Uruguay’s government is scrambling to combat elevated nitrogen- and phosphorous levels in Uruguay’s Santa Lucía River, which supplies drinking water for 1.8 million people in metropolitan Montevideo—about half of the country’s population. Concern about the contamination has been particularly strong since March 7-9, when tap water for many in Montevideo took on a disagreeable odor and taste. Says Daoiz Uriarte, vice president of Waterworks of the State (OSE), the government-owned water monopoly: “They were the three days of anguish.” Uruguay has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a country with tap water that is of high quality and easily accessible to the public, with 98% of residents served. Suddenly, however, the nation’s confidence in its water supply has been shaken. Milton Machado, president of... [Log in to read more]