Peru could run out of drinking water by 2030, despite having one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. According to the National Centre for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), by that year 58% of its population of more than 34 million inhabitants will have no access to drinking water. This alarming situation has generated growing concern among experts, who point out that the problem is not only limited to water scarcity, but could also lead to land subsidence in large parts of the country, exacerbating the consequences for its inhabitants.
The water crisis in Peru is due to several factors, according to a report by the Global Water Partnership. Climate change alters rainfall patterns, reducing water availability. In turn, population growth and increasing demand for water aggravate the situation, while migration to urban areas increases pressure on water resources.
Geomorphological issues, such as land degradation, and changes in precipitation that affect aquifer recharge, complete this set of factors that may leave the country without drinking water by 2030.
In addition to Peru, Chile and Argentina are two South American countries that could face significant water scarcity problems in the coming years. Chile, ranked 25th in the global water stress ranking, suffers from overexploitation of its water resources, climate change and abnormal weather patterns.
Argentina, meanwhile, faces challenges related to overexploitation of aquifers and competition between economic sectors for water use, exacerbated by drought. Both countries see an uncertain future in terms of water availability.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests treating water as a scarce resource and adopting integrated management that responds to both the needs of users and the environment.
Which countries consume the most water?
With the United States in the lead, these are the countries that consume the most water per capita in the world, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
United States: 575 litres average daily per capita consumption
Australia: 493
Italy: 386
Japan: 374
Mexico: 366
Spain: 366
Norway: 301
