The current state of the water resources in the IV (Coquimbo) Region in northern Chile is "critical" and "in very scare supply", according to a report by the country's Center for the Study of Arid Zones (CEZA). 

The report said there was nearly 60% less snow coverage on the mountains in the region, and reservoirs were roughly 80% depleted.

"It is important to consider that it is during the summer season and table grape harvest when more water is required for irrigation, and so this increases the demand for water use. Combined with rising temperatures, it is logical to assume that the situation will becoming increasingly critical over the coming months," CEZA meteorologist Cristóbal Julia said.

The report stated that the combined flow rates of three reservoirs (Elqui, Río Grande and Choapa) saw a severe drop in November last year compared to the previous month, and were a mere 20% of the historic average levels for that time of the year.

"The state of extreme aridity was still the case as November drew to a close, as indicated by the levels of snow and water levels in the reservoirs," the report said.

"It is important to take all mitigatory action possible, as the situation with the scarcity of water looks like it will only deteriorate."

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