Cape Town, South Africa will run out of water by April 16 - a day being called "Day Zero"

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Cape Town -- a city once at the forefront of Africa's green movement -- implemented new emergency water restrictions Thursday as the sprawling metropolis prepares for the day its taps run dry.

Residents are now being asked to curb the amount of municipal water they use each day to just 50 liters (a little over 13 gallons). Only a month ago, level six restrictions had placed residents on a daily allowance of 87 liters (about 23 gallons), illustrating the severity of the looming crisis.

Officials estimate that if water levels continue to fall as expected, South Africa's second most populous city will run out of water by April 16, which is known as "Day Zero."

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Cape Town been enduring the worst drought in a century for the past three years. A changing climate and rapidly growing population have made matters worse.

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