Located at an elevation of more than 12,500 feet, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The large lake is bordered by the countries of Peru and Bolivia and is fed by five rivers that flow from the surrounding mountains.
Numina is the longest of the five rivers that feed the lake, stretching for more than 200 miles. The river flows from the high plateau of Peru and then winds through canyons and gorges before reaching Lake Titicaca.
Desaguadero, sometimes referred to as the ‘Great Drain’, is the second longest river, stretching for more than 135 miles. It runs from Peru’s southern high plateau across the Altiplano and settles in to the Río Desaguadero basin.
Ramis flows into the Desaguadero, and then into Lake Titicaca. It is more than 135 miles long and flows from the snowy heights of the Andes Mountains.
Coata is the fourth river that contributes to Lake Titicaca’s water level. This river is more than 100 miles long and flows from the snow-capped Cordillera of Bolivia.
The shortest of the rivers is Huancane, measuring only 80 miles in length and also originating from the snowy heights of the Bolivian mountains.
Experts suggest that the recent decline in water levels of Lake Titicaca is due to a decrease in the rivers’ contribution of water. According to some scientists, this is due to climate change causing an increase in evaporation from the lake.
It is believed that a decrease in rainfall in the surrounding mountain areas could result in a continued decline of water levels in the lake. This can be problematic for the lake’s environment as it could compromise the lake’s ecosystem, as well as its plant and animal species.
Glacial Contributions
Glaciers play an important role in the water levels of Lake Titicaca, contributing to the lake on an ongoing basis. As the glaciers melt in their source high up in the mountains, they slowly release large amounts of melt water that makes its way down to the lake. The Huancané river, which is fed by the glacial runoff, contributes 5.4 million tons of water to the lake every day. Scientists suggest that the glacial runoff has an indefinite lifespan, as long as global warming does not threaten the existing glaciers.
Environmental Impact
Due to the increased popularity of using the lake as a tourist destination, environmental degradation of large areas of the lake has occurred. A decrease in the lake’s water levels could lead to an increase in pollution, as pollutants are not flushed out by water as often. Scientists suggest that more needs to be done to protect the lake and its surrounding environment in order to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Aquaculture
The waters of the lake provide an ideal environment for sustainable aquaculture practices, specifically related to the production of tilapia and other species of fish. Tilapia farming has been practiced in the lake for centuries and is a major food source for the local people living around the lake. In recent years, further efforts have been made to improve the state of aquaculture in the area, with numerous organisations providing support and resources to local communities.
Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinths are invasive aquatic plants that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca and are having a major impact on the lake’s ecology. The aquatic plants are believed to be consuming large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, leaving little for other native species living in the lake. In addition, the plants are also clogging up the lake and preventing sunlight from penetrating its depths.
Eutrophication
Eutrophication, the process by which a body of water becomes increasingly polluted, has become a major problem in the lake in recent years. This is largely due to the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus caused by fertilisers and sewage entering the lake from the surrounding areas. Scientists are concerned about the long-term impact of eutrophication on the lake and its surrounding environment.
Pollution
Pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic sewage is also becoming an increasing concern for Lake Titicaca. Pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous and other chemicals are discharged into the lake, leading to algal blooms and fish kills, as well as an overall decrease in water quality. In addition, industrial waste and agricultural runoff are also contaminating the lake, leading to an increase in heavy metals, bacteria and other pollutants.
