Interterritorial Legal Relations Regarding Wastewater Discharge in the Aburrá-Porce-Nechí Basin

Abstract

The river network formed by the Aburrá-Porce-Nechí River is used by the Aburrá Valley metropolis as a system for discharging and transporting wastewater. Most of this liquid waste is generated in the Aburrá Valley metropolitan area and affects the entire basin. The harm from this use of surface water is concentrated downstream of the effluent-generating areas, where residents face limitations in using water contaminated by the metropolis. What is serious is that, since 1974, national natural-resources law has required all entities discharging effluents to decontaminate the waters they affect. However, in the region, the measures implemented have been late and insufficient, requiring cooperation and coordinated work among the relevant entities, with comprehensive, effective, and lasting solutions that uphold the constitutional right to a healthy environment and regional equity in the distribution of burdens and benefits.