Diario Oficial de la República de Chile · 27 Aug 2026 · 6 vistas
Water scarcity zone in Choapa extended for one year
Por FactBox Admin
The Ministry of Public Works extended for one year the declaration of water scarcity zone in the province of Choapa, Coquimbo Region, through MOP Decree No. 185, dated July 24, 2026. The measure, which takes effect from July 28, 2026, was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile No. 44,535, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with the reference CVE 2858654.
The extension is a response to the persistence of severe drought conditions in the territory, verified by the General Directorate of Water (DGA). The decree was signed by order of the President of the Republic by Minister Louis de Grange Concha, head of Public Works.
Background of the declaration
The Choapa water scarcity zone was originally declared by MOP Decree No. 94, dated July 26, 2024, and had already been extended by MOP Decree No. 77, dated July 21, 2025. The new extension is based on Article 314 of the Water Code, which empowers the President of the Republic to declare these zones for a maximum period of one year, renewable successively following a report from the DGA.
Among the technical background justifying the decision are:
- Official Letter No. 305, dated May 25, 2026, from the Regional Presidential Delegate of Coquimbo, which requested the extension.
- Technical Report No. 11, dated July 22, 2026, from the Hydrology Division of the DGA, regarding the hydrometeorological conditions of the province.
- Off. NC-2279 from the Superintendency of Sanitary Services (SISS), dated June 22, 2026, which requested the renewal of scarcity decrees for the provinces of Choapa, Elqui, and Limarí.
- Ord. D.O.H No. 612, dated June 15, 2026, regarding the impact on Rural Sanitary Services (SSR).
Technical criteria for severe drought
The DGA report certifies compliance with the criteria established in Exempt DGA Resolution No. 2673, dated July 30, 2025, which sets the parameters to determine the nature of severe drought. In surface waters, the precipitation index (IPE) threshold is verified as equal to or less than -1.04. In groundwater, it is certified that the extraction capacity of the intakes for the supply of sanitary companies and SSR is less than 50%, affecting 10% or more of the supplied population.
Extraordinary redistribution measures
During the term of the extension, the DGA may require Vigilance Boards and administrators of state works to submit a water redistribution agreement within 15 calendar days, to be implemented within 5 days of its approval. The measure prioritizes human consumption, sanitation, and domestic subsistence use, and empowers the Service to authorize extractions without establishing water use rights. The extension does not apply to waters accumulated in private reservoirs.
Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile, No. 44,535, August 27, 2026, General Norms, p. 1 (official reference: CVE 2858654, MOP decree No. 185).