Water rationing not on the cards yet

The level of lakes and rivers that supply water purification plants of the water and sewer agency Idaan is still acceptable despite the shortage of rain, said Director Cano Abdiel on Wednesday May 8.

Cano said that it is still premature to talk about rationing water, although t forecasts point to rains beginning after May 25.

The official said that the level of Lake Alajuela is at 208 meters above sea level, which is acceptable.

Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority, which manages the water treatment plant in La Chorrera and which draws water from Gatun Lake, said that for the moment there are no problems.

Cano's statements were given during the awarding of the bid to connect three villages to the La Chorrera water treatment plant.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday  conservation efforts had saved 190 megavolts, said  President Ricardo Martinelli  without specifying whether it was across the country.

Martinelli said that saving is very important due to the lack of hydro power.

He said "hopefully it will rain" and production will return to normal.

Public services authority Asep today said it will penalized businesses that violate the resolution that regulates the use of illuminated signs during the energy crisis.

Asep said the fines on retailers will range from $50 to $5,000, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

The resolution indicates that all natural or legal persons using commercial lighting, signs or neon advertising signsmust turn them off by 10 p.m.

Asep will be performing daily inspections t.o check for violations.