#CuidemosElAgua: Government launches an awareness campaign about conserving and saving water
The year 2019 was among those with the lowest rainfall since records began and as a result, 15 water scarcity decrees had to be declared for 129 municipalities between the Coquimbo region in northern Chile and the Maule region some 730km (450 miles) further south. Furthermore, 119 municipalities declared agricultural emergencies, while Coquimbo and Valparaíso were declared disaster areas.
This morning, Public Works Minister Alfredo Moreno led the launch of the “Chile se está secando” (Chile is drying up) campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of conserving and using water efficiently.
“As you know we are facing the worst drought ever in Chile. Everything suggests that the problem will persist and only get worse. State action alone will not suffice to address this serious problem. We all need to collaborate,” said Public Works Minister Alfredo Moreno.
He explained that “We all need to help by saving water in our everyday lives. This campaign is an urgent call for everyone to join in. While we cannot prevent drought, we can help with simple actions in our everyday lives that contribute to conserving this increasingly scarce resource.”
The year 2019 was among those with the lowest rainfall since records began and as a result, 15 water scarcity decrees had to be declared for 129 municipalities between the Coquimbo region in northern Chile and the Maule region some 730km (450 miles) further south. Furthermore, 119 municipalities declared agricultural emergencies, while Coquimbo and Valparaíso were declared disaster areas.
The government formed two overarching working groups and, in parallel, the Public Works Ministry began work on 57 Rural Potable Water systems, valued at 14.8 billion Chilean pesos (around US$19 million) and benefiting more than 55,000 people. This is in addition to US$200 million in Reactivation Plan investments.
Additionally, the water companies have committed to addressing the drought in the long term with works valued at US$700 million over the coming years.
The campaign being launched today includes publication of a website www.cuidemoselagua.cl with information and recommendations for conserving and saving water. The campaign also includes videos to be broadcast by the media, social networks and on the ground by regional authorities.
The event at La Moneda Palace was also attended by Minister Secretary General of the Government Karla Rubilar, Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker, Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet, Environment Minister Felipe Riesco, Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Minister Andrés Couve, Public Words Undersecretary Cristóbal Leturia, Regional Governor of Coquimbo Lucía Pinto, members of Congress, mayors and organizations related to water use and management.