Hydroarsenicism is a chronic disease caused by prolonged ingestion of water with high levels of arsenic, a highly toxic heavy metal. In Argentina, this issue affects several provinces, including Córdoba, where numerous localities rely on groundwater sources with arsenic concentrations exceeding the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is estimated that around 17 million people in Argentina are exposed to this contamination. Arsenic has been dubbed “the king of poisons” due to its high toxicity and persistence in the environment. Argentina is the second most affected country globally, after the United States, according to data from the Argentine Ministry of Health in 2006. In the province of Córdoba, approximately 3 out of 10 people are exposed to drinking water with dangerous levels of arsenic, worsening the public health crisis and underscoring the urgent need for solutions.
Arsenic in Córdoba’s drinking water primarily originates from natural sources due to geological formations with high concentrations of this element. Water contamination with arsenic is an endemic problem in several regions of the country, especially in the Chaco-Pampean plain, where Córdoba is partially located.
According to studies conducted by scientific organizations and Argentine universities, in many localities of the province, arsenic levels in water exceed 0.01 mg/L, the threshold recommended by the WHO. However, in some cases, values exceed 0.05 mg/L, significantly increasing health risks.
Prolonged consumption of arsenic-contaminated water can cause Chronic Regional Endemic Hydroarsenicism (HACRE), a disease that mainly affects the skin, nervous system, and internal organs. The main effects include:
To address the issue of hydroarsenicism in this region, 23 projects have been identified and decentralized into different groups. Several strategies have been developed, although effective implementation still faces challenges. Some of the proposed solutions include:
Ten potential companies have been identified with the willingness to develop the project for the 23 opportunities. The municipalities have individually declared their intent for these projects, allowing each Water Benefit Purchaser to select a set of projects or individual projects, as funding opportunities are available.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: Eliminating arsenic from water reduces severe diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions, improving childhood development and overall quality of life.
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Reducing arsenic-related diseases enables children to attend school regularly and enhances their academic performance. Additionally, the specialization of technicians operating water treatment plants fosters valuable technical knowledge and skill development, contributing to long-term professional growth. Furthermore, having a water treatment plant in each region will increase awareness of water conservation and its true value within the community.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The project guarantees access to arsenic-free drinking water, preventing health issues and improving overall community well-being.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Safe water drives agricultural and industrial development, increasing labor productivity and promoting economic growth in the region. Additionally, the project will create job opportunities for those operating the treatment plants. With an estimated 23 pprojects, around 150 new job opportunities will be generated in the region.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: If new technologies are developed for arsenic removal, innovation and sustainable water infrastructure are fostered. Since arsenic contamination is a local issue, more than 10 Argentine companies have developed technology for this, with over 20 years of experience.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water reduces the gap between rural and urban communities, promoting greater social inclusion. This issue is even more pronounced in a vast country like Argentina, where long distances between cities contribute to the polarization of opportunities, making equitable water access a key factor in reducing regional disparities.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Providing clean drinking water strengthens the resilience of rural communities, promoting more sustainable and livable settlements.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Proper treatment of contaminated water encourages responsible use of water resources, preventing pollution and waste. Additionally, foods such as milk contain arsenic, and this issue would be eliminated through water decontamination. Since Córdoba is a major exporter of cereals, milk and other commodities, this has significant implications for food safety and international trade.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The project is structured under a Water Positive model with collaboration from the Government of Córdoba, University, Aqua Positive, local developers, and corporations, ensuring a positive impact on water resources through joint financing and sustainable management.
| 2026 – 2029 | 0t CO2e | 450.000 m³/year. |
| 2029 – 2034 | 0t CO2e | 600.000 m³/year. |
| 2028 – 2040 | 0t CO2e | 850.000 m³/year. |
This project will be developed through co-investment or compensation. Through this process, we declare the intentionality for corporations to invest in the initiative, ensuring its execution and impact on water resources.
This is a Water Positive Compensation Project, meaning that it will generate measurable improvements in water quality and sustainability. Unlike projects that address water scarcity, this initiative focuses specifically on water decontamination, as the issue is not water volume but contamination by arsenic, nitrates, and high salinity levels. The project aims to restore water quality by removing these contaminants, ensuring its safe use for consumption and agriculture.
Arsenic contamination is a localized issue in only a few regions worldwide, making it a silent contaminant that many are unaware of. It not only affects human consumption but also transfers into food products. Areas that export virtual water, such as the province of Córdoba, may unknowingly export arsenic-contaminated products. The foods most affected by arsenic contamination include cereals—especially rice, which serves as a dietary staple for over half the world’s population—along with fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy products. A notable case in the United States revealed the presence of arsenic in infant cereals, raising public awareness and regulatory scrutiny on arsenic contamination in food.
Additionally, this project follows the principle of additionality, ensuring that without this initiative, the same water benefits would not have been achieved. If a project lacks additionality—meaning the same improvements would have occurred regardless—it may not qualify as a water compensation project but could still be recognized for improving water stewardship and sustainable water management practices. Furthermore, due to the expected lifespan of the treatment plants to be installed for these projects, they could operate without significant additional investment for up to 15 years, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency (permanence).
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