Argentina urges people to ‘save water’ with Paraná river at 77-year low

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Argentina’s government has urged citizens to limit water use in a bid to alleviate pressure on the Paraná River, a key grains thoroughfare that is at a 77-year low, a situation which is hampering shipments of cereals including soy and wheat.

A government advisory group called on people to save water, store rainwater for irrigation and avoid burning waste to prevent wildfires on the wetlands around the river delta.

Water levels in the Paraná are at the lowest level since 1944, which requires a commitment from everyone to attend and act preventively and responsibly against this situation, the group said in a statement late on Monday.

The Paraná, which has its source in southern Brazil, flows through Argentina to the coast near Buenos Aires. It is the transportation route for 80% of the country’s farm exports and a source of drinking water, irrigation, and energy.