THE THIRST FOR POWER
The story behind South Africa's electric and water shortage.
DAY ZERO
In 2014, there were six full dams, but the three years following only brought severe drought. Drought has been threatening the city of Cape Town for the last 20 years, and city officials have made efforts to reduce water use from its six major reservoirs, which hold up to 230 billion gallons of water. In 2018, the threat of drought was very prevalent. The day when Cape Town would be forced to shut off the taps for homes and businesses because the reservoirs and dams were getting severely low was approaching and known as "Day Zero."
In order to prepare for this day, the city had to gather 200 emergency water stations outside groceries and other gathering spots. Each station would be able to serve almost 20,000 residents. Cape Town officials had to make plans to store emergency water at military installations. They also had to outlaw the use of taps to fill pools, water gardens, or wash cars. Residents were urged to consume less, but more than half ignored these voluntary restrictions. To combat their neglect, the city had to request even steeper cuts by mandating residents to consume no more than 12 gallons per day which is less than one-sixth of what the average American uses. However, this did not drop consumption quickly enough, so residents were forced to live on 6 gallons per day which is less than what is typically used for a four minute shower.
Effects of Drought
The Sea Point Beach front in 2015 before drought became a major issue in Cape Town.
The Sea Point Beach Front during the years of drought. The grass turned brown and patchy.
Water trucks are brought in and residents line up to fill water jugs so they can have drinking water. This practice was not just for the townships, but also for some of the more affluent communities. The water comes from fresh rivers and wells and is distributed for free to anyone in need.
The Newlands Swimming Pool. Many simple pleasures lost during drought include filling up a swimming pool, watering grass, and washing cars. The car wash business was severely impacted, leaving some unable to make a sufficient living in order to care for their family.
COMBAT METHODS
A well point is a well that is dug into the ground to extract shallow water. The maximum depth of a well point is about 10 to 15 yards bellow the surface. They can only be built in certain locations where it can reach below the water table, otherwise water will be withdrawn from the ground at a faster rate than it can be replenished. Well points are also environmentally friendly and have no long term impact.
The contraption consists of a shallow shaft, a pump to suck up the water, and a small ‘well’ that fills up. The well point can be linked to a home's existing irrigation system which allows for the water collected to be used for showers, toilets, gardening, and pools. However, the water is not pure enough to be used for drinking water. The cost of installing a well point can start at about $350.