El Bato Dam, Dam in Coquimbo Región, Chile
El Bato Dam is a reservoir in the Coquimbo Region that collects water from nearby rivers and forms a broad water surface. The structure consists of concrete and earth materials, spanning across the river valley with a dam wall rising steadily above the landscape.
The dam was built in recent decades and completed in 2012 to store water for agriculture in the dry region. This project was one of the first in Chile where a private company was selected through public tender to construct and manage the structure.
The site offers quiet paths along the shoreline where visitors can walk and enjoy views of the water and surrounding hills. The dry climate of the region typically means clear skies, but bring sun protection and drink plenty of water while visiting.
This was a pioneering project where Chile handed water storage management to a private company rather than government control, marking a shift in how the country approached water infrastructure. The venture showed how public-private partnerships could deliver regional water security in arid zones.
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