8 popular cities at risk of running out of drinking water; this Indian city tops the list - The Times of India

8 popular cities at risk of running out of drinking water; this Indian city tops the list | Times of India Travel

8 popular cities at risk of running out of drinking water; this Indian city tops the list

8 popular cities at risk of running out of drinking water; this Indian city tops the list

If reports are to go by, some of the popular cities across the globe are facing the unprecedented risk of running out of drinking water, marking a significant example of the broader issue of water scarcity. Despite Earth's surface being predominantly water-covered, only 3% is fresh water. Over one billion people lack regular water access, and 2.7 billion experience scarcity for at least a month annually UN-backed projections indicate a 40% deficit in global freshwater supply by 2030 due to climate change, human activities, and population growth.

Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, over half of the drinking water is lost to wastewater, whereas 85% of the city's lakes are only suitable for irrigation or industrial use. Rapid population growth, which will likely touch 20 million by 2031, compounds the problem. Outdated infrastructure, an inability to manage rainwater effectively, and limited connectivity to the main water supply in the outskirts further add to the problem of water crisis.

Residents often resort to private companies for costly water retrieval. Local authorities, overwhelmed by Bengaluru's technological hub growth, struggle to manage water and sewage systems. Urgent reforms are needed, as a national report indicates the city loses over half its drinking water to waste.

Cape Town

Consume half a litre of water, take a 90-second shower, enjoy one cooked meal daily, and wash your hands twice. Include some basic needs like laundry and teeth brushing, and that's all you can manage with the daily ration of 13 gallons of water in Cape Town. This South African metropolis stands out as one of the most infamous cities facing a severe water shortage. The critical situation peaked in 2017 and 2018 when supply dams were filled to just under 14%. Although levels now hover around 50%, it remains insufficient, especially as the dry season approaches.

Cairo

Once instrumental in the formation of one of the world's great civilizations, the River Nile faces challenges in the contemporary era. While it serves as the origin of 97% of Egypt's water, it is also becoming the recipient of escalating volumes of untreated agricultural and residential waste. According to World Health Organization statistics, Egypt ranks prominently among lower-middle-income countries concerning the number of deaths linked to water pollution. The United Nations predicts severe water shortages in the country by the year 2025.

Jakarta

Similar to numerous coastal cities, Jakarta is facing the peril of rising sea levels. However, the situation in Jakarta is exacerbated by human activities. With less than half of its 10 million residents having access to piped water, illegal well digging is rampant, depleting underground aquifers and causing them to almost deflate. As a result, approximately 40% of Jakarta is now estimated to lie below sea level, according to the World Bank.

Melbourne

Melbourne previously weathered a severe crisis during its most devastating drought in a decade, spanning from 1997. Although the city has since recovered, a new threat looms in the form of widespread deforestation across the state of Victoria. The concentrated supplies for Melbourne are primarily situated in the catchments of local forests. Consequently, deforestation poses a significant peril to the city, potentially depriving it of its entire water supply.

Istanbul

Based on official statistics from the Turkish Government, the country is currently in a state of water stress, with the per capita supply dropping below 1,700 cubic metres in 2016. Local experts caution that this situation may escalate to water scarcity by 2030. In recent times, densely populated regions such as Istanbul, with its 14 million inhabitants, have started facing shortages during drier months. By the start of 2014, the reservoir levels in the city had decreased to less than 30 percent of their capacity.

Mexico City

Water shortages are a longstanding issue for a significant portion of the 21 million residents of the Mexican capital. Approximately one in five individuals receive only a few hours of tap water per week, while another 20% have access to running water for only part of the day. Despite importing up to 40% of its water from remote sources, the city lacks a comprehensive large-scale operation for recycling wastewater. Additionally, an estimated 40% of water is lost due to issues in the pipe network.

London

While you may not guess London will also be on this list, the truth presents a different picture. Despite an average annual rainfall of around 600mm, London heavily relies on rivers, primarily the Thames and Lea, for 80% of its water supply.

As per the Greater London Authority, the city is approaching its capacity, and there is a looming possibility of supply issues by 2025, progressing to ‘serious shortages’ by 2040. The likelihood of more frequent hosepipe bans in the future seems to be on the horizon.

Visual Stories
Right arrow

Travel
South Indian places that are just perfect in March
10 cities in the world that celebrate Leap Year!
Azerbaijan's hidden gems: Must-visit destinations that will leave you awestruck
8 must-visit Hindu temples in North East India
10 super cool hill stations to visit in India in March
9 Indian cities named after a Hindu goddess
Europe's cultural treasures: Iconic art and heritage attractions await
India’s most expensive wedding venues where expenses can surpass INR 50 lakh!
10 happiest countries of 2024
Places in India that are peaceful and calm