Monday, May 10, 2010

What are the most serious water problems Argentina faces?


In Latin America, 77 million people lack access to safe water. Argentina does not escape from this reality. What are the most serious water problems Argentina faces?

The problem of access to safe water is one of the harsher realities of the country: 7,760,803 inhabitants (21.60%) have no such recourse. In addition, 20,654,920 people (57.50%) have no sewer service. Most of these people live in slums. In the Greater Buenos Aires, just 10 minutes away from the city, this problem is worse. Even in the city of Buenos Aires there are slums.

Argentina water problems also include droughts. In 2009 the country suffered the longest drought in 20 years. Rivers dried up, crops wiped out and a large number of cattle was killed, especially in the Pampas region (that covers the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and La Pampa). Many farmers lost their jobs and the economy suffered losses. The drought is a natural disaster that has a huge economic impact and affects millions of people.

What are the most serious water problems Argentina faces? Another problem is flooding, especially in the city of Buenos Aires. In February 2010 the city suffered a major flood .The water swept cars, flooded homes and downed trees. The flood affected the best neighborhoods of the city like Palermo and Recoleta. Thousands of people were left stranded and without power. The reality is that Buenos Aires is flooded with every heavy rain. This is due to problems with the drains. Generally garbage clog drains. This situation is repeated every year no government has been able to solve it.

The polluted rivers are another problem. The Riachuelo, which flows into the neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires, is the most representative case. It is the third of the world polluted river due to waste from the factories that are around.

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