The human right to water: a social challenge in El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction: For decades there has been discussion about recognizing water as a human right, which is undoubtedly a necessary, fundamental and dignifying act for the life of each person, on the understanding that water belongs to everyone and is for everyone; but in reality this fact becomes a utopia, since inequality in obtaining, quality and accessibility prevails to a great extent, and the unhealthiness of this vital resource continues to put human health at risk. Objective: To establish the panorama of what is happening in El Salvador with respect to the right to water, for which this article presents some emblematic cases that in turn become challenges that the country faces and that must be overcome in order to guarantee this right.Method: the documentary or bibliographic technique has been used for this article, in which cases have been found that have required a systematic analysis for their presentation in this article, which means that a process of search, reading, review and comparison of various sources has been generated. Results: According to the sources that were traced, industrial activities and poorly managed urban development projects generate large amounts of contaminants that return to the aquifers because they are released into surface waters. In addition, a considerable part of the population in the urban area is supplied with water through their own pipes inside their homes; however, the factor of poverty and therefore the lack of economic resources affects this form of supply, meaning that not all people have this service, since it requires a connection cost and a monthly payment for supply, even if the service is limited to a few days or hours during the month.