Water wasters facing weekend crackdown and fines

PANAMA, January 1.-  A weekend crackdown on water wasting customers in Panama  is underway by the water and sewer authority (IDAAN).

There  has been little response to the call to conserve water, which is in short supply in some areas  because of problems at the Chilibre water treatment plant caused by an over abundance of water during heavy rains.

On the other hand that could be good news. Frequent use of swimming pools, , can lead to long-term health problems, say three new studies published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. According to the reports, chemical disinfection byproducts that form in pools — and in the air surrounding them — can potentially cause both lung damage, asthma and cancer.

In spite of official pleas Idaan  has received reports of people filling swimming pools and cleaning driveways with high-pressure hoses. Idaan has promised fines ranging from $50 to $5000 Fines will depend on the amount of water used.

Water rationing will continue at least through the weekend.