题目内容：

In mid-January, Cape Town officials announced that the world-class South African city of four million residents would run out of water on April 12. The date, nicknamed “Day Zero,” has since been postponed multiple times, thanks to the intense conservation efforts by locals, a sharp reduction in agricultural water usage, and a 10 billion-liter donation from the private reservoirs(水库) of the Groenland Farmers Association.

The city now has enough water to sustain the current level of usage until July 9, giving residents hope that the rainy season, which begins in June, will be more regular than has been the case lately.

Four years ago, Cape Town’s water disaster would have seemed impossible given that the city’s six dam, which can hold 230 billion liters of water, were filled to the brim. However, three years of low rainfall – a third of normal levels – and the ever-increasing population, have reduced the dams to puddles.

In an attempt to avoid Day Zero, the government has imposed a strict 50-liter daily limit for all households. Residents are being urged to reduce their water usage by making small changes like taking shorter showers and reusing bathing water to flush toilets. Those that use more have to pay heavy fines.

When Day Zero strikes, a million homes or about 75 percent of the city will lose access to running water. Residents will instead have to wait in line at the over 200 water distribution centers established around the city to obtain 25 liters a day.

Though conservation measures will help in the short run, only nature can solve the problem. If the city gets enough rainfall during its winter season from June to August, it will provide much-needed relief. However, the local officials are not sure it will happen.

1.What does the underlined word “brim” in the second paragraph probably mean?

A. bottom    B. top edge

C. extended part    D. central part

2.What effort is being made now to avoid Day Zero?

A. Limiting the daily usage of water to 25 liters.

B. Establishing 200 water distribution centers in the city.

C. Reducing the city population as much as possible

D. Restricting water usage in agriculture significantly

3.What does the last paragraph mainly want to convey?

A. Tomorrow is still unknown.    B. Current efforts will pay off.

C. Man is at the mercy of nature.    D. It’s time to make joint efforts.

4.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

A. To inform us of the severe situation of water shortage in Cape Town.

B. To appeal to the world to come together to help people Cape Town.

C. To explain the cause of the severe water shortage in Cape Town.

D. To applaud the efforts by people in Cape Town to address water shortage.