Mexico’s capital city could run out of water by August

Mexico City, one of Latin America’s biggest cities, has been short of water for weeks. The causes are multiple, spanning a countrywide drought, chaotic urban growth and leaky infrastructure. The consequences are dire and immediate: Mexico’s capital could run out of water by August unless reservoirs are replenished or residents cut back on consumption. Six years ago, Cape Town averted a similar crisis with stringent restrictions, including shorter showers (musicians helped with sped-up hits that provided two-minute shower soundtracks). The front-running candidate in Mexico’s presidential election, Claudia Sheinbaum – a former Mexico City mayor – acknowledges that water is a “fundamental” issue. But around the world, cities are poorly prepared for the stresses climate change is bringing.