Threat of water rationing as river levels fall
Using a garden hose to “sweep” the driveway clean may soon be on the banned list as Panama struggles to cope with a growing water shortage.
IDAAN, the national authority responsible for water and sewers is calling for strict monitoring of water use and warns that continuing excess consumption could lead to sanctions and even rationing.
The director of Plant Operations Rodrigo Barragan said that records show people are wasting water while river levels are low, because of El Niño.
IDAAN was facing a serious situation, and would have to face making a decision to suspend the supply for some sectors to moderate excessive consumption.
The rivers in a "serious" state are Chame, San Carlos, Santa Maria, La Villa, Rio Chico and Pacora, although temporary dams have been installed for l the duration of the drought.
Barragan said the Gatun Lake is operating at full capacity, but the dry season, which could be extended until June by El Niño, may force the rationing of water.
IDAAN was facing a serious situation, and would have to face making a decision to suspend the supply for some sectors to moderate excessive consumption.
The rivers in a "serious" state are Chame, San Carlos, Santa Maria, La Villa, Rio Chico and Pacora, although temporary dams have been installed for l the duration of the drought.
Barragan said the Gatun Lake is operating at full capacity, but the dry season, which could be extended until June by El Niño, may force the rationing of water.
He called for care in the use of water at carnivals where it is a tradition to hose down revellers.
"We are concerned that consumers use water like a broom to clean the backyard," he said.
"We are concerned that consumers use water like a broom to clean the backyard," he said.
