These cities are running out of water

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

Mexico City was in the news as the Cutzamala water system (a network of canals, reservoirs, pumping stations, and dams) reached historical lows at around 26% of capacity, this in 2024.

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

At the beginning of 2025, the levels reached 63.7%. However, the Ministry of Water of the State of Mexico (CAEM) warned that this year is expected to experience worse drought conditions than in 2024.

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

Without significant rain, the city will not be able to provide water to its citizens.

London, England

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Rainfall is not abundant, with an average of 585 millimeters a year. Groundwater, therefore, needs to be extracted to quench London's growing population’s thirst.

Harare, Zimbabwe

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The country faces several economic challenges, which prevent authorities from investing in water treatment plants and facilities. Cities like Harare may run out of water in just a few years.

Cape Town, South Africa

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It’s predicted that by 2100 rising temperatures will reduce surface water supplies by 20%.

Phoenix, United States of America

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

With climate change, it’s estimated that the Colorado River’s water flow will decrease by 35-50%.

New Delhi, India

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

In addition to drought, water production at treatment plants is also affected by high levels of pollutants found in river waters.

Beijing, China

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Overuse of water for agriculture, as well as climate change affecting the rivers, all contributes to how much water the city will be able to get, and for how long.

São Paulo, Brazil

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

Today, things are not much better. Climate change, a growing population, and mass planting of eucalyptus trees in surrounding areas all contribute to water scarcity in the city.
In 2024, São Paulo experienced another significant drought, considered the worst in 70 years.

Cairo, Egypt

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

Increased human demand, raising temperatures, and rainfall decline during the wet season contribute to the problem.

Kabul, Afghanistan

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

In addition, both surface and groundwater sources are polluted. It’s estimated that about 85% of Kabul’s population relies on polluted wells to get water.

Sydney, Australia

Mexico City, Mexico, London, England, Harare, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, United States of America, New Delhi, India, Beijing, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo, Egypt, Kabul, Afghanistan, Sydney, Australia

Since 2021, the New South Wales government has been implementing a 20-year, state-wide strategy aimed at improving the security, reliability and quality of the state’s water resources.

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