Water infrastructure faces supply challenges in Los Cabos and Puerto Rico

Water distribution services in Los Cabos, Mexico, have been broadly affected due to electrical power failures following recent rains. The municipal water agency, OOMSAPASLC, reported that while there is no direct damage to pumping equipment or transformers, the lack of electricity has impacted well operations and aqueduct pressurization. Specifically, Aqueduct 1 has two functioning wells, while Aqueduct 2 has seven functioning wells and one offline due to power issues. Additionally, Desalination Plant 1 in Cabo San Lucas has been unable to start due to low energy levels.

In Puerto Rico, the Water Authority (AAA) and the Electric Power Authority (AEE) have warned that existing infrastructure lacks the capacity to supply the Esencia Project in Cabo Rojo. The proposed development, which includes over 500 hotel rooms and 1,100 tourist residences, is estimated to require approximately 1.25 million gallons of water daily. Officials stated that the Betances Filtration Plant and the Lajas Urban System cannot meet this demand, and the Lajas Valley irrigation system is already operating at its maximum capacity.