The Water Intake of El Trapichito in La Chorrera will be RelocatedDue to Pollution

The National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) confirmed that studies are underway for the relocation of the raw water intake of the “Jaime Díaz Quintero” water treatment plant, in La Chorrera, Panama Oeste province.  The raw water intake currently located in the lower part of the Caimito River would be moved upstream, where water pollution levels are lower.  Additionally, a modern raw water intake will be installed to ensure greater coverage and a more stable and reliable service.  This water treatment plant has been operating for more than 50 years and most of the equipment used in the water treatment process has already reached the end of its useful life, according to the general director of IDAAN, Rutilio Villarreal. 

This project aims to increase the plant’s production from 7 to 10 million gallons per day to meet the population growth of West Panama, along with the expansion of the Mendoza water treatment plant.  The investment in this project is $5.1 million financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).  In 2025, the Ministry of Environment confirmed that 27 real estate companies in the district of La Chorrera are under monitoring due to the discharge of wastewater into the Caimito River.  During the rainy season, this water treatment plant frequently has to cease operations due to high levels of turbidity.