The international demand for crops such as green asparagus, paprika, Hass avocados, grapes, artichokes and various types of fruit, from Ica, about 160 miles south of Lima, has led to a groundwater shortage. This has subsequently led to social conflicts in the Ica River watershed and caused serious harm to its aquifer. The situation is attributed to the agro-export companies that produce these crops and rely solely on groundwater pump 24 hours a day, leading to overexploitation of the aquifer.
According to María Teresa Oré, professor of water resources management, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, to counter the problem a strong state with authority that can regulate and impose sanctions, and a clear legal framework of rules for all water users is needed.
She proposes setting up councils of water resources in which all sectors in the watershed can participate, and which have technical staff with autonomous financing. In this forum, all of the users in the watershed can negotiate their requests and rights, as well as regulation and rules regarding the use of groundwater.
Other measure such as promoting the combined use of groundwater and surface water; recharging the aquifer continuously using ponds where water can seep underground; and reusing wastewater are also proposed by the professor.
