Panama Water Crisis: Thousands Affected as Treatment Plants Shut Down

Azuero, Panama Faces Water Shortage: IDAAN Suspends Operations Chitré and Los Santos, Panama – Residents of Azuero face a water shortage after the Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales (IDAAN) suspended operations at two water treatment plants. The decision follows the detection of a significant increase in microorganisms in the La Villa River, the primary water source for the region. IDAAN executive director, Rutilio Villarreal, stated in a press conference, "Due to a new increase in the concentration of microorganisms detected in the La Villa River, we have made the immediate decision to suspend operations." He emphasized that while the water currently in the system is safe, the elevated microorganism levels pose a health risk. The suspension affects thousands of people in Chitré and Los Santos. The government is responding swiftly. Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd, visited the region today, and a high-level government commission is scheduled to arrive tomorrow to assess the situation and implement emergency measures. IDAAN is working with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment to address the issue and restore water service as quickly as possible. Water tankers are being deployed to hospitals and medical centers. Mr. Villarreal reassured the public, stating, "The water that is in the network and in the storage tanks is totally potable and reliable for human consumption." This temporary disruption highlights the importance of clean water sources and the ongoing efforts to maintain public health in Azuero.