Rain effect: Government highlights that reservoirs are with 20% more water than in 2021 but do not rule out rationing

The Minister of Public Works, Juan Carlos García, and the Meteorological Directorate of Chile (DMC) carried out the water balance of July, highlighting the fact that the reservoirs have 20% more water than last year. Although it was announced that an eventual rationing for three regions of the country is not yet ruled out for the summer.
“In the 25 reservoirs located in nine regions of our country and monitored by the General Directorate of Water, we have 20% more water than last year, however, those accumulated in general on that date are 25% lower than historical averages. It is important to say that the rainfall to date has allowed a slight improvement over the water crisis that we have suffered in our country, “said the Secretary of State.
You may also be interested in:

García explained that the El Yeso reservoir -in the Metropolitan region- increased 1.2 cubic millimeters since the end of June, currently storing 69% of its total capacity.
While the amount of rainfall this year has surprised many, the head of Public Works pointed out that historical averages have not yet been exceeded. “Despite the fact that this year and these months has been one of the rainiest in recent decades, in the Metropolitan Region, the rainfall in 2022 maintains a deficit compared to a normal year, which is 47%,” he said in Emol.
“The rain that has fallen to date gives us relief, without a doubt, especially to the world of agriculture and some sectors that were with a great shortage of water in the previous years. However, all the regions most affected by drought are still a long way from a normal year. The rainfall we have had so far is far from the historical averages we have had up to this date, particularly in the northern zone: from Arica to Coquimbo; and in the center from Valparaíso to Ñuble,” he added.
Rationing
When delving into this area, Minister García said that the water crisis has not been overcome, so he added that “the rains and the accumulation of snow do not yet allow us to rule out a potential rationing during the summer, however, we will continue to monitor the water situation in our country.”
“While this amount of rain and snow could, for the time being, move us away from potential rationing, this rationing is not ruled out in the Metropolitan Region, Valparaiso and Coquimbo,” he emphasized.

Control in Water consumption
The Secretary of State said that since water rationing is not completely ruled out, it will be duly informed to the public.
“We have been in coordination with the health companies, and also with the governorates, so that if there is a potential rationing in the summer, it impacts in the least possible way on the citizens. It will always be duly programmed and sectorized so that critical services can function properly and that citizens can foresee each of these situations,” he said.
Future rainfall
For her part, the meteorologist of the DMC, Alicia Moya, indicated to the same media that for the July, August and September quarter that rainfall is foreseen with “a condition below normal”.
“This implies that the central and southern part of the country, for example, in seasons such as Santiago, rainfall should accumulate, during the quarter, amounts below 80 millimeters. Meanwhile, in Chillán, amounts of less than 276 mm should be accumulated,” Moya explained.
Although the forecast for the southern and southern zone is different. “Between the provinces of Palena and Chiloé to the Magallanes Region, a higher probability is expected for an above-normal condition. This would mean that, for example, in the case of the city of Coyhaique, accumulated amounts exceeding 312 mm would be expected,” he concluded.

Follow us on

Original source in Spanish