Before we all could digest the fact that Cape Town being the first major city to run out of drinking water water, an article stirred a round of discussions on which cities are more likely to follow the suite. And surprisingly, we have few major cities listed out from across the world.

The stats definitely look frightening if we are to look at the percentage of fresh water that is readily available for us to consume. To make it worse, over 1 billion people lack access to water and around 2.7 billion people are scared to face water stress situation at least for a month in a year.

The scary story of water isn’t over yet. Let us look at the major cities from across the globe which are at a brink of losing access to clean drinking water in years to come. (When I meant years, its not too far away.)

1. Sao Paulo

We all knew Sao Paulo as Brazil’s financial capital and is also one of the 10 most populated cities in the world. It indeed has a history to talk. But what about its water problems? In 2015, Sao Paulo was in severe water stress situation when the main reservoir fell below 4% capacity making a living almost impossible for the residents.

21.7 million inhabitants had less than 20 days of water left to use. All because of mismanagement and lack of proper investments to waterproof the future.

2. Bangalore

Called as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has its own way of finding a solution to its problems. But, all is not well with the city after the rapid development that took the nature by storm. Meanwhile, lakes are left to dump garbage and no precautionary measures were taken to handle water stress situations. Not a single lake in the city has a capacity to store water that can be consumed.

Like other countries, India also face problems with water pollution and Bangalore is no different.

But a Bangalore based water expert had something else for Bangalore.

Vishwanath Srikantaiah’s analysis comes as a relief to the city as the city may not be running out water soon. He also believes that Bangalore is good with assets it has been holding for ages.

Below are some of the reasons why Bangalore won’t be running out of water soon as reported by a water expert from Bangalore.

Reason 1 – Solid Water Planning for the city

Reason 2 – Rains

Reason 3 – Wastewater Treatment

Reason 4 – Unaccounted water isn’t lost.

3. Istanbul

A 10-month long drought situation isn’t easy for any city to take.  But, Istanbul seem to have got used to handling water stress situations. The 14 million population of Istanbul are under constant stress for water and the situation is no better until today. The reservoirs running at less than 30% of its level is depressing. A proper planning is what Istanbul needs.

4. Tokyo

The Japanese capital is also in the list of water stress situation. Though the capital city receives ample rainfall during the season, it lacks in holding and putting it to the right use.

Home for more than a 30 million people, Tokyo’s water system majorly depends on its surface water. Timely investments in the pipelines should be able to reduce the wastage to an extent. Else, facing the heat becomes a mandate.

5. Miami

Source : BBC

Though Miami receives good amount of rainfall every year, it is on the list of cities that are likely to run out of water because of sea water contamination.

The problem was identified back in 1930s but the pace at which sea level is rising leaves the city was no escape.

The problem across cities are common. But, what we do as a community is what stands out and inspires others to come and join the club. For a waterproof future, we all have to contribute in the best way possible.

Imagine, a city is running out of water for a weekday? The situation could turn worse and it would be hard to explain. For all the problems, Water management is going to be the key.