The Stream, April 4: Cape Town Pushes Day Zero to 2019 As Dams Fill

The Global Rundown

Cape Town moves Day Zero to 2019 as dams levels begin to rise. Scientists predict the impact of future global warming on food security. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says flood insurance premiums will rise again in 2018. Cities across Libya are experiencing water shortages, forcing residents to dig for water in their backyards. Michigan approves a controversial permit allowing Nestlé to withdraw more of the state’s groundwater.

“The scope and detail of the department’s review of the Nestlé permit application represents the most extensive analysis of any water withdrawal in Michigan history.” –C. Heidi Grether, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in reference to a permit allowing Nestlé Waters North America to increase groundwater withdrawals in Michigan’s Osceola County from 250 gallons a minute to 400 gallons. The DEQ says that the permit, which was heavily opposed by water activists and local residents, meets the requirements of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. Detroit Free Press

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – April 2, 2018 – “What’s Up With Water” condenses the need-to-know news on the world’s water into a snapshot for the start of the workweek. Listen to this week’s edition to hear coverage on drought-driven migration in India, water shortages in Mozambique, and the role of water in Iran’s ongoing protests.

HotSpots H2O, April 2: Spotlight on Afghanistan  – Fighting has damaged infrastructure and driven numerous Afghans from their homes. At the same time, changes in water availability are spurring more conflict in Afghanistan.

By The Numbers

3,000 kilometers Amount of underground piping in Libya, which is meant to supply water to the country’s largest cities. Despite this, many cities are still experiencing water shortages, prompting residents to drill for water in their backyards. Al Jazeera

$935 Average cost of an annual flood policy from FEMA, up from $866 last year. The cost of premiums through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, which provides coverage for 5 million policyholders in flood-prone areas, has been steadily increasing in recent years. U.S. News & World Report

Science, Studies, And Reports

An international team of scientists examined how different levels of global warming will impact worldwide food security. The researchers analyzed possible changes in drought and precipitation, and found that wet areas are likely to get wetter, while dry areas are likely to experience further drought. They noted that these changes would occur somewhat proportionally to the rate of warming. The Guardian

On The Radar

Cape Town, South Africa, has officially pushed Day Zero to 2019. Dam levels across South Africa are beginning to rise, and above-average rainfall is forecast for the city over the next three months. Reuters

In context: Circle of Blue’s coverage of Cape Town.

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter