IDAAN builds temporary dike in Chame River to secure water supply

The Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales (IDAAN) has begun constructing a temporary dike in the lower Chame River in Panama Oeste to secure the water supply for approximately 25,000 residents. The project, which started on August 24, involves a structure measuring 1.5 meters high and 3 meters wide.

The measure is a response to declining river levels, a situation expected to worsen due to the El Niño climate phenomenon. Currently, the Chame water treatment plant is producing 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD), down from its 7.5 MGD capacity. To mitigate shortages, IDAAN is operating nine backup underground wells in Chame cabecera, Bejuco, and Coronado.

The affected areas include Coronado, Chame, Bejuco, Gorgona, and Punta Chame. While other coastal plants in San Carlos and El Valle continue to operate normally, authorities are taking these preventative steps to avoid a repeat of the April 2023 drought, which caused a 60% reduction in regional water production.