Three consecutive years of drought have almost emptied the reservoir that supplies the area around the capital Montevideo with drinking water. To avoid a water shortage, the waterworks company OSE has been supplying brackish water from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata since the end of April.
By early May, sodium and chloride levels had reached the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Now the levels have become twice as high, which has led to the water tasting salty and smelling bad, reports say The Guardian.
The authorities maintain that only taste and smell are affected and that the water is still fit to drink for the vast majority. However, vulnerable groups such as small children, pregnant women and the sick have been discouraged from drinking the tap water.
Experts disagree on whether the water is to be considered serviceable. Álvaro Mombrú, head of the chemistry faculty at the Universidad de la República, says he would not recommend anyone to drink the water. Many residents of the affected area seem to agree. In a survey in May, 35 percent said that they have completely stopped drinking tap water.
The hope is now that the autumn rains will fill the reservoir and that the mixing of brackish water can be gradually reduced.