Uruguay Water Supply Challenges

Uruguay has experienced the most severe drought in the last 70 years, which has put a strain on the country’s water infrastructure and led to water shortages in key areas, including the capital city of Montevideo. 

In June 2023, the Uruguayan government declared a water emergency and implemented several measures to be able to maintain water supply to more than 1.5 million people and conserve water. These measures included the exceptional authorization to supply non-potable water into the country’s drinking water, leading to high levels of salt and chlorine, plus rationing water usage by restricting certain activities. 

By September 2023, the drought has eased somewhat, but water shortages are still a concern in some areas. The Uruguayan government is working to improve the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought. The government has already awarded $500 million USD investments in water infrastructure projects, including a country-wide sanitation master plan and a second potable water source for the city of Montevideo. The government is also working on other projects, such as the construction of new reservoirs and desalination plants.

The state-owned water company OSE also faces important challenges in relation to lost drinkable water. According to reports, the company loses 50% of the processed and drinkable water, due to leaks and brakes in the country’s pipeline network. This is mainly explained by lack of maintenance and investment, which has generated leaks in across Uruguay’s 10,000 mile pipeline network. The company’s objective is to reduce loses by 25% over the next 20 years, which will require a considerable increase in investment.

The Uruguayan government is committed to improving the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought. However, it is important to note that the water situation in Uruguay could change depending on the weather conditions in the coming months and years.