Turbidity down but no end in sight to water crisis

Panama’s 31 day old water crisis continues, affecting a million users including businesses and homes.

The Ministry of Health warns that although turbidity has decreased, and no bacterial growth has been detected, the discolored supply coming from the Chilibre plants is still unfit for human consumption and residents should continue to boil and strain water.
There is no end in sight to the problem which has left offices and dwellings without flushable toilets or water for washing and drinking.

It has also created problems for the restaurant industry when there is no water to wash dishes.
Civil society groups spoke out on Saturday, January 8 and warned "this situation leads to the development of infectious diseases."
They also complained of the inability to solve the problems of the Chilibre treatment plants and to supply a "worthy alternative” water supply.
The statement was signed by representatives of Ethical Consumption, Meeting Space for Women and the General Confederation of Workers.
The organizations called for a "thorough investigation" to determine the real causes of the crisis.
Also, ask for an explanation to the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewage Systems (Idaan), so that to know the measures of "national emergency" to apply the Government to this crisis.
Health Minister Franklin Vergara said on RPC Radio that there have been cases of patients with gastrointestinal problems and Diarrhea. "There are mild symptoms such as abdominal pain."
He said that although although tests indicate no bacterial growth, "the waters are high in metals or earth." But there have been no hospitalizations or serious cases from this situation.