The two factors that have contributed most to water shortages in cities such as Cape Town are:
-
Rapid population growth - Increased population puts significant pressure on water resources, leading to higher demand for water and strain on existing supply systems.
-
Drought conditions - Prolonged periods of low rainfall and drought significantly reduce the availability of freshwater resources, exacerbating water shortages.
While other factors like pollution and insufficient treatment facilities are important, the two highlighted directly influence the scarcity and sustainability of water resources in that context.