Water Use in South America: A Photoessay

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, a small wine town in Argentina, is semi-desert. The climate and terrain are perfect for growing grapes, but rainfall rarely exceeds 8-10 inches a year. Nearby rivers carry water from the melting snow of the Andes, which is then funneled into town using a canal-type irrigation system, originally established by the Incas. The open canals are a visual reminder of the vineyards’ heavy reliance upon this unique method of irrigation. This awareness and dependency make for careful use of the natural resource.

1. “Water as a Natural Resource”, Water for Life Fact Sheet, Earth Day Network, March 2007, 18 June 2007.
2. “When Water Becomes a Political Challenge”, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, March 2006, 18 June 2007.
3. “Mendoza Argentina”, Global Network of Great Wine Capitals, 2003, 18 June 2007.