The Role of Rich People's Swimming Pools in Urban Water Scarcity

Wealthy residents in cities around the world, including Cape Town, use 12 times more water than those with lower incomes, with most of the water going towards nonessential needs such as swimming pools and irrigation, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The study found that socioeconomic disparity is just as influential as climate change and population growth in explaining why water supplies in many cities are shrinking. The researchers hope the study will prompt policymakers to rethink urban policy and implement targeted solutions and trade-offs to address water shortages.