Strict water rationing for Bogotá as drought persists across central Colombia

Bogotá is set to reinstate daily water rationing as water levels in the Chingaza reservoir system, the Colombian capital’s main water source, continue to drop due to a prolonged drought. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced new water-saving measures in a press conference on Thursday, citing record-low rainfall and the urgent need to conserve resources.

“Bogotá is facing its driest year since 1995, with inflows to the Chingaza system at their lowest levels in nearly three decades,” said Galán. The reservoir system, which supplies water to millions of residents, has been severely impacted by unusually dry weather patterns over the past few months. Water rationing had initially been introduced in April, but the situation has deteriorated, prompting further action.

Galán explained that from Sunday, September 29, Bogotá will resume its nine-day water rationing cycles, which were previously in place earlier this year. The new round of restrictions will affect all residents of the capital, who will experience periodic cuts in their water supply.

Driest Year on Record

Historically, July, August, and September are some of Bogotá’s wettest months, but this year the city has seen drastically reduced precipitation. The Chuza reservoir, one of the largest within the Chingaza system, is at just 36% capacity, down from 58% in the same period last year. The mayor acknowledged the efforts of residents to conserve water, which have helped slow down the depletion of reservoir levels. However, he warned that these efforts are insufficient to reverse the crisis without significant rainfall.

“The only way for the reservoirs to recover their levels is through rain, and so far, we haven’t seen any,” said Galán. He noted that the current trend could continue into the historically dry months of January and February, prolonging the crisis.

Bogotá’s prolonged water crisis is linked to a larger drought affecting the country. The extended dry spell in 2023, which worsened in 2024, has resulted in one of the most severe environmental challenges Colombia has faced in recent years.

Concerns are growing over the possibility of Bogotá reaching “Day Zero” — the point at which water supplies could run out. Mayor Galán warned that if the Chingaza system’s levels drop to 36%, stricter measures would be introduced, including a possible shift to daily water rationing in parts of the city. Currently, the reservoir system stands at 45%.

Natasha Avendaño, general manager of Bogotá’s Water and Sewerage Company (EAAB), said that the city’s water infrastructure has been severely strained. She indicated that unless there is a marked improvement in rainfall or a significant reduction in water usage, rationing will intensify.

“The city is preparing for daily rationing in two zones if reservoir levels continue to drop,” said Avendaño. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but the lack of rainfall could see critical shortages in the near future.

The Bogotá administration is set to issue a new decree on September 29, outlining further measures to conserve water. These will include a ban on using potable water for non-essential purposes, such as washing vehicles, facades, and parking lots. The irrigation of gardens and recreational areas will also be prohibited, along with filling ornamental water tanks from the aqueduct system.

Residents found violating these restrictions will face penalties, as the city works to enforce strict water conservation policies.

“We must act now to prevent further depletion of our water reserves. Without more rain, we are on a dangerous path,” warned Galán. He called on residents to step up their water-saving efforts and support the measures being introduced to manage the crisis.

The drought has also led to a significant increase in forest fires. So far in 2024, the city’s Official Fire Department has responded to 143 forest fires, surpassing the numbers recorded in January of this year. To minimize the risk of further fires, Bogotá authorities are ordering the temporary closure of nature trails and natural areas, limiting public access to vulnerable regions.

The mayor’s office has urged citizens to remain vigilant as the city braces for what could be an extended period of water scarcity. Local authorities are planning for worst-case scenarios, including further rationing, should the situation fail to improve. “The lack of rainfall, combined with rising temperatures, has brought us to a point where only decisive action will help us manage the crisis effectively,” Galán concluded.