The Colorado River, considered the beginning of Patagonia, is experiencing a low water level that has raised concerns among agricultural communities and riverside populations.
However, specialists from the Provincial Entity of the Colorado River (EPRC) of La Pampa clarified that the current situation is within the usual values for this time of year and that there are no immediate risks for irrigation or human consumption.
Trend of over 15 years
The president of the EPRC, Jorge Poletti, explained that the basin has been experiencing a trend of decreasing flows for more than 15 years, associated with climatic factors.
- The most delicate moment occurred two weeks ago when the flow dropped to 20 m³/s.
- Currently, the river is between 50 and 80 m³/s, values considered normal for winter.
- According to Coirco, the flow in Buta Ranquil was 59 m³/s on July 19, while the discharge from the Casa de Piedra dam reached 15 m³/s.
Poletti emphasized that these fluctuations are part of the river’s natural behavior: “The low levels like the one we had 15 days ago are not exceptional because the river’s flow is quite variable”.
Impact on irrigation and supply
The EPRC ruled out risks for water supply:
- Agricultural irrigation: is not compromised by the current low level.
- Human consumption: is guaranteed.
- Water quality: has not suffered alterations.
The role of Andean snowfalls
Recent snowfalls in the Andes mountain range provide relief to the basin, although their impact was less than in other areas of Cuyo.
- The majority of the river’s flow comes from the Andean snowmelt.
- Glaciers also contribute, and to a lesser extent, rainfall in the upper basin.
- Coirco, comprised of Río Negro, Neuquén, La Pampa, Mendoza, and the Nation, continuously monitors the basin’s evolution.
Poletti highlighted: “It is always positive to have snowfalls in the mountains, because that has a direct influence on the runoff”.
Encouraging forecasts
The latest Coirco report anticipates the arrival of a frontal system with rain and snow in the high mountains, accompanied by cold and humid air that will favor new precipitation during the week. These conditions could improve prospects for the next irrigation season.
The low level of the Colorado River reflects a prolonged trend of decreasing flows, but it does not currently compromise water supply or agricultural irrigation.
The Andean snowfalls and the predicted precipitation offer a more optimistic outlook, although specialists insist on maintaining constant monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the basin in the future.
Source: Río Negro
