MONTEVIDEO, May 24 (Prensa Latina) The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) is forecasting rainfall for today through Friday, which could help the depleted basins that supply water to this capital and metropolitan area.
It would alleviate the water deficit afflicting this vast region of around two million people, the result of a drought that is now in its third year.
In the Santa Lucía river basin, which is reduced and is the main source of the vital fluid to Montevideo and Canelones, an average drop of 20 to 25 mm is estimated, in some places even higher.
In the Río de la Plata basin, rainfall would be higher, with forecasts ranging from 40 to 70 mm in the west and over 100 mm in various places.
Rainfall is also expected in the east, but the numbers are below the normal monthly values for freshwater reserves, around between 90 and 100 millimeters.
According to Inumet, no new precipitation is then expected until June 6th.
The government is now distributing bottled water in hospitals, polyclinics and schools.
The drought prompted the State Sanitation Administration, with the approval of other government agencies, to search further down the Río de la Plata for water, increasing the sodium and chloride levels of the liquid coming out of the faucets.
It is drinking water, but not drinking water, said Environment Minister Robert Bouvier.
For her part, Public Health Minister Karina Rando recommended that pregnant women, babies and patients with various chronic diseases drink bottled water, and even the government plans to import it.
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