Droughts

An extended period of unusually low precipitation that produces a shortage of water for people, animals and plants

Medium and long term speeds on onset – no immediate hazards

Often linked with food security issues – diminished crop growth and yield

Meteorological

Lengthy period with lower than average precip.

Agricultural

Affect crop production

Either from low precip. Or when soil conditions & erosion caused by poor agricultural practices cause a shortfall in water

Hydrological

Amount of water in aquifers, lakes & reservoirs is below average for lengthy period

Stored water not being replenished

More than 1 billion people live in semiarid regions where droughts are common

Droughts affect more people in Canada & US then any other natural hazard

Southern Alberta & southwestern Sask. prone to droughts

Although they take along time to become a hazard, droughts have serious, lasting effects on the population. Droughts can result in:

1. Dust storms and related erosion

2. Famine

3. Ecosystem damage

4. Hunger

5. Malnutrition, dehydration, and related diseases

6. Population migrations, producing international refugees

7. Reduced electricity production

8. Shortage of water for industrial users

9. Social unrest, & possibly war

Theewaterskloff Dam,

a key source of water

for Cape Town

Using the laptops provided or your phone, visit the following articles:

Part 1 https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/africa/cape-town-water-crisis-trnd/index.html or use QR code

On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions:

1. What is “Day Zero?” When did the article expect it to happen?

2. Explain three reasons why Cape Town is experiencing water scarcity.

3. Examine the 50 litres a day diagram. Imagining a regular weekday for yourself, use the numbers provided to predict approximately how much water you use in a day. (Note shower time - you may need to multiple this). How does your number compare to the 50 litres per day limit?

Part 2 https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/02/cape-town-running-out-of-water-drought-taps-shutoff-other-cities/ or use QR code

4. Watch the video at the start of the article. What are some ways the city is trying to increase its water availability?

5. How long has the drought been going on for?

6. Summarize how the drought has effected the residents of Cape Town.

7. As residents of BC, do we need to worry about droughts? Justify your answer.

QR Code Article 1

QR Code Article 2

Part 3:

Read the article “Cape Town’s ‘Day Zero’ Water Crisis, One Year Later” at the link below and answer the following questions:

https://www.citylab.com/environment/2019/04/cape-town-water-conservation-south-africa-drought/587011/

8. Explain how the city managed to avoid the disaster of “Day Zero”. List at least 5 different strategies used to avert the disaster

9. What challenges still face Cape Town today?.