The rainiest region in the world is thirsty because its water reserves are contaminated by oil and mercury.
Although the Colombian region of Chocó holds one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves, 62% of its population lacks a safe water source. Rivers and ecosystems in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama suffer from high rates of mercury and oil pollution, and their watersheds are severely affected by deforestation and a lack of government oversight and environmental regulation, compromising both their ecosystems and access to drinking water for approximately 780,000 people.
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