CNR presents most viable options for region IX reservoir

The areas of La Mula and Malalcahuello are the most viable locations for a reservoir to improve irrigation in Chile's region IX, according to a prefeasibility study released by the national irrigation commission CNR. The reservoir would be located in the Cautín river basin, with an estimated capacity of 200Mm3 and a 150km network of canals. The initiative, to be located in the Curacautín district, would expand irrigation capacity in the region by 32,000ha, benefiting about 2,000 farms in the Cautín and Malleco provinces. The prefeasibility study, conducted by local consultancy Arcadis Chile with a cost close to 800mn pesos (US$1.69mn), included hydrological studies of water resources, alternative locations, geological studies and evaluation of distribution networks, among others.