ABSTRACT
Moira Zellner

The Reconquista River Basin is located in the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). This area expands to the northwest of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA). The waterhead of this basin is located in a predominantly agricultural and agro-industrial area. Towards the river's mouth, urban and industrial density increases, as well as its pollution levels. Most of the basin lacks sanitation infrastructure, and the main water supply are the underground aquifers and water tables nearer the surface, in some cases contaminated with fecal bacteria and industrial pollutants.

The purpose of this study is to propose policies that allow for equitable water allocation between competing activities in the Reconquista River Basin. To accomplish this objective, it is necessary to understand the underlying interaction of population in environment, in terms of different types of transitions and their stabilization. Critical areas are defined in terms of water use and water quality. This study aims to define sustainable levels of use of water resources, and to propose allocation between activities. Policies that might be applied to the river basin cover the areas of education and behavior patterns, economic activity, increasing the provision of sanitary services through water supply from surface waters such as the Rio de la Plata, and expansion of sewer systems. These policies should be coordinated between all the interested parties in the basin.