The city that never drinks

Brazil's biggest city is facing of epic proportions--the world may want to pay a little attention to the plight of people in Sao Paulo.

The city is experiencing an immense drought--and now because water taps are running dry, extreme water rationing is the only recourse for officials to take..

Reporting by Donna Bowater in Sao Paulo for the UK TELEGRAPH showcases just how enormous this is. The water is turned off at 1pm and comes on the next day--day cares and hospitals are attempting to cope with the water shortages..

As of later, the lowest rainful since 1930 has been recorded and now, a city of 20 million people, face a nightmare scenario: No water.

From Bowater:

"Doctors have reportedly had to cut short dialysis for patients with kidney failure because of the shortage while schools have introduced water-saving measures to avoid suspending lessons. Staff denied reports that the Cândido Fontoura children's hospital went without water earlier this month but Analice Dora, biologist at the hospital, said: "Everyone is worried. Hospitals are the one place that can't lack water. It's a question of hygiene." Families and businesses began reporting reduced pressure and empty taps last year but water restrictions have tightened since the turn of the year failed to bring rain."

And now that this long feared water shortage is taking hold, scientists are taking credit for warning the public--warnings that apparently were never heeded, they may claim. And now: Within six months, this city of millions may run dry.