Chile · In force · Impact 58/100 · Expected in force 2027-11-01
Chile has passed a law setting up a formal permit system for taking seawater from the coast and turning it into fresh water, lasting up to 30 years and renewable once. Permit holders can also force a right of way across private land for pipes and power lines, with landowners compensated. Large plants now need environmental approval, and projects not mainly for drinking water can be required to sell up to 5% of output to local water utilities. The law is in force, but most rules only bite once regulations are issued, expected around November 2027.
Who this affects: mining and industrial water users, desalination plant developers, water utility customers, landowners near the coast
What to watch: Companies planning desalination projects in Chile should track the implementing regulations due around November 2027, since permits and the drinking-water contribution rules take full effect then.
It creates a dedicated permit system for taking seawater and turning it into fresh water, letting companies or state agencies get a concession of up to 30 years, renewable once, to run a desalination plant on the coast.
Yes. Mining and industrial projects that rely on seawater for their water supply, such as copper and lithium operations, are among those covered by the new permit and environmental review rules.
The law is formally in force, but the text says it enters into force eighteen months after publication, and the expected effective date is around November 2027, tied to implementing regulations that still need to be issued.
Yes. Permit holders can obtain a legal right of way over third-party land for plants, pipelines, brine outflows and power lines, with the landowner entitled to compensation set by deed or court judgment.
Official title: SOBRE EL USO DE AGUA DE MAR PARA DESALINIZACIÓN (CL Ley 21.813)
Source: official record