Chile water shortage represents a significant and ongoing struggle with water scarcity and prolonged drought conditions that began in 2010. This crisis has been exacerbated by climate change, agricultural practices, and policies established during the early 1980s. It marks the longest drought Chile has faced in over 700 to 1,000 years, leading to increased wildfire risks and diminished natural vegetation in Central Chile.
The Megadrought: A Decade of Drought
Chile has become one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, with rainfall consistently falling below average for over a decade. The phenomenon known as the megadrought has resulted in record high temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, contributing to a crisis that experts attribute approximately 25% of its severity to human-induced climate change.
By the end of 2021, Chile recorded its fourth driest year on record, with over half of its 19 million residents living in areas facing severe water scarcity. As the drought extends into its thirteenth year, the situation continues to worsen. In April 2022, the government implemented an unprecedented water rationing plan in Santiago, the capital city with nearly 6 million inhabitants, forecasting a 40% reduction in water availability by 2070.
Environmental Impact: The Loss of Natural Resources
Once a thriving tourist destination, Laguna de Aculeo is now a stark reminder of the crisis, having completely dried up in 2018 due to climate change, water rights sales, and population growth. Rural communities in central and northern Chile have resorted to emergency water deliveries, highlighting the dire situation.
Over the past 30 years, water availability in Chile has plummeted by 10% to 37%, with projections indicating further declines in the coming decades. Northern and central regions are expected to see their water supplies halved by 2060.
Causes of the Crisis
1. Climate Change
According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Chile has experienced the most severe increase in drought conditions among South American countries from 2010 to 2019. Human-induced climate change has significantly raised temperatures and reduced precipitation, particularly in urban areas like Santiago, where rainfall dropped from an average of 252 mm to just 88 mm in the first half of 2021.
The retreat of Andean glaciers, which have lost 98% of their mass this century, poses a serious threat to water supplies. These glaciers historically fed rivers and lakes, providing vital resources for communities. The ongoing drought has dried up reservoirs that were once crucial for water supply, such as the Peñuelas Reservoir, which has shrunk to levels insufficient to meet the needs of Valparaiso.
2. Water Privatisation
The water crisis is not solely a result of climate change; Chile’s highly privatised water allocation system plays a significant role. Established under General Pinochet in 1981, this system treats water rights as private property, allowing agricultural, energy, and mining companies to buy and sell water allocations like commodities. While this has bolstered Chile’s export economy, it has left millions without adequate access to water.
The agricultural sector, which consumes nearly 37% of Chile’s water resources, faces dire consequences as drought continues to decimate crops. Farmers have struggled to maintain their livelihoods, leading many rural communities to abandon their land for urban areas.
The Path Forward: Solutions to the Crisis
-Rethinking Water Management
Former Chilean Agriculture Minister Maria Emilia Undurraga emphasized that the drought has evolved from an emergency to a structural issue, necessitating a fundamental change in how water is managed. Hydrologist Pablo García-Chevesich has also highlighted water as a national security concern.
In response to widespread social unrest in 2019, Chilean leaders agreed to replace the constitution established during Pinochet’s regime. In March 2022, Gabriel Boric, the youngest president in decades, was elected and pledged to address climate change and restore hydrological cycles. His administration aims to ensure that water is recognized as a “natural common good” essential for life and nature.
-Governance and Technological Innovations
To resolve the systemic water crisis, improved governance and efficient water use are paramount. Experts suggest modernizing production processes, reusing water, and enhancing agricultural efficiency.
Chile has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The commitment to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2025 reflects a broader strategy to combat climate change and safeguard water resources.
The Role of the Private Sector
The privatization of water services in Chile has led to significant improvements in efficiency and service quality. With 100% coverage in drinking water and sanitation, Chile stands out as one of the few Latin American countries recommended by the CDC for safe tap water. However, the full potential of treated wastewater remains untapped, as most of it is discharged into the sea rather than being utilized for productive purposes.
Private companies hold a crucial role in promoting water resilience by prioritizing sustainability and responsible investment. The transformation of wastewater into a valuable resource could help address the hydrological deficit facing the country.
The Broader Context: Economic and Social Resilience
Chile’s economic resilience is increasingly challenged by water scarcity, especially as demand surges due to the growth of water-intensive industries. The mining sector alone was projected to increase its water demand by 45% in 2020. Social resilience is also at risk, with over half the population living in areas severely affected by water scarcity.
The effects of climate change are already evident, with rising temperatures and decreased precipitation leading to more frequent droughts and floods. Projections indicate that central Chile could experience a 20% reduction in precipitation and a 3 °C increase in temperature, further straining water resources.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Chile water shortage is a multifaceted challenge requiring immediate and sustained action. Addressing the crisis involves not only improving water governance and management but also tackling climate change head-on. The collective efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society will be essential in ensuring a sustainable future for Chile’s water resources and the communities that depend on them. As the country navigates this critical juncture, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative approaches has never been more pressing.
To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link: https://aquaenergyexpo.com/
Reference
1.Chilean water crisis
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_water_crisis
2.Chile Water Crisis: 13 Years and Counting
https://earth.org/chile-water-crisis/
3.Water Resilience for Santiago de Chile
https://www.alliance4water.org/wr4er-cases/water-resilience-for-santiago-de-chile
