In Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, a severe crisis with underground water quality threatens the health of millions. Arsenic levels far exceed World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) safe limits, while national regulations remain lenient. The problem is exacerbated by agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilizers, and industrial waste containing heavy metals. Despite numerous court rulings ordering authorities and companies to address the issue, the execution of water cleanup projects remains poor. State bodies are accused of inaction and prioritizing agricultural subsidies over public health and clean water access. This crisis, known as Chronic Endemic Regional Hydroarsenicism (HACRE), leads to serious diseases like cancer and affects an estimated 4 million people in the province. An integrated plan involving deep drilling, community filters, and real-time monitoring is urgently needed to solve this environmental catastrophe.
