Azuero Water Crisis: Plants Back Online, Minister Assures Water Safety

Azuero Water Treatment Plants Resume Operations After River Flooding Panama's Azuero region faced a water crisis last week after the Rufina Alfaro and Roberto Reyna water treatment plants shut down. High organic matter levels in the La Villa River, caused by recent flooding, contaminated the water supply. The National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) worked to restore operations, and they've now reached 75% capacity. Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo stated, "The water reaching homes is safe." This assurance comes as a relief to residents who have been affected by the shutdown. Idaan continues to monitor the La Villa River for further contamination. The incident highlights the vulnerability of water infrastructure to natural disasters and the importance of swift response in ensuring public health. The successful partial restoration of services offers a positive outlook for the region's water supply.