In recent days, the Dominican Republic has registered one of its greatest water supply crises, largely due to the drought that has been affecting the country for months, which has contributed to the decrease of water in reservoirs in dams such as Rincón, Tavera-Bao, Sabaneta, and Sabana Yegua. It is expected that the rains that have fallen on the national territory in the last few days will alleviate this situation, which has caused the authorities to adopt measures to guarantee the liquid to the population.
According to the report on the levels of the dams released by the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi) to the media, in the last 24 hours, several of the dams have increased their levels.
What is the situation of the country’s dams?
The report shows that the Monción dam rose 2.23 meters. Its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 38.98 cubic meters per second (m3/s).
Likewise, the Sabaneta dam rose 2.76 meters and its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 11.61 m3/s. However, it will be out of operation until Monday, May 22 due to humidity in the irrigation area, as a result of the rains.
As for the Tavera dam, according to the information provided, it rose 1.90 meters. Its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 53.05 m3/s. On May 17, 2023, the flow reduction measure was implemented, with an output for irrigation of 10.0 m3/s.
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While the Bao dam also raised its level, in this case by 1.94 meters. The output of 4.0 m3/s for the Cibao Central Aqueduct. This Friday, May 19, the output was increased from 10.00 to 12.00 m3/s in López-Angostura so that the aqueducts that depend on this system can operate.
Other dams
Rincón Dam: Rise of 0.87 meters. Its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 7.29 m3/s. It is out of operation for recovery, until further scheduling. Also, due to humidity in the irrigation area as a result of the rains.
Hatillo Dam: It rose 0.31 meters. Its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 30.24 m3/s. For recovery, the outflow operation was reduced to 8.00 m3/s. Also, because of humidity in the irrigation area due to the effect of the rains.
In the case of the Sabana Yegua dam, it is recorded that it dropped 0.29 meters. Its average inflow during the last 24 hours was 11.79 m3/s. On Monday, May 15, the outflow operation was reduced to 14.87 m3/s to prolong the volume of water available in the dam.