Ever since 2023, El Salvador has faced perennial water shortages. This densely populated
country in Latin America continues to be home to one of the worst water polluted areas in
Central America. Many families don’t even have the proper resources or abilities to acquire clean
water.

Causes of the Water Crisis and Impacts
According to Voices on the Border, more than 90% of El Salvador’s water sources are
contaminated, which leaves only 10% of it safe for consumption. This issue posed in El Salvador
is a main result from the Government’s lack of response and addressment to the country’s
conflicts. Many Salvadorans would like to see greater involvement and regulation done by their
government. After all, the government’s job is to help control the water crisis and keep it to a
minimum. It is clear that their government needs to enact better and more water management
policies. There are also limited policies taken place due to the country’s financial restraints and
their lack of resources.

This water crisis is impacting mostly rural communities and the marginalized
populations. The Borgen Project states that more than 1.6 million Sdalvadorans have no access to
clean and safe drinking water. This in turn creates the reliance on rivers or wells that could also
be contaminated, eventually putting their health at risk. For these poorer and less developed
communities in El Salvador, the crisis of water has impacted their way of living by a matter of
survival.

Possible Solutions
There have been attempts of adding water infrastructure all around El Salvador to make
the obtaining of clean water more accessible to its residents. The installation includes water
purification systems, water tanks, solar-powered water pumps, as well as well drilling.
Along with the addition of multiple water infrastructure in El Salvador, the El Salvador
Crisis Response Plan set to occur in 2025 poses many benefits to the vulnerable country. The
IOM will contribute and address many humanitarian needs including the main problem of water
scarcity in El Salvador. As thousands of Salvadorans plan to leave in search for economic
stability and healthier living conditions. The IOM strives to assist the most vulnerable minority
of El Salvador by being more prepared for the emergencies that could easily be avoided with
better management.

Works Cited

Benson, Deborah. “Understanding the El Salvador Water Crisis.” Healing Waters, 21 Feb. 2023, healingwaters.org/understanding-the-el-salvador-water-crisis/.

Yuki. “El Salvador’s Water Crisis.” The Borgen Project, 30 Nov. 2023, borgenproject.org/el-salvadors-water-crisis/.