Azuero Water Crisis: Days Without Water, Residents Demand Action

Azuero Water Crisis: Residents Face Days Without Running Water Azuero, Panama – Since May 30th, the Azuero region has been grappling with a severe water crisis. High turbidity and suspected agricultural contamination in the La Villa and Estibaná rivers have forced the IDAAN (National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers) to halt water production at local treatment plants. Residents are experiencing prolonged water outages. "We've been without water since yesterday," says one resident, "and the worst part is they didn't even warn us." Another adds, "For three days, we've had no water. We have to search for it in trucks, just to use it for washing; there is no potable water." In response, the IDAAN has deployed water trucks to distribute bottled water, prioritizing medical facilities. A 10,000-gallon water tanker has also been stationed in Las Tablas to help communities. The IDAAN is working to optimize the water network and restore service, but the crisis continues to impact daily life in the region. The situation highlights the urgent need for improved water infrastructure and environmental protection in Azuero.