Impact of rapid anthropogenic environmental change on water security in a tropical Andean basin

Abstract

Rapid anthropogenic environmental change significantly impacts water security (WS) in the Andean highlands, limiting water availability and use. Amidst swift human-induced environmental transformations, discernible trends emerge in increased water demand and heightened ecosystem service valuation. This study examines water usage conflicts in an Andean basin and operationalizes WS using historical analysis for future applications. We focused on WS changes in the Upper Chicamocha River Basin (UCRB), encompassing rural and urban areas. An integrated water security (IWS) framework, with a composite indicator and eight dimensions, is employed to analyze the implications of observed changes over 40 years (1981–2020). Results show a “fair” IWS score 85 % of the time, with 15 % classified as “good”. Evaluation of demand coverage for water usage reveals users benefiting from sufficient water provision (mining, thermoelectric, services, environment, aquaculture, and agriculture), while the industrial and domestic sectors suffer from frequent shortages. Findings emphasize the need for trade-offs in addressing diverse water security outcomes for all users in a changing climate.