Problems
Lake Peñuelas is a reservoir located in the Valparaíso region of central Chile, about 70 miles west of Santiago's capital. It was once the main source of water supply for nearly two million people in the region, as well as a popular fishing and recreational spot. The lake also hosted a national reserve that protected the biodiversity and ecosystem of the area.
Causes of drying up Lake Peñuelas
However, since 2010, Chile has suffered a historic drought that has severely affected its water resources, agriculture, and energy production. The drought is partly caused by natural cycles of ocean and atmospheric circulation, but also exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The drought has reduced the rainfall in central Chile by up to 45 percent below average and increased the air temperatures and evaporation rates. The snow in the Andes mountains, which used to provide meltwater for the spring and summer seasons, has also diminished or turned into vapor. Experts say that human-induced climate change is to blame for at least 25% of the drought's severity. In the last decade, the already arid country has experienced a significant rise in temperatures as well as a drastic reduction in precipitation. As a result, Lake Peñuelas has almost completely dried up, leaving behind a vast expanse of cracked earth, dead fish, and desperate animals. According to the latest report by the Valparaíso Sanitation Company, the lake’s current capacity barely reaches 0.2 percent of its total capacity of 95 million cubic meters.
Consequences of lowering the water level in Lake Peñuelas
The city of Valparaíso now relies on other rivers for its water supply, while many rural communities depend on water trucks. The drought has also threatened the survival of the local plant and animal life and the livelihoods of the farmers and fishermen.
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Timelines
2023
The situation of Lake Peñuelas remains critical, as global warming and human activities continue to have devastating impacts on the environment and society. The lake’s drying has been partially caused by higher temperatures and a reduction in rainfall. The reservoir needs rainfall — once reliable in winter but now at historic lows.
2022
April 12
The drought continues to affect the output of the world’s largest copper producer, stoke tensions over water use for lithium and farming, and lead the capital Santiago to make unprecedented plans for potential water rationing. Lake Peñuelas has almost completely vanished, leaving behind a small puddle.
March 22
On World Water Day, the main municipal associations asked the Boric Government to apply the State of Catastrophe in five regions of the country, including Valparaíso and the Metropolitan region of Santiago.
2019
January 17
Another study anticipates only a partial recovery of central Chile precipitation in the decades to come, as rising temperatures permanently alter the climate. The city of Valparaíso now relies on other rivers for its water supply, while many rural communities depend on water trucks.
2018
December 07
A study suggests that the thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica is shifting weather patterns, drawing storms away from the Chilean coast. As the ozone layer heals, the study expects a lessening of the summer drying in southern Chile.
2016
Lake Peñuelas, once the main source of water supply for nearly two million people in the Valparaíso region, reaches a low capacity of 0.2 per cent of its total capacity of 95 million cubic meters. The lake bed becomes a vast expanse of dried and cracked earth, littered with fish skeletons and desperate animals.
2014
The Andes mountains, which used to provide meltwater for the spring and summer seasons, show signs of reduced snow cover and faster melting.
2010
Chile begins to experience a historic drought that affects its water resources, agriculture, and energy production.