Resource information
The study reviews the challenges water
resources management faces, and the opportunities for policy
formulation towards sustainable development in Argentina,
where regardless of prudent public finances management,
water resources management remain disproportionately
backward compared to regional, and international best
practices. Hence, within a frame of reference on the
country's population, institutions, and legal
framework, the study examines the current, accelerated
degradation of water quality, where arsenic and nitrate
pollution are found in groundwater, a main source of
drinking water supply in some rural areas, aggravated by the
uncontrolled dumping of raw wastewater in urban areas. The
uses, and management of drinking water, and sewage are
analyzed, revealing eighty-one percent of urban populations
are connected to drinking water networks, and only
thirty-eight percent to sewer networks. Upon review of the
irrigation sector, which accounts for seventy percent of all
extractions of water consumption uses, the study shows very
low levels of efficiency, compared to similar experiences in
other countries. Integrated and modern water management is
suggested, and recommendations include: preservation of
groundwater resources; promotion of policies, and actions to
control surface water pollution; increased coverage to
reduce toxicity risks in drinking water; and, modernization
of sanitation, and irrigation systems.
