Key trade routes along the Amazon River are in jeopardy as severe drought has dropped some tributaries to the lowest levels ever recorded. As a result, Brazil has announced plans as reported on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to dredge the river in an effort to restart the steady flow of vital supplies like food and medicine to remote areas.

However, scientists warn that dredging could poison the water by stirring up mercury deposits at the bottom of the river. One scientist called the dredging plans environmentally “reckless” and cited previous studies showing dredging is unsustainable.

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Brazilian officials introduced the plan as all the major rivers in the Amazon Basin are at extremely low levels. The lack of water has also led to job losses because boats can no longer traverse the river, transforming daily life. Some communities along the river must now travel longer distances to collect drinking water, and it may get even worse.

Forecasters expect water levels to drop more in the coming weeks with little rainfall predicted.

Other countries may soon face similar dilemmas as those in Brazil as well. Climate change has reportedly pushed 50% of the world’s rivers below normal water levels, and 2023 was the driest year for rivers since 1990, according to a World Meteorological Association report this week.