Drought Crisis Deepens in Ecuador: Water Rationing to Start in Cuenca on Monday
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Cuenca, Ecuador – November 2024
A severe drought gripping Ecuador has pushed the Andean nation to implement unprecedented water conservation measures, with Cuenca, a major city and UNESCO World Heritage site, set to begin water rationing on Monday. The city’s residents have been bracing for the restrictions, which are expected to affect thousands of households, according to local newspaper El Mercurio. This crisis reflects a growing struggle for many Ecuadorians as climate change and natural weather patterns exacerbate the country’s water scarcity.
The drought, one of the most intense in recent decades, has drastically reduced water levels in the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, and Machángara rivers, vital sources for Cuenca’s municipal water supply. As a result, officials have deemed rationing necessary to ensure the city’s water system can sustain the population in the coming months.
Crisis Across Regions
The crisis is not limited to Cuenca. Throughout the country, particularly in highland areas, rivers and reservoirs are drying up as a combination of El Niño effects and prolonged dry seasons reduce the water table. In several regions, agriculture has been hit hard, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and food supply chains. Experts warn that if rain levels remain critically low, food shortages could become another consequence of this drought.
“In Cuenca, our rivers are at historically low levels. We have not seen anything like this in years,” said María Gómez, a hydrologist from the Universidad de Cuenca. “Climate change is making weather patterns less predictable, and we’re paying the price with our water security.”
Cuenca’s municipal water company, ETAPA, announced this week that rationing will initially involve a rotating schedule, with certain neighborhoods facing temporary cuts for several hours per day. The hope is that by managing water use now, the city can avoid more drastic restrictions should the dry conditions persist.
Rural Areas Struggle
In rural areas around Cuenca and beyond, the situation is even more dire. Farmers who rely on rivers and rainwater for crop irrigation are experiencing low yields as fields go unwatered. Many are forced to choose which crops to save, hoping that some will survive until conditions improve. This has impacted not only small-scale producers but also the broader supply chain, as lower yields in staple foods like corn, potatoes, and beans drive up prices.
Juan Mendez, a farmer from the nearby valley, shared his concerns: “We’re rationing water every day on our own. Even our animals are getting less than they need. This is one of the worst years I can remember.”
The government has dispatched aid to rural regions, including water tankers and drought-resistant seeds, but with limited resources, it’s unclear if these measures will be enough.
Economic Impact
The drought’s economic toll is mounting. Agriculture, which constitutes about 9% of Ecuador’s GDP, is among the sectors most vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions. Rising prices are affecting consumers as well as producers, compounding the strain on household budgets already stretched by inflation and other economic pressures. Analysts estimate that if the drought persists into next year, losses in agriculture alone could exceed millions of dollars, impacting exports and local food security.
Tourism in Cuenca, a major draw for visitors with its historic city center and lush landscapes, is also threatened. Low water levels in local rivers could affect activities like riverfront tours and discourage tourists from visiting during the usually lush rainy season. Businesses reliant on these visitors worry that prolonged drought could reduce foot traffic and damage Cuenca’s image as an ecological and scenic destination.
Government and Community Response
Local authorities have called on citizens to use water responsibly and conserve wherever possible. In Cuenca, water officials have encouraged residents to cut back on nonessential activities like washing cars and watering gardens. The municipality has also launched an educational campaign to raise awareness about the drought’s seriousness and advise on how residents can reduce water use in their daily routines.
Public sentiment is a mix of resilience and frustration. Some Cuencanos feel that they are bearing the burden of government policies that have not adequately prepared for this crisis. “We’ve seen drought before, but never with such restrictions. Why weren’t we better prepared?” asked Rosa Delgado, a resident affected by the planned rationing.
The national government has acknowledged the severity of the drought, and officials say they are coordinating with local governments to provide support and explore longer-term solutions, including potential investments in desalination technology and rainwater harvesting.
With climate change likely to make such droughts more frequent, Ecuador may have to consider more systemic changes to how water is managed and conserved across the country. Meanwhile, as Cuenca residents brace for water rationing, the crisis serves as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of communities in the face of shifting global weather patterns.
