地理漫步·世界地理英语30篇（3）
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Cape Town’s Day Zero: Water Scarcity in a Global City
开普敦‘零水日’：全球城市的水资源危机
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In early 2018, Cape Town nearly became the first major city in the world to turn off municipal taps—a scenario called ‘Day Zero’.
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Three consecutive dry winters, combined with population growth and aging infrastructure, pushed reservoir levels below 11.4% capacity.
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Residents cut daily usage to under 50 liters per person—less than one-quarter of the global urban average.
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The city installed smart meters, recycled wastewater for industry, and accelerated groundwater well development.
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Farmers upstream reduced irrigation on vineyards and fruit orchards, accepting lower yields to conserve shared aquifers.
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Desalination plants were built rapidly, though their high energy costs raised concerns about long-term sustainability.
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Public campaigns used real-time dam level maps and social media to encourage behavioral change across income groups.
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Although heavy rains eventually postponed Day Zero, the crisis reshaped national water policy and urban planning priorities.