The water crisis in Uruguay has left over half of its 3.5 mn citizens without access to safe drinking tap water, a situation that experts predict may persist for months, reports The Guardian on July 15. The vulnerability of the single reservoir supplying water to the metropolitan area around the capital, Montevideo, was highlighted some years ago, but concerns were dismissed and investment was delayed. Now, three consecutive years of drought have nearly depleted the reservoir, leading the state-run water supplier, OSE, to introduce brackish water from the Rio de la Plata estuary to prevent shortages.
However, the mixture has surpassed recommended levels of sodium and chlorides, resulting in an unpleasant taste and raising health concerns. While authorities maintain that the chemicals only affect taste and odour, conflicting claims have emerged regarding the safety of the water for the general population. Vulnerable groups, such as babies, pregnant women, and individuals with health conditions, have been cautioned against consuming the water.
Uruguay's President, Luis Lacalle Pou, has introduced emergency measures in response to the water crisis. The government has exempted bottled water from taxes and has committed to providing free bottled water to over 500,000 people and providing two liters (half a gallon) of free water daily to 21,000 disadvantaged or vulnerable families. Experts have advised residents to take shorter showers, and reports of damage to water heaters have increased. A poll conducted in May revealed that approximately half of the affected population had reduced their consumption of tap water, with 35% completely avoiding it. He has also pledged to construct a new reservoir within 30 days.
However, public frustration remains widespread. Carmen Sosa, representing the Commission to Defend Water and Life backed by trade unions, highlighted the issue that while tap water is virtually undrinkable, there are approximately 500,000 individuals who cannot afford to purchase bottled water. The commission's slogan,
"This is not drought, it's pillage,"
has been graffitied on walls throughout Montevideo.
"More than 80% of water is used by industry, such as soya and wood pulping. Yes, there has been a lack of rain, but the drought has only highlighted the flaws in our economic paradigm. We can't put all of our eggs in one basket. Water for human consumption has to come first, before profit,"
Sosa explained.
The government has been criticised for its delayed response to the crisis, with many Uruguayans asserting that it has relied too heavily on hopes of autumn rains. The administration of President Luis Lacalle Pou has faced criticism for not investing adequately in water infrastructure, with accusations spanning multiple administrations, including the previous left-wing Broad Front coalition. Prior to the crisis, Lacalle Pou's administration had announced a $210 mn project to source safe drinking water from the Rio de la Plata.
The situation poses a challenging task for authorities in determining the amount of rainfall required to restore normalcy. While heavy rains are anticipated by early September, decisions will need to be made regarding whether to reduce sodium and chloride levels or maintain a mixture to preserve supplies in case the drought persists.
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