INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
freshwater reserve for drinking water.However, there is some positive news: the Paso Severino reservoir, located in the southern department
of Florida, has seen an increase in its water levels for the fifth consecutive day.According to the latest report from the Uruguayan
Presidency, the water levels at Paso Severino have risen from 1,565,255 cubic meters to 1,886,456 cubic meters, providing a total capacity
(Photo Internet reproduction)This increase brings hope to the region, which heavily relies on this reservoir to supply water to Montevideo
and the metropolitan area, serving around half of the population.The state-owned company OSE has adjusted the sodium and chloride levels in
the water distributed through pipes to address the water scarcity issue.The government assures the public that the water is still drinkable,
although the demand for bottled water has surged as a precautionary measure.The drought affecting Uruguay has been described as
unprecedented, with the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute (Inumet) stating that it is the worst in over a century.President Luis Lacalle
Pou recently expressed concerns that if rain does not arrive soon, there may be a period when the water becomes undrinkable.Recognizing the
of the measures, the government has implemented a tax exemption for bottled water, which has experienced a significant increase in sales.The
crucial for sustained rainfall to alleviate the ongoing drought and ensure the availability of safe drinking water for the population.
