Patagonian Paradise Plagued by Pollution: Activists Fight for Clean Water in El Chaltén

In the Patagonian village of El Chaltén, residents have been grappling with a persistent environmental crisis. The seasonal influx of tourists, which can swell the population to over 14,000 during peak season, has overwhelmed the local sanitation infrastructure, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage into the Fitz Roy and Las Vueltas rivers.

Concerned about the health risks posed by this pollution, a group of activists and officials filed a collective lawsuit last year, securing a landmark court ruling that forced authorities to acknowledge the failures in waste management and commit to upgrading the systems by January 2025. However, as of October 2025, the pollution persists, and residents are still waiting for meaningful action.

Recent water quality tests have revealed the presence of multiresistant bacteria, including Escherichia coli, near the sewage treatment plant, further exacerbating the community's concerns. Activists and local health professionals have joined forces to demand more robust enforcement and a comprehensive solution to the crisis.

The situation in El Chaltén highlights the delicate balance between tourism and environmental preservation. As the Patagonian paradise continues to attract visitors, the local authorities must prioritize the upgrade and expansion of the sanitation infrastructure to protect the fragile ecosystem and the health of the community.