Osiris de León proposes Chavón and Maimón dams to secure water for Punta Cana region

Geologist Osiris de León has identified the construction of the Chavón and Maimón dams as the most effective long-term solutions to address severe water shortages in the Dominican Republic’s primary tourism hubs, including Punta Cana, Bávaro, Higüey, Verón, and Cap Cana.

De León warns that the regional coastal aquifer is suffering from overexploitation and salinization due to excessive pumping from wells used to supply nearly 50,000 hotel rooms. This issue is exacerbated by climate change, which is causing longer and more severe droughts.

The proposed Chavón dam would provide water security for Higüey, La Romana, Bayahibe, and Yuma. Meanwhile, the Maimón dam is intended to serve a dual purpose: managing flood risks in areas like La Vacama and diverting water to Higüey, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, and La Vacama. De León suggests these projects could secure the region's water supply for the next 50 years.