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Cape Town’s water crisis: The reality of climate change in a nutshell

2/6/2018

12 Comments

 
The reality of climate change in Cape Town is something modern people didn't expect to experience in their wildest dreams.

In Cape Town
​
  • Reserves in dams have been declining since 2015 to such an extent that water coming from taps is no longer suitable for human consumption.
  • The abundance of water flowing in canals under Cape Town directly into the ocean in canals that were built during the 17th Century is polluted and not safe for drinking.  
  • Capetonians are currently compelled to fall into long queues to fill portable containers with drinkable water that is obtained elsewhere in SA and transported to Cape Town in large tanks. Another option is to buy so-called 'spring water' coming from elsewhere in SA.
  • Citizens have to abide by Level 6B water restrictions. Among other severe limitations this implies a daily limit of 50 liters per person.
  • Farmers are compelled to reduce their production up to 50% in order to abide by Level 6B restrictions. In the process the unemployment crisis is worsening.   
  • The relocation of water-consuming manufacturers (of inter alia cement) to other countries in Africa is now regarded as the best solution. This, too, will worsen the unemployment crisis.
  • Criminals have already started to steal water elsewhere to meet the demands of non-cooperative water-consuming businesses.  
  • The management of human waste has become a personal nightmare. According to Google, searched topics such as “waterless toilet” and “composting toilet” increased by over 5 000%.  
  • If rain doesn’t improve water levels before middle May, all taps will be shut off.
Picture
At present the Western Cape Province with Cape Town as the most popular tourist attraction captivates the minds of reporters and journalists, while the Eastern Cape as well as other provinces in South Africa are suffering the same severe drought conditions.  

Temporary solutions to Cape Town's water crisis 

  • Companies have been contracted to bring water in large tanks to Cape Town.
  • Some drinkable water has been rerouted from the Newlands spring to a more convenient collecting point. 
  • Three desalination plants are expected to start producing water from March 2018. 
  • Not-drinkable water gushing out of boreholes and underground springs will be treated into drinking water. 
Picture
For more info and images, google 'cape town water crisis most recent news'

By the way,  

In 2016, Cape Town had an estimated population of 3.74 million, and a population density of 1,530 people per square kilometer. 
Relevant videos:

Phase 1 of Strandfontein desalinated water production set for March 2018

Even-the-birds-in-cape-town-are-thirsty

Until next time,
​Martie 

ShoutOuts:

* marcoujor: stepping-out

* flashpress: ambiance

* warnerwords: hope and optimism not the same (fascinating story of Susan Boyle

​
12 Comments
Rolly A. Chabot link
2/7/2018 12:42:56 am

Hi Martie:
I caught a short clip of this on the news the other night, just a short clip as it was more important to follow Trumps stupid tweets than this potentially devastating news.
I find it interesting as you have posted that major water consuming companies have pulled up stakes and moved to deplete other locations.
This is an excellent resource for us all to think about. As for climate change I see no decline in the proponents making these claims ever considering their contributions to the problem. Do they really think their consumption of fossil fuels, driving and flying all over has not had an effect... most often these people fail to look at themselves as a far larger part of the problem.

Hugs and all

Reply
Martie
2/7/2018 07:21:59 pm

Rolly,

Some people never realize the seriousness of warnings until, as we say, the poo hits the fan. I just heard on the news that the entire South Africa will soon be declared a disaster area due to the drought - in order for the government to make the funds available that's been set aside for disasters.

I look forward to see the good that will come from this. After all, disasters force people to create new plans, new tools, etc.

While we in the south experience the worse drought and extremely hot temperatures, you in the north experience above average cold and snow. But who says this is not a scenario as old as the mountains? Nevertheless, humans are supposed to take good care of Nature.


Take care, dear Rolly!

Reply
William Holland link
2/7/2018 04:51:49 pm

I've followed this on the news, when it does appear. Horrible, and I fear a precursor for what will happen to other major cities in the near future. According to our President there is no climate change....IDIOT!

Reply
Martie
2/7/2018 07:37:04 pm

Hi William,

It is so sad when a country has a president who falls in below-average categories. Vision: below-average; Wisdom: below-average; General behavior: below-average...

Of course, in some countries (like South Africa) this is the status quo.

I wonder what this earth will be like hundred years from now? Do we see the beginning of another kind of age (global period) still to be named?

Take care!

Reply
Maria link
2/8/2018 01:27:23 pm

Water is such a basic in our lives and easy obviously to take for granted until the threat of shortages / total elimination.

Thanks for keeping us informed of this issue. I am praying for that miracle - for you and yours.

Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Martie
2/8/2018 06:51:01 pm

Dear Mar

Taking water for granted was definitely one of my 'sins'. Nowadays, however, I think twice before I open a tap. Drought is nothing new. It happens regularly. This time and onward it may be worse due to climate change. Yet, other causes of the crisis are being ignored. Reckless reproduction (of people), urbanization, and taking water for granted are among the ignored causes.

Hugs to you ♥♥

Reply
Angelia link
2/8/2018 07:50:44 pm

Ditto what Prof. Mahreer said. 👍

Reply
Martie
2/8/2018 11:34:39 pm

Love you too, Angelia! ♥♥♥♥

Reply
Cynthia link
2/14/2018 02:40:39 pm

I was so saddened to learn of this. I have another blogger friend who lives in Somerset West and was sharing about this a little while ago. The planet is giving us signs to change our ways and I hope that we as a human race can work together to come up with solutions that will work for all. Thinking of you and yours. Sending thoughts of sweet rain your way!

Reply
Martie link
2/14/2018 11:38:19 pm

Hi Cynthia,

Imagine our beautiful Western Cape - in fact our entire beautiful country - turns into a desert? We can but only hope that the climate will eventually change in our favor.

Thanks for coming by ♥

Reply
Mike Friedman
2/16/2018 08:03:37 pm

Hello Martie- You have tackled a very serious problem here. Your area is being hit hard. The result climate change is staring you in the face.

Reply
Martie
2/16/2018 11:42:30 pm

Mike,

Good to see you!

We can but only hope and pray... for the best, and do whatever can be done.

Reply



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