This isn’t some zombie apocalypse or fast-approaching war, but it represents an acute catastrophe: The city of almost 4 million people will have their water taps shut off, which is currently projected to happen on July 15.
Cape Town’s crisis was detectable as early as the 1990s.
The city’s shortage was avoidable and so is Texas’ coming water crisis.
We have to take action as our water supplies continue to dwindle, water demand increases and temperatures internationally soar to new levels.
To tackle a problem this large, we need to redefine the way we think about water.
We could create comprehensive water conservation and recycling programs at the local and state levels.
City parks departments would collaborate with waste management services— nearby cities would co-manage regional water resources.
Under this system, local and state entities would be codependent, encouraging cooperative decision-making.
Water professionals said One Water promoted greater stability and resilience, more opportunities to optimize regional infrastructure, sustainable development and increased collaboration between government entities.
Cape Town should be a grave warning to the world.