El Niño cuts drinking water production in Greater Santo Domingo by up to 68%

Santo Domingo.- The El Niño phenomenon and reduced rainfall have cut drinking water production by between 33% and 68% across four aqueduct systems operated by the Santo Domingo Water and Sewerage Corporation (Caasd), affecting water service in several areas of Greater Santo Domingo.

Caasd said rainfall has declined since May, particularly in the watersheds supplying the Haina, Isa, Mana, Duey, Isabela and Nizao rivers. As a result, production at the Haina-Manoguayabo Aqueduct has fallen 68%, from a normal 91 million gallons per day to about 21 million gallons.

The Isabela Aqueduct has also seen a 65% decline, producing only 3 million gallons per day compared with its normal 9 million. Production from the Isa-Mana and Duey aqueducts has dropped by more than 60%.

The shortages are affecting communities including Los Alcarrizos, Pedro Brand, Pantoja, Los Peralejos, Los Girasoles and areas along República de Colombia Avenue, as well as several neighborhoods in the National District, particularly south of John F. Kennedy Avenue. Areas supplied by the Haina-Manoguayabo system, including Gascue, the Zona Universitaria, El Cacique and 30 de Mayo, are also experiencing disruptions.

To mitigate the impact, Caasd is transferring water from the Valdesia-Santo Domingo Aqueduct to some of the hardest-hit areas. Although the Nizao River has also experienced reduced flow, Caasd said the two dams supplying the Valdesia system have sufficient reserves to maintain normal operations, making it the agency’s most reliable water source.

Caasd has also expanded its water distribution capacity. The agency purchased 40 tanker trucks, 16 of which are already operating, while the remaining 24 are expected in the coming days. In addition, 76 privately contracted trucks are currently providing water to affected communities.

The agency said it is monitoring forecasts from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) to track the evolution of El Niño and its impact on rainfall and water availability.