The 2023 rainfall was insufficient to address the water crisis

Despite the occurrence of more substantial rainfall in 2023, attributable to the El Niño phenomenon, the ongoing water scarcity situation has intensified in certain localities.

The meteorological stations in Copiapó and La Serena have reported a significant precipitation deficit in these cities. In Copiapó, this deficit extended over a 12-month period, while in La Serena, it was particularly pronounced, with precipitation levels below normal for 11 months, with only December being an exception (see precipitation image per month 2023). The Coquimbo Region has been designated a "sanitary risk zone" due to the low levels of its reservoirs, with some measuring below 5% of their capacity.

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Despite the occurrence of more substantial rainfall in 2023, attributable to the The central zone, though not to the same extent, also demonstrates a deficiency in precipitation compared to standard levels.

According to the annual precipitation consolidation at the national level (see Annual Precipitation Image 2023), the water crisis has become widespread. It is evident that most regions in the southern part of the country are experiencing a deficiency in rainfall.

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To a lesser extent, some stations also showed a rainfall surplus, such as Santiago with 9%, Coyhaique with 12%, Chillán and Balmaceda with 5% each, and Curicó with 24% above the annual average.

The water shortage situation that has been affecting the country for more than a decade continues to persist. Therefore, all efforts to improve the management of water use are beneficial, such as those promoted by our GWR Project for the reuse of household gray water.