Facing the worst drought in its history, Cape Town, South Africa is in danger of running out of its water supply. The crisis has officials in the U.S. pondering whether cities here could one day face a similar fate.
Cape Town has been monitoring the number of days to Day Zero, when the city’s supply would run dry, and has advised all residents to limit water consumption to 50 liters (13.2 gallons) a day. There are estimates that by 2025, two-thirds of humanity could be struggling with water shortages.
Three major U.S. cities—Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Miami—are considered high risk for a water shortage crisis. Los Angeles has been challenged by water shortages for much of its history, and a 2014 drought led city officials to instruct residents reduce water usage by 25% in 2015.
With temperatures rising, the mountains around Salt Lake City will receive less snow, which would decrease the flow of water from snow melt. In Miami, the problem is rising seawater leaking into, and contaminating, fresh water supplies above and below ground.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.