Drought-hit Cape Town pushes 'Day Zero', but water crisis looms

On Tuesday, South Africa's drought-hit Cape Town moved its estimate for 'Day Zero' to July 9 from June 4 due to a decline in water usage. Day Zero refers to a point when taps are expected to run dry. (Reuters)

According to the South African Weather Service, two of the driest seasons ever recorded for the city happened in the last three years: In 2015 when 549 mm (21 inches) fell and last year - the driest year on record - when annual rainfall totaled 499 mm. (Reuters)

South Africa has declared a national disaster over the drought afflicted southern and western regions, including Cape Town, which means the government could spend more money and resources to deal with the crisis. (Reuters)

Cape Town residents have cut collective water consumption by more than half in the last three years, as the city targets a daily consumption rate of no more than 450 million litres. Already, they are being forced to line up overnight to stock up on water in South Africa’s second largest economic hub and tourism attraction. (Reuters)