The navigability of the Hidrovía, particularly the Paraná River, is crucial for Argentine exports. The Greater Rosario region generates over 70% of the foreign currency from agriculture, the most important sector for dollar income.
Thus, river levels are always a key factor, and in recent weeks, there have been renewed warnings about the return of “low waters” to the various critical waterways.
It is worth noting that in 2022, this was a severe problem, including instances of ships running aground. In 2023, there were also issues until the arrival of El Niño brought abundant rains that cleared the obstacles, leading to floods and high water levels.
However, there are now renewed concerns about the possibility of La Niña developing in the coming months, which could mean less rainfall in the country.
LA NIÑA AND ITS IMPACT ON THE HIDROVÍA
According to the ORA (Observatorio de la República Argentina), the Paraná River and some of its tributaries continue to experience low water levels.
In this context, it warns: “While this is never good news, it is more concerning given the forecast of a La Niña summer.”
The current hydrographic levels in the La Plata Basin, published daily by the National Water Institute (INA), show that water levels at all monitoring stations on the Iguazú, Paraguay, and Paraná rivers, as well as the Paraná Delta, are at low water levels.
This situation is not recent; it has persisted for approximately two months. The river’s height has remained below the low water line since June 10.
Additionally, the INA publishes a hydrometric forecast for certain points along the Argentine stretch of the Paraná River on its website. According to this forecast, low water levels are expected to persist at all stations until at least September 3.
In this context, the ORA also emphasizes that while low water levels directly affect the Hidrovía, they also impact the energy sector: the two most important dams, Itaipú and Yaciretá, are experiencing low water levels.
“By the end of August 2023, low water levels were also reported in the Paraná and its tributaries. However, the occurrence of El Niño in the summer of 2023/2024 was a favorable factor for alleviating this adverse condition. Currently, the outlook warns of the presence of La Niña in the summer of 2024/2025, which presents an unfavorable forecast for the recovery of water flow levels,” the report concludes.