This story was originally published byGrist.
In Mexico City, more and more residents are watching their taps go dry for hours a day.
Even when water does flow, it often comes out dark brown and smells noxious.
San Lorenzo Park in Mexico City, on April 11, 2024Photo: ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP (Getty Images)
A former political leader isasking the publicto prioritize essential actions for survival as the citys key reservoirs run dry.
The mayor has begged families toshower togetherandleave the city on weekendsto cut down on water usage.
Droughts in the region have grown more intense thanks towarmer winter temperaturesand long-term aridification fueled by climate change.
These measures succeeded in pulling the city back from the brink.
Culture is really important making sure that you remain on message.
But Cape Towns grassroots conservation success will be difficult to replicate.
In order for such messaging to work, residents have to trust their government.
It wont work here, because theres a lack of confidence in the government, he told Grist.
People dont believe in most of what the government says, even if its the truth.
Locals call this huachicoleo de agua, using a term coined to describe fuel theft.
Water usage has begun to tick back up.
So not only there isnt enough reduction, theres not enough water coming into the reservoirs.
But there are other lessons from Cape Towns water crisis, ones that any city could follow.
Officials now plan to build multiple seawater-desalination plants and recharge groundwater aquifers with treated wastewater.
This will put the city on far better footing for future dry spells.
Every single crisis presents opportunities, said Andrews, the deputy mayor of Cape Town.
Weve seen that you cant just rely on the rainfall.
You have to augment.
Now, they may change course and invest in alternate supplies.
We have resources and we have access to financing, she told Grist.
There are resources available.
It just also takes a will and an interest to want to invest in these issues.
They said, They dont care about us, because for us every day is a Day Zero.
This article originally appeared inGristathttps://grist.org/drought/mexico-city-bogota-water-day-zero-cape-town/.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
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