis is not lost on the residents, with many finding innovative ways to conserve and reuse water wherever possible. The dire situation has even prompted private businesses like Liberty Group to take action and implement projects aimed at addressing the water scarcity issue. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, residents shared their experiences and efforts in dealing with the water crisis. One resident mentioned how they have changed their water usage habits, saving water by repurposing washing water for plants and reusing leftover water for various purposes. The sense of urgency in preserving every drop of water is evident as individuals find creative ways to stretch their limited water supply. The underlying cause of the water crisis in Cape Town and other parts of South Africa is attributed to changing climate patterns. With below-average rainfall and increased variability in seasonal rainfall, the region is facing unprecedented challenges in water resource management. The impact of El Nino years, which bring either excessive or insufficient rainfall, has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a water scarcity crisis. The South African government has declared the drought a national disaster in three drought-stricken provinces, including the area around Cape Town. The scarcity of water in the region, compounded by lower-than-average rainfall levels, has put immense pressure on existing infrastructure and water management systems. The inability to capture and store adequate water during sporadic downpours has highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address the water crisis effectively. Private sector involvement, such as the Liberty Water Project, presents a glimmer of hope in combating the water scarcity challenges. By investing in water storage tanks and rainwater collection systems, businesses like Liberty Group are taking proactive measures to safeguard their operations and reduce their reliance on municipal water supply. The initiative to collect rainwater on the company's head office roof not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also showcases the potential impact of such projects in conserving millions of litres of water annually. Despite the city managing to postpone 'day zero,' the projected day when Cape Town would run out of water, to 2019, the importance of prudent water management and conservation efforts cannot be overstated. Residents and businesses alike continue to face the stark reality of living in a water-scarce environment, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and long-term solutions to ensure water security for all.