Endemic problems with the water supply are being compounded by the effect of El Niño, and short-term measures are being tried while the root of the problem is left unaddressed.
EDITORIAL
The editorial in Nacion.com is clear: "... The problem is a shortage of water. It's time to talk about a crisis, without any exaggeration." If meteorologists are not wrong in predicting the lack of rain, four major areas in the Greater Metropolitan area (GAM) "...
Forty water bottling and processing plants operate in the country, distributing more than 20 imported brands or brands produced locally in the country.
While peak consumption of bottled water occurs between January and April, during the dry summer season, growth in consumption and sales of this product has shown an upward trend in recent years, competing directly with sodas and other types of beverages.
On 16 February experts in the construction sector will be meeting to discuss issues such as sustainable building techniques for efficient water use.
The Commission for Environment and Sustainability at the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (Capac) has organized for a forum on February 16 which will include the participation of experts from the Ministry of Environment, the Panama Canal Authority, the Water Center for the Humid Tropics for Latin America and the Caribbean, the University of Panama and the Panama Green Building Council.
The costs required to overcome the deficit of potable water in the residential area must be paid by developers of new projects or by reevaluating the land.
After confirmation of the drinking water crisis in the area, the question arises of how to finance the other aqueduct required in Punta Paitilla (San Francisco). Concerns have elevated after the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), determined that new infrastructure will be needed to meet the demand for drinking water in the residential area. This will also affect future developments planned in this location.
Businessmen are asking for explanations about the sudden and disproportionate increase in water rates, which in some cases reaches 280% compared to the cost of the previous bill.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador:
The unconsulted increased in fees for water and sewer services from the ANDA is generating unrest and financial problems in the business sector in the country, especially among micro and small entrepreneurs, since in some cases the increase is up to 280% compared to the cost of the previous bill.
The procedure for selecting a contractor has been declared urgent and state institutions have authorized exceptional recruitment procedures for emergency services.
As immediate measures, the Executive Order is prohibiting the watering of gardens and public areas using drinking water and the granting of permits for prescribed burning of plant mass is suspended throughout the country.
Restrictions have been extend until February 2017 on granting new water availability in different sectors of the cantons of San Rafael and San Isidro, Province of Heredia.
From a statement issued by the Public Service Company of Heredia (ESPH):
The measure taken in 2014 will be maintained in the same areas until February 2017
From August 8, 2014 various restrictions govern the granting of new water availability in different sectors of the cantons of San Rafael and San Isidro.
The Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers is planning to put out to tender improvement works to existing wells and drilling of 95 others in different parts of the country.
Among the works planned to mitigate the effects of drought on the water supply in the country, are adaptations to distribution systems through the pipe network in major cities.
With regard to contracts for drilling new wells, "...
The exploitation of groundwater is reaching its limits in a city where 95% of the drinking water comes from that source and is distributed through a network which is 70 years old.
In order for Managua to have the necessary infrastructure to accompany the economic growth projected for the coming years, the city need to invest in new sources of drinking water.
"It is unacceptable that in a country with enviable economic growth and being the fifth country in the world with the most rainfall" there is no secured access to clean water for its inhabitants.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP):
PROVIDING THE COUNTRY WITH DRINKING WATER REQUIRES SPECIAL EFFORT
The government of Costa Rica has announced investments in 12 projects in water infrastructure development, technology development and conservation activities.
The plans include an initiative to improve the water supply in the basin of the Tempisque River and coastal communities, a plan for expansion and improvement of the Aqueduct of Bagaces, two aqueduct improvement plans in Liberia and two in Nicoya.
The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the moratorium on water concessions for hydroelectric projects in the province of Chiriqui.
The moratorium had been established by the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and following an appeal filed by the company Royal Capital Corp., the Supreme Court has decided to suspend it temporarily.
A warning has been issued on the need to find alternate sources of water for human use other than the lakes of the Canal, in order to be able to meet growing demand.
The Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano, said the construction of four water treatment plants that the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) is studying, would use the lakes of the Canal as a source , which is worrying because "...
The Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers is tendering services for the improvement of the Big Creek lagoon as a source of raw water supply for the city Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro.
Panama Government Purchase 2015-2-66-0-01-AV-009 643:
"HIRING OF SERVICES FOR IMPROVING THE CREEK BIG LAGUNA AS A SOURCE OF RAW WATER SUPPLY TO THE CITY OF COLON AND SURROUNDING AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF BOCAS DEL TORO."