Uruguay is facing a severe water crisis with limited prospects of immediate improvement.
The government has issued a serious warning about the potential worsening of the situation if unfavorable weather conditions persist.
As a response to the water scarcity, the state water company, OSE, has announced planned service cuts.
President Luis Lacalle Pou acknowledged that there are no quick solutions to the crisis, except for the ongoing Arazatí project.
This initiative involves constructing water infrastructure in San José, including a pumping station and an 80-kilometer pipeline to Montevideo, to capture water from the Río de la Plata.
Lacalle Pou highlighted the possibility of a period when the water may not be suitable for drinking if rainfall does not occur.
However, he assured the public that the water would still be safe for other essential purposes like washing, bathing, and sanitation.
To mitigate the impact on affected communities, the government has implemented measures to assist.
Around 510,000 residents in the affected area will receive a daily allocation of two liters of bottled drinking water, supported by financial aid from the government.
Additionally, Lacalle Pou announced a tax exemption for bottled drinking water, ensuring that people can access it without additional financial burden.
The government has waived VAT and Social Security Assistance Tax on bottled water purchases.
In summary, Lacalle Pou emphasized the government’s commitment to enabling access to drinkable water.
One-third of the affected population will receive free bottled water, while the remaining two-thirds will have access to it without taxes.
The government estimates a monthly bottled water expenditure of approximately US$23 million.
Furthermore, the government has implemented assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under two years of age, and retirees with minimum benefits.
These programs aim to support a total of 540,000 individuals, with a monthly expenditure of approximately US$13 million.
The government recognizes that substantial solutions to the water crisis will require time.
Meanwhile, it remains dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of its citizens by implementing measures to alleviate the immediate challenges posed by the scarcity of drinkable water.