The mining city of Potosi, located 4,000 meters above sea level in south Bolivia, is struggling to find solutions to cope with the worst drought in its recent history. Its 230,000 inhabitants face a difficult process of adaptation, while the mining activities, which depend on water, have hardly suffered from the shortage. The director of Potosi's public water company, Carlos Chumacero, dismisses accusations from villagers who believe it clandestinely supplies businesses while drastically rationing service to households. "I proceeded to cut the (absolute) supply of water (to companies) because of social pressure," he says. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES