2022–2023 Uruguay drought

The drought or water crises in Uruguay from 2022 to 2023 has been attributed to the La Niña phenomenon,^[1] which was further exacerbated by the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures.^[2][3] The crises resulted in significant impacts on the local economy, and large portions of the population not having access to clean, drinkable water.

While the drought began in 2018,^[4] the situation significantly deteriorated in early 2023,^[5] affecting more than 60% of Uruguay's territory with extreme or severe drought conditions between October 2022 and February 2023.^[6] Precipitation during this period was below average.^[7] This prolonged drought led to agricultural losses exceeding $1 billion^[8] and complications in the availability of drinking water.^[9] By the end of January 2023, before the water crisis in the metropolitan area, the drought had already impacted 75,000 people across five departments in the country's interior.^[10][11]

To address this crisis, the national government declared a state of agricultural emergency in October 2022, extending until the end of April 2023.^[12][13] The drought resulted in reduced access to drinking water and financial losses for agricultural producers.^[14][15] Following a lack of reduction of water usage and a lack of projected rainfall, the national water management authority started using saltwater in municipal water supply for 60% of the population in May 2023.^[16][17] The water had twice the level of salinity recommend by WHO.^[16][17]

Uruguay has faced multiple droughts in recent years, with the most severe occurring in 2008/09 and 2018.^[18][19] In 2018 alone, these droughts resulted in estimated economic losses of $500 million in Uruguay and $3.4 billion in Argentina.^[20] Furthermore, the lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access in Uruguay, affecting over 75,000 people.^[21]

To tackle these challenges, Uruguayan farmers have been investing in technology to combat droughts and minimize their impact on crop yields.^[22] However, despite their efforts, agricultural production is still being affected by climate change, with dry weather conditions projected to persist until January 2023.^[23][24]

Since the early 2000s, Uruguay has been implementing policies to manage climate risks, shifting from a disaster-focused approach to a risk management approach.^[25] These policies include the establishment of early warning systems for extreme weather events and the enhancement of irrigation systems for agricultural production.^[26]

Fires caused by drought have been a major issue in Uruguay since 2018.^[27] The lack of rainfall has significantly reduced water availability and access, affecting 20.51% of the country's territory.^[28]

Uruguay is currently experiencing high temperatures and scarce rainfall during the summer season, leading to recurring fires, particularly in forests.^[29] The Parliament is discussing a forestry bill that contains important measures to prevent these fires.^[30]

Due to the dry season, many Argentine farmers have changed their planting strategies by postponing the sowing of seeds in anticipation of more rain.^[31]

Measures were implemented in 2017 to address the country's water crisis, including the establishment of a National Water Plan.^[32] This plan aims to ensure sustainable development and access to safe drinking water for all citizens.^[33] In 2019, the World Bank granted loans exceeding $141 million to support the plan and improve the financial sustainability of water and sanitation services in Uruguay.^[34]

In October 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MGAP) declared a 90-day state of agricultural emergency nationwide due to drought conditions.^[35]

The lack of rainfall in early 2023 significantly reduced water availability and access throughout the country.^[36] This drought had severe consequences for affected communities, particularly those reliant on agriculture.^[37] The government and aid organizations provided assistance to those affected by this emergency.^[38]

Complicating matters further, over 60% of Uruguayan territory experienced extreme or severe drought from October 2022 to January 2023.^[39] This led to calls for citizens to use water responsibly as reserves diminish.^[40]

• Climate change in Uruguay
• 2023–2024 South American drought
• 2022 Southern Cone heat wave
• Effects of climate change on agriculture