Blind use of Argentinian aquifers could pose risks

Oct. 18, 2013

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Much of Argentina takes its drinking water from unstudied and unmonitored underground aquifers.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Despite its abundance of above-ground water resources, much of Argentina's water is supplied by underground aquifers in arid regions, according to an article from IPS News Agency.

While parts of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are supplied by the closely monitored Guaraní Aquifer, the article reported, the number of other heavily-used aquifers in Argentina are completely unmonitored.

According to the article, water supply and water use of these aquifers has never been accurately measured or monitored, so there is danger of them being contaminated with wastewater or agricultural chemicals or even running out from unlimited use.

"There is a lack of knowledge," said Mario Hernández, a hydrogeologist from the National University of La Plata. "They are not valued and they don't teach about them in schools. Children think that water comes from a tap."

To read the full article please visit: http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/10/argentina-blindly-exploiting-groundwater-scientists-warn/.