the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
The influence of human activities on streamflow reductions during the megadrought in central Chile
Nicolás Álamos
Camila Alvarez-Garreton
Ariel Muñoz
Álvaro González-Reyes
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Our study examines water stress in Chile from mid-20th century to the end of the 21st century, using novel datasets on water availability, land use, and water use. We compute a water stress index for all basins in Chile and show that rising water use significantly contributes to water stress. We also show that a drier future is expected in central Chile and that the water stress index can be used as a tool for designing adaptation strategies.
This opinion paper reflects on the risks of overusing groundwater savings to supply permanent water use requirements. Using novel data recently developed for Chile, we reveal how groundwater is being overused, causing ecological and socioeconomic impacts and concealing a Day Zero
scenario. Our argument underscores the need for reformed water allocation rules and sustainable management, shifting from a perception of groundwater as an unlimited source to a finite and vital one.