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In 2015, the Calbuco volcano erupted depositing ashes in the region, with Junín de los Andes being the most affected area. Previously, in 2011, Puyehue volcano erupted scattering more ash, but this area was little affected. The Andes has numerous volcanoes that have generated great impacts on ecosystems and human activities: land and air transportation (at great distances), communications, infrastructure, agricultural activities, health, water sources. In summer 2015 an investigation of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Chimehuín River had been carried out, which served as a basis to study the effect generated by the perturbation of the fallen ashes. In summers 2016 and 2017 a sampling of water quality and macroinvertebrate populations was carried out in seven sites of the river Chimehuín to compare its state with the 2015 and to observe anthropic impacts and of the volcanic ashes. The results indicate verifiable alterations at five sampling sites that can be attributed to ashes but also coincide with areas that have historical anthropic impact (urban areas, campgrounds) and in areas where there were soil movements that increased disturbance. This impact was detected in macroinvertebrate populations most sensitive to changes in water quality.