Over the past few months, the water level of the Paraguay River has been steadily declining. According to Luis Jara, Head of the Navigation and Hydrology Department at PAMCPR, this situation is reaching a critical stage. PAMCPR, the Paraguayan-Argentinian Mixed Commission of the Paraná River, is also monitoring the Paraguay River’s water levels.
The Paraguay River, a major tributary of the Paraná, is shorter (2,621 kilometres), flows through the biodiverse Pantanal, and is vital for Paraguay’s economy with less industrialisation. The Paraná River, longer (4,880 kilometres) and larger, supports major dams and trade routes across Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, forming the Río de la Plata estuary.
“Navigation affected”
Jara explained that, despite the recent rainfall, it was not enough to stem the decline in water levels in the north of the country.
“The situation reached an overcritical point when the navigation is affected,” he adds. Jara also mentions that the rains are not occurring on the main areas of the river, which is north. This leads to a prolonging bad streak that can last several weeks.
The river level in Asunción is currently at 0.50 meters, just 50 centimeters above the zero hydrometric mark, a situation that is already beginning to cause complications for river navigation. Jara also stated that there are already navigation problems in the northern areas of the country, between Vallemí and Concepción. And that the Naval Prefecture has decided to reduce the loading capacity of vessels due to the low river level.
4 to 5 centimetres descend per day
Following different control stations, the river’s level descends an average of 4 to 5 centimetres per day. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) is organising new procurement tenders for 2026, in order to continue the conjoint work with river transport companies.
An opportunity rises
People from across Paraguay have made the most of what might initially appear to be a disaster. Last year, Elias Portillo, a resident of San Antonio (a city 20 kilometres from Asunción), launched a fascinating project. He began cleaning up the Paraguay River, taking advantage of its low water level. This effort has benefited migratory birds from the US and Canada, Portillo explained, as they now have a cleaner habitat to rest in.
This year, residents of Puerto Antequera (340 kilometres from Asunción) have focused on cleaning and establishing a beach along the Paraguay River. Their primary aim was to create a social hub filled with cheer and joy. They take great pride in their work, and invite people from all over Paraguay to visit and enjoy the natural beauty.
These initiatives highlight the resilience and determination of Paraguayans, who find opportunities to flourish even in times of crisis.
Read more: Enhancing River Tourism in Paraguay: A Strategic Approach.
