Treated Wastewater Is a Growing Source of Irrigation in Chile’s Arid North – Chile

Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Chile’s Arid North Provides Solutions to Water Scarcity

By Orlando Milesi

The reuse of treated wastewater in vulnerable rural areas of Chile’s arid north is emerging as a new resource for the inhabitants of this long, narrow South American country.

The Coquimbo region, just south of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest in the world, is suffering from a severe drought that has lasted 15 years.

According to data from the Meteorological Directorate, a regional station located in the Andes Mountains measured 30.3 millimeters (mm) of rain per square meter this year as of Sept. 10, compared to 213 mm in all of 2022.

At another station, in the coastal area, during the same period in 2023, rainfall stood at 10.5 mm compared to the usual level of 83.2 mm.

Faced with this persistent level of drought, vulnerable rural localities in Coquimbo, mostly dedicated to small-scale agriculture, are emerging as a new example of solutions that can be replicated in the country to alleviate water shortages.

The aim is to not waste the water that runs down the drains but to accumulate it in tanks, treat it and then use it to irrigate everything from alfalfa fields to native plants and trees in parks and streets in the localities involved. It is a response to drought and the expansion of the desert.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Goal 13: Climate Action

Water Scenarios 2030 Initiative

• The Fundación Chile has implemented five wastewater treatment projects as part of its Water Scenarios 2030 initiative.
• The projects are financed by the regional government of Coquimbo, with a focus on enabling reuse systems.
• The projects aim to benefit vulnerable rural localities and promote the reuse of wastewater for productive purposes, the replacement of drinking water, or the recharge of aquifers.

Gerardo Díaz, sustainability manager of the Fundación Chile, stated that these projects have successfully reused 9.5 liters per second of treated wastewater, which is equivalent to the consumption of 2,700 people for a year or the water used to irrigate 60 hectares of olive trees.

The projects have been able to achieve significant reuse of wastewater that was previously discharged into streams, canals, or rivers.

Successful Pilot Experience

In Coquimbo, one of the wastewater treatment plants has served as a model for others since 2018. Its reconditioning has allowed farmers like Dionisio Antiquera to save their crops.

Antiquera, an agricultural technician, has been able to produce six normal alfalfa harvests per year using only reused water. This success has allowed him to expand his alfalfa field and increase his annual production.

Benefits for Ornamental Plant Nurseries

In Villa Puclaro, Raúl Ángel Flores, who runs an ornamental plant nursery, has experienced significant growth by using reused water for irrigation. His nursery has expanded, and he now delivers plants to retailers in the region.

The reuse of water has allowed Flores to make efficient use of this resource and has contributed to the success of his business.

Eliminating Odors and Creating Green Spaces

In the community of Huatulame, an artificial surface wetland has been built to eliminate bad odors caused by effluents from a deficient waste-water treatment plant. This project has brought peace to the community and improved the quality of life for its residents.

In Plan de Hornos, irrigation technology using reused water has been installed to create a green space for the community. Residents now have access to water taps in their homes to water trees and flowers.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The ongoing drought in Coquimbo poses challenges for the sustainability of these projects. The need for water-efficient solutions is crucial, especially with the forecast of high temperatures in the upcoming summer.

Despite the success of these projects, Chile currently lacks a law specifically for the reuse of treated wastewater. However, due to the drought and water scarcity, rural communities are already accepting the use of treated wastewater as an alternative.

A broader vision and collaborative efforts are needed to value water resources and promote the reuse of wastewater in Chile, especially in the context of global climate change.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
2. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Goal 13: Climate Action

The governor of Coquimbo, Krist Naranjo, emphasizes the importance of valuing the reuse of wastewater and calls for a broader perspective to address water scarcity in the region.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 6.3: Proportion of wastewater safely treated
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
• Indicator for SDG 12.4: Amount of hazardous waste generated and treated
• Indicator for SDG 15.3: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: reliefweb.int

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