Mazar reservoir water levels drop in Ecuador

The Mazar reservoir, a critical component of Ecuador's electrical system, has experienced a significant drop in water levels during August 2026. According to data from the Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (Celec), the reservoir's level fell by more than 4 meters in the first 24 days of the month, dropping to 2,148.29 meters above sea level.

This decline occurs ahead of the expected dry season in the Amazonian slope, which Vice Minister of Electricity Javier Medina suggests could arrive as early as September. Energy consultant Ricardo Buitrón noted that the reduction is occurring faster than anticipated. While the reservoir remains above its critical threshold of 2,115 meters, the loss of approximately 25 million cubic meters represents about 10% of its useful volume.

To avoid power outages during the historical dry season spanning October to March, experts suggest the reservoir ideally needs to be completely full by the end of September.