Venezuela is a country of huge rivers, vast lakes and so much water that hydroelectric power has become a major industry. Yet the country faces a water-supply crisis. The reason is that just 20% of Venezuela’s fresh water is located north of the Orinoco River. And north of the Orinoco is where 90% of Venezuela’s population lives. With this region facing diminishing water supplies and growing demand, competition for water among agricultural, industrial and residential users is on the rise. Though Venezuela in the past has done little to promote water conservation, the state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVA), now promises to tackle the issue. The oil giant says it will develop a management program for four critical watersheds with help from the... [Log in to read more]