Water flows in Chile’s Coquimbo region remain well below normal for seventh year

Rivers in Chile’s Coquimbo Region are carrying significantly less water than usual for the seventh consecutive year, according to the latest climate bulletin from the Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA).

The report shows that the main river basins are running at roughly a third of their historical flow at this time of year: Elqui at about 30%, Limarí at 38% and Choapa at 34% compared with long-term averages.

Reservoir levels also remain low. In the Elqui basin, stored water stands at around 19% of capacity and in Limarí at 10%. Choapa’s reservoirs are higher, at about 77% of capacity, but the overall regional average fell from 19% in December to 16% in January.

CEAZA meteorologists note that there has been little meaningful rainfall this season, and snow cover in the Andes — which normally feeds rivers into the growing season — ended January at only about 4 km², offering limited prospects for short-term improvement.

For fresh produce growers and exporters in the Coquimbo area — known for grapes, cherries and other irrigated crops — sustained low streamflows and depleted reservoirs add stress to already tight water supplies and heighten the importance of efficient irrigation and planning.

source: ceaza.cl, frutasdechile.cl

photo: ceaza.cl