Colorado River (Argentina) Water Crisis Scenarios and Influence on Irrigation Water Quality Conditions

The characterization and evaluation of water quality in the Valle Bonaerense del Río Colorado (VBRC), Buenos Aires, Argentina, is necessary, given immense importance this region for sustaining population livelihoods maintaining ecological balance, especially face drought climate change scenarios, loss crop production yields. This study evaluated possible reuse drainage canals from perspective their use irrigation. Surface samples were collected at four sampling sites during 2015–2021, one over river entering VBRC, remaining three flow into Atlantic Ocean. These physicochemical parameters performed following protocols proposed using standard methods: total dissolved solids, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates sodium adsorption ratio analyzed classified. irrigation index (IWQI), principal component analysis, hierarchy classes analysis statistical applied to dataset. general hydrochemistry VBRC indicates a slightly alkaline nature, with mean pH value 8.03, predominance order major ions follows pattern Na+ > Ca2+ Mg2+ K+, SO42− Cl− HCO3− + CO32− anions. For IWQI, 88.06% classified as safe irrigation, theoretical yield was estimated crops considering salinity variable, vegetables showing highest losses. surface rivers increases EC due decrease its discharge because crisis affecting Latin America. Water could be useful canals. concludes that (S2) has great potential an adaptation strategy address scarcity challenges basin. research highlights alternative achieve sustainable management region. Moreover, data obtained can used making policy resource decisions. In view scenarios low values, it recommended reorient agricultural toward higher tolerance alternative, ensure sustainability viability