La Soledad Dam leak repair in Guanajuato

Authorities in Guanajuato, Mexico, have successfully repaired a leak at the La Soledad Dam intake structure. The leak, which had been active for approximately 45 days, was located in a 14-inch diameter pipe roughly 40 meters below the water level and caused a loss of five liters per second.

To address the issue, the Municipal Drinking Water and Sewerage System (SIMAPAG) drained the reservoir to manage high water pressure and facilitate safe access for technicians. With technical assistance from the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), crews installed a specialized component in a tunnel deep below the reservoir. SIMAPAG director Juan Andrés Balderas Torres confirmed that the leak is fully contained and the hydraulic infrastructure has regained functionality.

Officials noted that the city’s water supply remains guaranteed, as La Soledad Dam accounts for only 10% of Guanajuato’s annual water consumption, with deep wells and alternative dams providing additional security.

To mitigate environmental impact during the repair and drainage process, authorities rescued and relocated over 2,500 fish—including tilapia, carp, and bass—to the La Purísima Dam. SIMAPAG has notified the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) of these actions and plans to restock the dam with aquatic fauna once water levels reach optimal capacity, aided by anticipated rainfall in September.