Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán is poised to implement stricter water rationing measures as the Colombian capital continues to grapple with a water crisis. The anticipated rainfall in August, expected to replenish the Chingaza reservoirs, fell short of forecasts, leading to growing concerns over the city’s water supply. Despite earlier predictions by the national meteorological agency, Ideam, that the La Niña climate pattern would boost water levels in Chingaza to 70% by October, this reality appears increasingly grim.
During a recent press conference, Natasha Avendaño, manager of the Bogotá Water and Sewerage Company (EAAB), delivered a stark warning to the city’s residents, urging them to curb excessive water use. “The reservoir situation has not been optimal, nor has it met the expected rainfall levels that have historically occurred. In June, July, and August, we have only had 60% of the rainfall, and those were supposed to be the months with the strongest rains,” Avendaño stated.
Since the beginning of the year, Bogotá’s water supply has been teetering on the brink, heavily reliant on the rainy seasons that have largely failed to materialize. While climate variability is a significant factor in the crisis, Avendaño stressed that water consumption is another crucial variable – one that residents can control. However, recent consumption patterns have been concerning, with usage levels reverting to pre-rationing highs, surpassing 17 cubic meters per second.
This surge in water usage comes at a critical time when reservoir levels are steadily declining. “Instead of rising, we have dropped due to the lack of rainfall, and the increase in consumption has not helped us either,” Avendaño explained. She revealed that the Chingaza system, which supplies a significant portion of Bogotá’s water, had been stuck at a 52% capacity for over 10 days before dipping below 50% over the past weekend.
The outlook is bleak as the city’s reservoirs struggle to maintain adequate levels. According to the latest data from the Cundinamarca Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAR), the Neusa reservoir stands at 76.65%, the Sisga reservoir at 71.18%, and the Tominé reservoir at a mere 51%. Meanwhile, the northern aggregate is at 56.78% with a downward trend, while the southern aggregate remains stable at 92.94%. The Chingaza system, however, has fallen to a precarious 49.85%, signaling a deepening crisis.
The unpredictability of this year’s climate is exacerbating the water shortage. Ideam’s August 20 report indicates that La Niña is currently in a neutral phase that is expected to persist until October. Although there is a 66% chance that La Niña will strengthen later in the year, any resulting rainfall is expected to be of weak intensity, casting doubt on whether it will be sufficient to stabilize the reservoirs.
Adding to the uncertainty, rainfall is not only required in Bogotá but also in the Chingaza basin, where the city’s most crucial reservoir, Chuza, is located. Unfortunately, the probability of significant rainfall in this area is low, with the rainy season already having passed in the Orinoquia watershed, where Chuza is situated.
Given the complex water situation for the capital’s 9 million inhabitants, Mayor Galán suggested that additional measures could be taken to address the spike in water consumption. Despite achieving the target set for the second phase of rationing – where average consumption was brought down to 16.5 cubic meters per second compared to the goal of 16.6 cubic meters per second – the recent surge in usage has once again raised concerns. The mayor highlighted the adverse weather conditions, noting that the significantly reduced rainfall in August has further strained the city’s water supply. The Chuza reservoir, in particular, has seen a continuous decline over the past 11 days.
Since July 1, Bogotá has been under a water rationing plan that affects the entire city, with the capital divided into nine zones and rationing occurring every 18 days. This strategy was implemented to manage the water supply amid growing demand and scarce rainfall. “We need the water to last us through the rest of 2024 and to avoid this crisis in 2025,” highlighted Avendaño, underscoring also the critical role that every citizen plays in managing the city’s water resources.
