Ecuador is grappling with the severe consequences of an ongoing drought that has already strained the electricity sector and triggered water rationing plans in major cities. Experts warn that agriculture—the backbone of Ecuador’s food supply and a key export sector—could be next in line to suffer if the situation persists.

Cuenca and Quito, two of Ecuador’s largest cities, rely heavily on high-altitude water sources that are now critically low.

In Cuenca, water is drawn from the Cajas National Park, a moorland ecosystem known for its sponge-like ability to capture and release water. Meanwhile, Quito depends on basins near Antisana and other high-altitude areas, which similarly rely on moorlands to replenish their water supplies.

Luis Domínguez, director of the Water and Development Center at Espol, explains that the combined effects of scarce rainfall and rising temperatures are exacerbating water loss.

“The lack of rain dries our soils and moors, while high temperatures increase evaporation,” Domínguez said.

These conditions have disrupted the delicate balance of water retention and release in the moorlands, further diminishing supplies.

Impact Beyond Hydroelectricity

Although Ecuador’s hydroelectric power generation has been declining for over a year due to low water levels, the announcement of urban water rationing is a more recent development.

Domínguez notes that the reservoirs serving cities like Quito have only recently begun to show alarming declines. “As reserves run out, municipalities are forced to optimize the little water that remains,” he said, likening the situation to conserving a cell phone battery in an area with no recharging options.

Despite these challenges in the highlands, Domínguez points out that water supply for the coastal city of Guayaquil remains secure for now, thanks to the Daule-Peripa dam.

However, he cautions that without sufficient rainfall by December, even this reservoir could face shortages during the 2025 dry season.

Agriculture in the Crosshairs

With between 70% and 80% of Ecuador’s water allocated to agriculture, the sector is particularly vulnerable to extended drought conditions.

Domínguez warns that water shortages could disrupt food production, affecting both domestic markets and international exports.

“If the drought continues, the next sector affected will undoubtedly be agriculture,” he said.

Ecuador’s dependence on water extends across energy, drinking water, and food production, underscoring the urgency of managing resources wisely.

“Our vulnerability as a country has always been tied to water,” Domínguez emphasized.

Promoting a Water-Saving Culture

Domínguez advocates for immediate measures to reduce water consumption, not just in response to the current crisis but as a long-term cultural shift. Municipalities can encourage efficient practices, such as using water-saving toilets, limiting garden irrigation, and avoiding wasteful car-washing methods.

“Saving water is everyone’s responsibility, even in times of abundance,” Domínguez said.

He stressed the importance of fostering a water-conscious mindset to mitigate the impacts of future droughts.

As Ecuador waits for the Pacific rains expected in December, the country faces a precarious balancing act between meeting urban water demands and safeguarding its agricultural lifeline. Without significant rainfall, the effects of the drought may ripple across all sectors, deepening the crisis.