Drinking Water Supply by Tanker Trucks during the Mega-Drought. A Hydrosocial Analysis of the Province of Petorca, Chile

Abstract

Despite of its wide spatial and temporal extension, the distribution of water by means of water trucks has not been studied from a geographical standpoint. In this article we make a first approximation to this ephemeral and unconventional water dis- tribution system, analyzing the volume, cost, trajectory, and owners of these water flows that are transported throughout the Province of Petorca, based on 1,753 water purchase orders (2012-2018). At the same time, we contribute to the understanding of potable water supply systems that do not fit into the category of infrastructure or hydraulic works. We propose the concept of Í€œhydro-social networkÍ€, which allows for the inclusion of the multiple dimensions and scales of emergency water supply systems. Our results demonstrate the creation of a market based on the surpluses that certain actors may have, even in areas of extreme drought.