地理漫步·世界地理英语30篇（3）

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开普敦‘零水日’：全球城市的水资源危机

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