La Soledad dam drainage causes mass fish deaths in Guanajuato

The draining of the La Soledad dam in Guanajuato, Mexico, has resulted in the death of at least 2,000 fish. Juan Andrés Balderas Torres, director of the Municipal Drinking Water and Sewerage System (SIMAPAG), stated the drainage was necessary to repair a pipe leak that had persisted for over 50 days and was losing approximately ten liters of water per second.

While authorities managed to relocate about 2,000 fish, including tilapia, bass, and carp, to the La Purísima dam, many others died due to low water levels. Local residents of the Mineral de Santa Ana community have criticized the lack of notice, arguing they could have harvested some of the fish to prevent waste. Furthermore, residents expressed concern that the relocated carp species could disrupt the ecological balance of the La Purísima dam by preying on local bass and tilapia.

SIMAPAG has notified the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) regarding the emergency. Officials noted that while mitigation measures were implemented, the dead fish are currently being managed to prevent odors.