Local Water Conflict: Petorca, Chile Case Study

Question 1

Description of location/source and background information.

Answer 1

• Under Chile’s Water Code (1981), water is treated as a commodity, allowing companies to request water rights.
• In North, conflicts between agriculture and copper mining fighting for water.
• In Petorca, area is a key avocado growing region - known as “green gold”.
• 1/3 largest exporter globally.
• Varied climate - Mountains (Andes), Desert (Atacama).

Question 2

Why has the conflict arisen and what are the impacts?

Answer 2

• Increase in demand for avocados has led to tensions between large commercial producers, local citizens, and small-scale farmers.
• Campaigners accused big producers of water theft (using more water than allocations allow).
• Evidence of illegal underground pipes and systems delivering water from rivers.
• Rivers are drying up, crops can’t be irrigated, citizens have to rely on water delivery by truck.