The effects of nine days without rain and the extreme drought that has persisted since last September are already wreaking havoc in the Ecuadorian capital. The Metropolitan Public Company of Drinking Water and Sanitation (Epmaps) reported that the Flows of four rivers that supply water to Quito register a decrease in the levels of the vital liquid.
The lack of precipitation » causes the decrease in flows of up to one meter below a normal November«, explained Epmaps in a statement on November 11, 2024.
The level of water flows has generated concern in Quito because the The climatic situation aggravates the problems of supplying vital liquid due to power outages.
Yesterday, the mayor, Pabel Muñoz, said that they are analyzing implementing scheduled water cuts as a preventive measure. This is due to blackouts of up to 12 hours a day that affect the water pumping systems that provide service to the high areas of the capital.
The measure would avoid further shortages due to prolonged power outages and low reservoir levels.
What rivers supply Quito with water?
Quito has four reservoirs:
- Hello Faccha
- Mogotes
- Juice
- Mica
The first three are part of the Papallacta system and are located in the Cayambe Coca National Reserve, northeast of Quito.
On the other hand, that of the Mica belongs to the lagoon that is supplied by the Antisana, Jatunhuayco and Diguchi rivers, to the slopes of the volcano of the same name.
There is a reduced level of flow
Epmaps indicated on Monday that the Salve Faccha has a maximum operating level of 3,890 meters above sea level, but currently registers 3,887 meters above sea level. However, he assures that “remains above its minimum level which is 3,882 “masl.”
The lack of rain is a phenomenon that is also recorded in the Pita system, “as well as in Atacazo and Mindo Pinchán.”
Andrés Baquero, head of the Papallacta Integrated system, reported on Monday that despite the reduction, water shipments have not been paralyzed and clarified that “we are not at critical levels nor have we reached them yet.” However, he estimates that “By next year we will already be reaching critical levels«, although he did not specify a date.
The municipal entity said that it carries out 24-hour monitoring of the reservoirs and that the information is transmitted in real time.
From the Municipality it was pointed out that the officials carry out continuous cleaning of the grates and controls to avoid water losses. Epmaps called on citizens to have responsible consumption of the vital liquid.
